Gono Sangeet Festival at Rabindra Sarobar by Nijera Kori

Awareness through ‘gono sangeet’, ‘pother gaan’ and theater. Nijera Kori, an NGO organised a two-day street theatre festival titled “Natokey Amra Jiboner Katha Boli” at the Rabindra Sarobar open stage, Dhanmondi, starting from March 27, 2009. The festival aimed at raising social awareness through cultural programmes - street plays, ‘gano sangeet’ and ‘pot-er gaan’ (a genre of narrative folk song).

The performances were staged by members of ‘Nijera Kori: Bhumiheen Samiti,’ an organisation of landless people.

The plays were based on real life stories by members of the organisation.

“Theatre is a powerful medium to convey messages. At this festival members of the Bhumiheen Samiti will stage plays based on their own experiences. Such plays can contribute greatly in generating social awareness,” said Khushi Kabir, coordinator, Nijera Kori, in her welcome speech.

The festival opened with a group performance. Members of Dhaka and Khulna branches performed five songs — “Shoshoner jinjir bhangbo mora,” “Ei michhiley moder odhikaar,” “Amader shongraam cholbey,” “Shadher Bangladesh-er aaj ei haal” and “Jegey otho.”

A total of four plays were staged at the festival by members of Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna and Rajshahi wings of the organisation. On the opening day, two plays — “Banglar Mukh” and “Oikyer Daak” — by members of the Chittagong and Rajshahi Branch respectively, were staged.

The play “Banglar Mukh” addressed the issue of acid violence and “Oikyer Daak” called for the trial of war criminals.

On the concluding day members of Dhaka branch staged “Jago Bangali.” Khulna branch staged “Phirey Petey Chai” — addressing the ecological effects of the shrimp industry in southern parts of the country.