Recalling the spirit of Sufia Kamal

Chhayanaut's Nazrul Festival ends

By Nadia Sarwat

"It was February 21, 1953. We attended programmes all day, observing the first Language Martyrs' Day. Barefoot, we went to the Shaheed Minar, which was just a bare brick structure covered by black cloth then. We were at memorial meetings and rallies, mourning those who had embraced martyrdom to secure our right to speak Bangla. In the evening, Sufia Kamal asked me what my plans are, and my tired answer was that I wanted to go back to my hall (at Dhaka University). She asked me, 'aren't you invited to the dinner celebrating International Poetry Festival?' I told her as they are celebrating the occasion on a national mourning day, I don't intend to go.

"To my surprise, she told me that we should protest this by going there, in front of all. I could not but agree with this brave woman and went to the dinner. Our presence itself was a protest, as we were in a total contrast with the jovial atmosphere. Sufia Kamal wearing a white cotton saree and me in a cotton shirt -- both of us wearing a mourning badge. We were barefoot. Responding to the host's reluctant query, Sufia Kamal said that we were there to protest the event as it dishonoured the Language Movement, and that we wanted the guests to pay homage to the martyrs. I translated her words into English, as there were many non-Bengali guests. We left the dinner after the guests acknowledged the Language Martyrs' Day. That's how bold and determined Sufia Kamal was," noted Nazrul researcher Dr. Rafiqul Islam reminisced in his memorial speech on the concluding day of the Nazrul Festival at Chhayanaut. The festival marked the 98th birth anniversary of poet Sufia Kamal.

Dr. Islam spoke on the life and philosophy of Sufia Kamal, who was inspired by the progressive and secular thoughts and views of Kazi Nazrul Islam and Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain.

The concluding day's programme was inaugurated by veteran Nazrul exponent Sudhin Das at the Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban. Together with his wife, Neelima Das, the seasoned artiste also rendered a song at the event. Chhayanaut general secretary Khairul Anam Shakil delivered the welcome speech at the event presided over by Chhayanaut president Dr. Sanjida Khatun. Artistes of Nazrul Academy and music school Hindol presented group performances at the programme. The last day's evening session featured performance by artistes of Chhayanaut along with guest artistes. Yasmin Mushtari, Rawshan Ara Mustafiz, Ferdousi Rahman, Muntarin Mahal, Dr. Nashid Kamal and Fatema Tuz Zohra were among the guest performers.

A dance-drama, titled "Shajol Shyam Gahano Deya" was a major attraction on the closing day. Based on the theme of monsoon, the dance-drama staged by Chhayanaut artistes featured Nazrul's songs and poetry on rain. The performance was directed by Sharmila Bandopadhyay. The dance-drama began with the song "Megher-o hindola." The repertoire included several songs portraying different aspects of nature and life in monsoon. Featured songs were: "Megh-medur baroshay kotha tumi," "Rimi rimjhim rimjhim namilo deya," "Chanchalo shyamolo elo gaganey" and the composition which inspired the title of the dance-drama, "Esho hey shajolo shyamo ghano deya."

Students and teachers of Chhayanaut, including Khairul Anam Shakil, Nasima Shaheen, Shahin Samad, Sharmin Shathi Islam, Sumon Majumdar, Nandita Dutt, Bijon Chandra Mistri and others performed songs. Bhaswar Bandopadhay and Mahmuda Akther's recitation was also a part of the production. Sharmila Bandopadhyay herself performed in the dance sequences along with Arno Komolika, Sonia Rashid and other dancers.

Source: The Daily Star.

Breathing life into Tagore’s characters

Festival by Sanglap Group Theatre at Shilpakala Academy

By Nadia Sarwat

Sanglap Group Theatre, a troupe from Mirpur is celebrating its 31st anniversary with a theatre festival featuring Rabindranath Tagore's plays. Six plays by troupes from the capital and outside -- originally written by Tagore or adaptations of his works -- are being staged at the festival, which began on June 18. The plays are being staged at the Experimental Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) at 8pm everyday till June 24.

The festival began with a rally that started from BSA. After the rally, noted theatre personality Ramendu Majumder, president of ITI, formally inaugurated the event at the Experimental Theatre Hall. The newly elected President of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF), Liaquat Ali Lucky and general secretary Jhuna Chowdhury were also present as special guests a the inauguration. Freedom fighter Rafiqul Islam, founder member of and adviser to Sanglap Group Theatre delivered the welcome speech at the event presided over by the troupe's president, Habibur Rahman Habib.

Praising the initiative by Sanglap, Jhuna Chowdhury said in his speech, "In-depth study and performance of Tagore's works got a momentum in the post-Liberation War Bangladesh. Tagore is omnipresent in every sphere of our cultural. But from my personal experiences, I have noticed that many young theatre activists are indifferent towards Tagore's litterateur and plays. Festivals like this would help to generate interest in Tagore among youngsters."

"Many are apprehensive about staging Tagore's play, as they find them difficult. But Tagore, who defined the modern Bengali, was very liberal when it came to staging his plays -- allowing directors enough freedom to interpret his plays from their perspectives. Theatre troupes should definitely work more on Tagore's plays without reluctance," said Liaquat Ali Lucky.

Ramendu Majumder said, "It takes a skilled director to bring Tagore's characters to the stage from the pages. As we have a dearth of original/unique plays, we can always turn to Tagore for inspiration. I'm looking forward to see more innovative, experimental productions based on Tagore's plays and litterateur by young directors."

Subachan Natya Sangsad staged "Khudhito Pashan" on the first day of the festival. The play is an adaptation of a surreal short story (with the same title) by Tagore. Samar Chattyopadhyay adapted the play while renowned actor-director Khaled Khan has directed it.

The play begins with a Muslim aristocrat arriving at a deserted rail station in a small town. The protagonist finds his way to a haunted palace. A tax collector in colonial India, he moves into the marble mansion. Supposedly, the edifice was once used as a 'pleasure palace' by King Shah Mahmud II. Wails of courtesans who were subjected to the tyranny of the king in the palace still seem to resonate in the air. The protagonist goes through some unexplainable experiences, and comes to a profound realisation. Ahsan Habib Nasim played the tax collector in the Subachan production.

Tirjak Chattogram staged "Bishorjon" on the second day of the festival. Natyalok Sylhet will stage the play "Shasti" tonight. Other plays to be staged at the festival are "Rakto Karobi" (by Prangoney Mor), "Daakghar" (by Swapnadal) and "Debotar Grash" (by Sanglap Group Theatre).

This year has witnessed three theatre festivals on Tagore's works so far -- two in Dhaka and one in Chittagong.

Source: The Daily Star.

Stories of triumphant women

Yukta stages Katha Manobi

By Jamil Mahmud

Oppression of women is as old as the human civilisation. History only narrates and highlights the bravado of kings and warriors, carefully sidelining the contributions of women and the inspiration they provided.

Featuring the triumphs of eight historic and contemporary women, Yukta, an organisation of recitors, arranged a programme at the British Council Auditorium (on Fuller Road) on June 18. The programme, "Katha Manobi," was inspired by Indian author Mallicka Sengupta's collection of poems (with the same title).

From the epic 'Mahabharat' to contemporary times, Sengupta chose eight characters -- Draupadi, Ganga, Sultana Razia, Madhabi, Khona, Shah Banu, Medha Patekar and Malati Mudi -- and narrated their struggles, passion and valour.

Draupadi is known as the wife of 'Pancha Pandav.' She is a symbol of grace, nobility and fidelity. Her dignity came under threat at the Kaurav court, but Draupadi took charge and faced off her oppressor, emerging triumphant.

Sultana Razia is another historic character. She was the first and only female emperor of Delhi (from 1236-1240 AD). During her reign, Razia had to face the conspiracies by her fellow royals and was eventually killed. Her indomitable courage, however, made her immortal.

In contemporary India, the valour of Medha Patekar, Shah Banu and Malati Mudi has made them symbols of freedom. Medha Patekar, a research worker and social activist in Gujrat, became an iconic figure for her bold protest against a government decision to build a dam on the river Narmada.

Shah Banu is a Muslim housewife. In 1985, her husband divorced her and refused to pay her alimony. An illiterate Shah Banu filed a case at the high court. After years of excruciating wait, Shah Banu's case went to the Parliament of India. Though it failed to triumph, Shah Banu became a public figure. In 1990, Malati Mudi became a hero in Purulia, after she stabbed her landlord who had violated her.

Members of Yukta -- Shirin Khan Moni, Krishti Hefaz, Shamim Ara Koli, Mushfiqua Naznin Lucky, Shubhra Das and Riya Mahmud -- took part in recitation at the programme. Nishat Jahan Rana was the director of the show. Ferdousi Priyobhashini did the stage design, while Ishrat Nishat was the light designer.

This was the premiere show of the programme.

Source: The Daily Star.

Commemorating Tagore artiste Zahidur Rahim on Desh TV

By Cultural Correspondent

Today marks the death anniversary of Zahidur Rahim, a renowned Tagore singer of pre and post-Liberation Bangladesh. Rahim was one of the frontline campaigners against the ban on Rabindra Sangeet in the late 1960s by the then Pakistan regime. During those tumultuous times, Rahim played a stellar role in preserving this genre at that time through his renderings of Rabindra Sangeet at various programmes.

In particular, Rahim is credited with popularising the Tagore song "Amar Shonar Bangla," in the '60s-- which eventually became our National Anthem.

Zahidur Rahim died on June 18, 1978. To commemorate this day, Desh TV will air a special programme "Zahidur Rahim Swaraney" tonight at 9:30pm. Publisher and a trustee of the Liberation War Museum (LWM) Mofidul Haque will host the programme. Dr. Sarwar Ali, another trustee of the LWM, and noted Tagore artiste Iffat Ara Dewan will be discussants at the programme.

The programme is produced by Ushnish Chakrabarty.

Source: The Daily Star.

Venice Biennale opens to public

Source: BBC

The Venice Biennale-- the world's oldest and most high-profile contemporary art exhibition-- is opening its doors to the public.

It was founded in 1895 to celebrate new developments in international art.

National pavilions were built in the Giardini - or public gardens - to house exhibitions from each participating country's chosen artists.But as more and more countries wish to take part, the Biennale has spread across the Italian city.

It has been described as the Olympic games of the art world - 77 countries from Armenia to Venezuela are showcasing the work of their leading artists.All are hoping to win the top prize - the Golden Lion.

The United Arab Emirates is one of several nations taking part in the Biennale for the first time with an exhibition curated by Tirdad Zolghadr.

"I think it's important for artists, critics, curators, to be able to point to a pavilion and to say, look, this has accomplished something at a place like the Venice Biennale, let's take this seriously here in the country too," Zolghadr says.

Just a boat ride away are hundreds more exhibitions, spread all over Venice.There is also a larger, more far-reaching, international show that has been organised this year by Swedish curator Daniel Birnbaum.

"With all the big museums and all the art fairs and festivals and triennales, still the Biennale has this attraction. It has magnetism," Birnbaum says.

"The Venice Biennale is not here to be loved, it's here to be discussed. And if people keep coming back to discuss it, that's the best result that we can have," he says.

There are plenty of familiar sights and sounds in Venice too, like the cafe orchestras in Piazza San Marco.

Whatever else, the Biennale offers an unprecedented opportunity to see vast amounts of modern art in one of the world's most historic cities.

Gurusaday remembered at Shilpakala

By Rahad Abir

Bratachari Bangladesh organised a discussion, followed by a cultural programme on the occasion of the 127th birth anniversary of Gurusaday Dutta, pioneer of the bratachari movement at the Music and Dance Centre of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, in Segun Bagicha on Saturday.

Novelist Selina Hossain, Professor Shoumitra Shekhar of Dhaka University and Bratachari Bangladesh secretary general, Enamul Latif were present as the discussants at the function while the organisation’s president and language activist, Emdad Hossain presided over the programme.

The programme began with the song Bangla Aamar Durnibar by the young artistes of the organisation, Kendriya Kochikachar Mela. They also sang Aamara Bangali, Chal Kodal Chalai and Manush ho. In the discussion, Selina Hossain said, ‘Gurusaday mentioned the peasant’s as gentlemen. People of this generation should learn more about him and we should remember him for his ideal thinking.’

Enamul Latif, highlighted Dutta’s life and works and described the five bratas – knowledge, hard work, truth, joy and unity – of the bratachari movement. ‘The bratachari movement was also spread to Europe, but we have little research on the movement,’ added Enamul Latif.

Language activist Emdad Hossain said, ‘Gurusaday is a man of our land. He hailed from Sylhet. We should always remember this great man with pride. Poet Rabindranath Tagore was influenced by his philosophy.’ In the next session, Jesmine Munna recited a poem titled ‘Banshiwala’ of Rabindranath Tagore.

Shadhona, a centre for advancement of South Asian music and dance presented the ‘Raybeshe dance’, that was directed by Lubna Marium. This special kind of martial art dance form was presented by the lathials of the zamindars of the country. The performers captivated the audience.

Later, the traditional lathi khela by Chan Mia and his troupe from Manikganj also delighted the audience. Chan Mia along with his seven members performed different types of lathi khela.

Source: NewAgeBD.

Fuzon, Habib rock Dhaka audience

By Cultural Correspondent

Bangladeshi singer Habib and Pakistan’s band ‘Fuzon’ with their popular numbers enthralled the audience at a live concert held at the Dhaka Sheraton’s Winter Garden on Friday evening.

Country’s music heartthrob Habib first came on the stage with his popular numbers including ‘Hridayer Kotha’, ‘Bhule Jeona’, ‘Krisna’, and ‘Dwidha’ delighting his audience, as usual, with the fusion of melody and romantic lyrics.

The Pakistani music band Fuzon, which has by now earned quite a reputation in the subcontinent, also rocked the audience with their popular tracks including ‘Malhar’, ‘Suna Suna’, ‘Madhubati’ and ‘Terebina’.

The event management organisation Maccom informed the media that they had plans to arrange similar concerts in future to build a cultural bridge between the two countries.

Source: NewAgeBD.

Buddhadev enchants audience with esraj

By Rahad Abir

The eminent Indian instrumentalist, Buddhadev Das, delighted music aficionados in Dhaka by playing the esraj at Bay’s Galleria, Radius Centre, in Gulshan in the city, on Friday. Shadhona, a centre for advancement of South Asian music and dance, organised the function.

At the beginning of his recital, Das talked about the instrument and introduced his esraj. After paying his respects to his guru Ranadhir Roy, Das said that the esraj he played was a little different from the usual ones and that it was especially made for him, by his guruji.

He further described the history of esraj, which is about 200 years old, considered a new instrument in the history of the Indian music. Rabindranath Tagore preferred the use of this instrument in his music.

At the function, Das started his recital by playing the Raag Emon. The audience gradually became captivated and enjoyed the playing in pin drop silence, at the hall. Later, he played Raag Desh. The recital was concluded with Raag Khamba. Das was accompanied by Swarup Hossain on tabla. A large number of music lovers, including locals and foreigners, enjoyed the two-hour recital.

At the end of the programme, Sadaf Saaz, on behalf of Shadhona, thanked Das for his brilliant performance. Salauddin Ahmed, a patron of Shadhona, greeted the instrumentalist with a bouquet of flowers.

Expressing his feelings, Das said, ‘I actually came to Bangladesh to see my friends and to spend a good time. I have many friends here, such as Luva Nahid Choudhury, Mridul Kanti Chakraborti, Lily Islam, Chayan Islam; we all studied together at Santiniketan. My friends arranged the programme and that is why I played. But it was not the main reason for my visit to Bangladesh.’

Das performed his esraj recital twice before in Bangladesh, in 1994 and in 1999. Bengal Foundation will organise a recital of him at 7:00pm on June 4 at Bengal Shilpalaya in Dhanmondi.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Zainul Abedin’s death anniv today

By Mohiuddin Alamgir

The 33rd anniversary of the death of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin will be observed today.

Several socio-cultural organisations have chalked up various programmes, including discussions and drawing competitions for children, to mark the occasion. Zainul Shishu Niketan and Desh TV will hold an art camp for children at the fine arts faculty in Dhaka University today.

The programme, Desh Shishu Kishore Art Camp, will begin at 2:00pm and it will continue till 6:00pm. About 500 children have been selected for the competition, said the organisers. Actor Assudzzaman Nur, artist Hashem Khan, Shishir Bhattacharya will attend the camp as guests.

Zainul Abedin was born on December 29, 1914 in Kishoreganj. His father, Tamijuddin Ahmed, was a police subinspector. In 1930, Abedin left home without informing his parents and went to Kolkata with his friends to visit the Government School of Arts.

He got himself admitted at the school in 1936 before completing his matriculation. He stayed there in one of his relation’s housel, but after some days, he left the house and spent two nights in a mosque. Later, he managed a place in a boarding house on Wellesley Lane in Kolkata.

As a student of the Government School of Arts, he studied the western academic style of drawing, watercolour, oil and printmaking. Then he drew the picturesque views of Dumka in Bihar and Mymensingh of the then East Bengal, now Bangladesh.

Zainul was recruited as a teacher when he was a student of the final year of the school in 1938. He received the governor’s gold medal for his landscapes in the All India Art Exhibition held on the school premises in the year. His drawings on the Bengal famine, in 1943, were displayed, first, in an exhibition on famine in Kolkata in 1944. The Communist Part of India organised the exhibition.

He took part in the art exhibition by Muslim students at the Islamia College in Kolkata in 1946. He also attended the exhibition of Indian artists at Burlington in London. After the India’s partition in 1947, he migrated to Dhaka and joined as an art teacher the Normal School at Armanitola in Dhaka. He worked for the establishment of the Government Institute of Arts and became its ‘principal designated’ in 1948.

After the India’s partition in 1947, he migrated to Dhaka and joined as an art teacher the Normal School at Armanitola in Dhaka. He worked for the establishment of the Government Institute of Arts and became its ‘principal designated’ in 1948. Most of the pieces of the famine series are kept in the Bangladesh National Museum at Shahbagh and other works of Zainul are on display at the Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Sangrahashala in Mymensingh.

Zainul was involved in all stages of the movement that led to the creation of Bangladesh. He was in the forefront of the cultural movement to re-establish the Bengali identity, marginalised by the Pakistan government. In 1969, Abedin painted a scroll using Chinese ink, watercolour and wax named Nabanna. In 1975, he founded the Folk Art Museum at Sonargaon, near Dhaka, and Zainul Abedin Sangrahashala, a gallery of his own works, in Mymensingh. ‘Two Faces’ was his last painting, done shortly before his death.

Abedin had suffered from lung cancer and died on May 28, 1976 at the PG Hospital (now BSMMU) in Dhaka.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Ballads of the Agonised Souls begins at Zainul Gallery

By Khamin - 20 May, 2009

The first solo photography exhibition titled ‘Ballads of the Agonised Souls’ by Noor Alam is being held at the Zainul Gallery of the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University. The exhibition began on May 16 and will remain open from 10:00am to 8:00pm till May 22.

Twenty-eight photographs are on display at the exhibition and each of them tries to narrate to the viewers about the struggling souls who are on the edge of a crude cold death due to Thalassemia. The photographer also tries to lock in frames the sufferings of the Thalassemia patients in portraits and still life images.

All the images that have been captured into the slow shutter speed in his D70S Nikon camera have been on the roll for the last two years. The cause of taking these images is to express the pain and agony of the Thalassemia patients whose lives wither away due to the complications involved in this disease.

‘I have been capturing the patients’ plight affected by the deadly disease for last two years and I know that this fatal disease can only be prevented through mass consciousness,’ says Alam. ‘The battle against this disease cannot be fought alone. A social movement is required to uproot Thalassemia where the government, media, physicians, guardians, patients and everyone will have equal roles to play’.

‘After watching the images of the patients, my heart bleeds for the children who have been affected with the disease for no fault of theirs. Moreover, many die due to the lack of treatment,’ says Farhana Sushmita a viewer and student of Dhaka University. Another viewer, Einstien Hasan appreciated and thanked the photographer for arranging this exhibition that indeed needs a lot of attention.

The photographer also launched a book titled ‘Ballads of the Agonised Souls’ on Shampurna, Pintu, Anika, and other children fighting the disease. The book is priced at Tk 500 and the proceeds from the sales of the book will go to the welfare of Thalassemia patients.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Shakila Zafar celebrates 30 years of music

By Ariful islam Mithu - May 18, 2009

Celebrating thirty years in the music scene, noted singer Shalika Zafar delighted the audiences by performing in a solo musical programme.

Amra Surjomukhi, a cultural organisation, arranged the programme at the auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum on Saturday evening. Eminent cultural personality Syed Hasan Imam inaugurated the programme while journalist Rahat Khan was present as the chief guest.

 Noted lyricist Shahidullah Farazi, media personality Atiqul Haque Chowdhury, Shakila Zafar’s present music teacher Sanjib Dey, actor Dr Enamul Huq, dance artiste Shamim Ara Nipa, and Shafiqul Islam Salim of Amra Suryamukhi among others was present at the ceremony. Shakila Zafar started performing with a raag song along with her current Ustad, Sanjib Dey.

Later, Shakila rendered some songs of her own choice including two Nazrul songs, Bone chole bono mali and Kholo kholo duar. Later she sang some popular modern songs, like, Jaagi eka nijhum rate, and Kije tumi chau. As a response to the requests of the audiences Shakila also sang some additional songs including Bondhuder bhalobasia kandi.

She performed the first song of her career Tare bolbo amar monar katha which she had sung along with Fatema Tuz Zohra and later performed a few playback numbers like Morone tare pabe, and Patharer prithebite ache hriday.

She also presented songs on request by the audience such as Bhulite parina tare bhola jayna, Tumi mistikore ektu bolo along with some Tagore songs like Amar bela je jay sanjh belata and Aj jotsna raate.

She concluded her performance by singing the romantic number, Tumi amar pratham shakal. Shakila was accompanied by Biswajit Sarkar on tabla, Richard Kishore on bass guitar, Zahid Hossein on keyboards, Hanif on octopad, and Monir Hussein Tutul on lead guitar. ‘She is a fantastic singer and I enjoyed the show thoroughly,’ said Shahidul Alam, a service holder after the show.

Mahmuda Khatun, a senior school teacher told New Age, ‘I am overwhelmed after seeing the programme. Moreover, her gestures and smile create an impact when she sings. I have really enjoyed it.’

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Painting and recitation competition by Agradut

By Aminul Islam - Mymensingh, May 17, 2009

Marking the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore and National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, Agradut Shishu-Kishore Sangathan, a local cultural organisation chalked out a daylong programme at the Sadar Upazila Parishad auditorium on May 15. 

The programme included painting and recitation competitions for students (in different age groups) and performances by artistes of Agradut. Some 50 students took part in the painting competition while 40 participated in the recitation competition. 

A discussion, titled "Rabindra and Nazrul: Our Culture," was held with Advocate Shahjahan Siraji as the convener of the Rabindra-Nazrul celebration committee. Alhaj Motiur Rahman, MP was the chief guest. Among others, editor of the Daily Jahan, Md. Habibur Rahman Sheikh, Mymensingh Press Club secretary Zillur Rahman Khan, Md. Abdul Quiyum and Shafiq Ahmed also spoke on the occasion. 

The speakers stressed that contributions of Tagore and Nazrul to our literature not only enriched it but also taught us how to stand united against injustice and oppression. Without the presence of these two literary titans, our culture would be incomplete, they added. 

Later, the chief guest gave away prizes among the winners of the competitions.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Dance dramas Savitri, Mahanirvan to be staged in city

Cultural Correspondent - May 14, 2009

The high commission of India in Dhaka and Indian Council for Cultural Relations will jointly organise a dance drama titled ‘Savitri’ to be presented by Aurobindo Anusilan Society of Kolkata today at 7:30pm at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Segun Bagicha.

The high commission of India in Dhaka and Indian Council for Cultural Relations in cooperation with the department of theatre and music of Dhaka University will arrange a show of the dance drama ‘Mahanirvana’ at 7:00pm at Natmandal of Dhaka University on May 15.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Play featuring Partha Paratim Majumder receives Molière Award

Cultural Correspondent - May 13, 2009

French play "Cochons d'Inde," featuring Paris-based Bangladeshi mime artiste Partha Pratim Majumder, recently received the prestigious Molière Award 2009 as the best theatre production. The play also featured popular French theatre actor Patrick Chesnais, Anna Gaylour and others. Chasnais won the Molière Award for best actor for this play. 

"Cochons d'Inde," which is French for Guinea pig, is a production that falls into the category of 'absurd theatre.' An affluent French national goes to a Bank to draw money from his account. He was informed that an Indian tycoon has recently bought the bank. The new owner, who apparently is a staunch believer in the Hindu caste system, confronts and detains the French client, blaming him of breaking the caste rules. According to the bank owner, the French national's caste is 'Shudra.' The bank owner suggests that only by sharing his wealth (money in the bank account) can the Frenchman evade his impending punishment. Through absurd humour, the play thus conveys a deep social message. Chasnais plays the French citizen while Majumnder plays the Indian bank owner. Interestingly enough, all of Majumder's dialogue is in Bengali in the play. Partha Pratim Majumder moved to Paris in 1981 with a scholarship on mime. He also studied the art under the iconic French mime artiste Marcel Marceau from 1983 to '85. In Bangladesh, Majumder has been a pioneer in the field of mime. This talented mime artiste has performed in Europe, America, Asia and beyond. He has received awards such as 'Master of Mime' (by the Jogesh Mime Academy in India) and 'Master of the World' (Malaysia) and many more. 

Majumder expressed his content over the play winning a Molière Award, saying, "The Molière Award is regarded as the most prestigious recognition in France after the Cannes. In the field of theatre, it is the best. Every theatre production is a teamwork, so I feel privileged to be a part of it. Added to my satisfaction is the fact that I represent the Bengali community through my character in the play.”

The play has won the award competing with almost 2000 productions.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Bidders respond to lower prices for contemporary art

By Christopher Michaud - May 13, 2009

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The first spring sale of contemporary and postwar art saw a fairly solid result on Tuesday as Sotheby's, and its clients adjusted to a scaled-down art market struggling with smaller auctions and sharply lower prices.

The sale's $47 million total including commission fell just shy of its low pre-sale estimate of $52 million, with 81 percent of the 48 lots on offer finding buyers.Sotheby's officials said they were pleased by the result, despite the sale's having come in at less than half the take just six months ago.

"The contemporary art market is alive and well" and "has responded to the recalibration," said Tobias Meyer, Sotheby's worldwide head of contemporary art, and the auctioneer.Officials pointed out that the sale moved some 80 percent of its offerings, by both number of works and their cumulative dollar value, versus the autumn sale when the figure was closer to two-thirds.

"We've seen a pullback in prices, of course," Meyer said, but not in activity. New buyers have joined an increasingly international bidding pool, while 25 percent of Tuesday's prices came in above the high estimates, he said.

In contrast, bidders at the November sales "got to the low estimate and just stopped," said senior international specialist Anthony Grant. "The ground feels a little bit more solid now."Both Sotheby's and rival Christie's tried to keep estimates conservative and secure works that have never or rarely been offered at auction. 

Tuesday's sale saw reasonably lively bidding, with several lots drawing up to half a dozen active bidders.The top lot, Jeff Koons' "Baroque Egg With Bow (Turquoise/Magenta)" sold for $5.5 million, but that was still short of the low estimate, hinting that buyers are still flinching at large cash outlays.On the other hand, Martin Kippenberger's untitled self-portrait from 1988 fetched $4,114,500, smashing the record for the German artist, who had major recent retrospectives at the Tate Modern and the Museum of Modern Art.

Alexander Calder's "Ebony Sticks in Semi-Circle," one of the artist's seminal mobiles, also did well, selling for $3.5 million, or more than three times the low estimate.Among casualties were works by Robert Rauschenberg and Robert Gober, estimated around $5 million and $3 million, respectively.

The auctions wrap on Wednesday with Christie's sale of postwar and contemporary art.

Source: http://uk.reuters.com

Sanat Kar’s satirical images

By Takir Hossain / April 6, 2009

Sanat Kar is one of the noted figures in Indian printmaking. He has added a new dimension and given a novel look to contemporary Indian art. Kar was born in 1935 and grew up in Calcutta (Kolkata). Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts in Dhaka has organised a solo exhibition of Sanat Kar, now on at Bengal Gallery in Dhanmondi. 

During Kar's formative years in the '50s, in the Calcutta art circuit, the blossoming of Indian art was in full swing. Kar and his comrades formed a group called 'The Artists' Circle.' Kar established himself in the contemporary printmaking medium in West Bengal. He began experimenting with etching in the early '60s and created various images with innovative thoughts. NEXT>>>>>

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net