The first phase of Chhayanaut's yearlong programme commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore ended on July 17. Held at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the two-day programme featured songs, recitation, dance, short sketches and lectures.
On the second day, renowned Tagore singer Rezwana Chowdhury Bonna delivered a lecture, titled “Rabindranath-er Premer Gaan.” Members of Chhayanaut as well as invited artistes rendered songs.
The programme commenced through a choral rendition of “Oi Mahamanob Ashey” by Chhayanaut artistes. Tapan Bhattacharya performed a solo, “Dekha Na Dekhaye.”
After the renditions, Bonna delivered her lecture. The lecture was full of references and the noted artiste made demonstrations through performing excerpts from songs. Six students of Bonna joined her in singing. Bonna pointed out that in Tagore songs, earthly and divine love often intertwine and cross path. “Out of love for nature and the Creator, he created his love songs for humanity,” said Bonna. She demonstrated with singing “Oi Mahamanob Ashey.”
Bonna also said that songs composed by Tagore between the ages of 17 and 29 are mainly melancholy. “During this period Tagore wrote songs such as 'Dujoney Dekha Holo' and 'Kichhui Toh Holo Na',” she said.
Among the invited artistes, Papia Sarwar, Mridul Kanti Chakraborty and Mohiuzzaman Chowdhury rendered songs. Among invited organisations, Surtirtha, Sangeet Bhaban, Protiti and Dhaka Metropolitan branch of Jatiyo Rabindra Sangeet Shammilan Parishad presented group songs.
Noted danseuse Tamanna Rahman performed a solo, while members of Rewaz Performers' School took part in a group dance. Mir Barkat read out a letter written by Tagore to his niece Indira Devi.
The second phase of the celebration will be held on September 24 at Chhayanaut Auditorium in Dhanmondi. The programme will also mark the 100th anniversary of “Geetanjali”.
Grameenphone is sponsoring the yearlong celebration programme that will end through a three-day programme on May 7-9, 2011.
Source: thedailystar.net
