Report on World Children’s Theatre Day Observed in Khulna through Colourful Festival
Demanding for
incorporation of theatre in the school curriculum as compulsory to
ensure quality education in developing bright future for the children
20th March is International Children’s Theatre Day. The day is observed by the ‘International Association for children and youth people (ASSITEJ)’ since 2001 with support from UNESCO in different countries of the world. The observance of the day in Bangladesh is new but is of significance. The day is observed in Khulna this year keeping in view of the slogan “We seek patronization from the government for theatre practice in children’s education and psychosocial development”. However, Rupantar Institute of Folk Theatre have been observing the day individually for the last few years.
The day is observed in befitting manner starting with a seminar held at Rupantar Training Centre at Farazipara, Khulna at 10.00 A.M. The seminar was presided over by Mr. Anwarul Quadir, the Convener for the day observation with welcome address by Mr. Swapan Guha, Executive Director of Rupantar. A seminar paper was presented by Mr. Prabir Biswas, Program Coordinator of Rupantar. Other participants spoke on the occasion were Mr. Ashit Baran Ghosh, an educationist and by renowned theater activists like Mr. Delwar Hossain, Mr. Sukanta Sarkar, Kawsar Shaikh, Sabrina Akhter Tanni etc. The seminar was facilitated by Mr. Hasan Tareq of Rupantar, a living theatre specialist. The seminar demanded for inclusion of theatre education as compulsory subject in primary and secondary school curriculum. Later the Day observation Committee submitted a memorandum to the Minister for Education, Mr. Nurul Islam Nahid at Khulna Stadium who was opening the athletics competition for schools and Madrasa.
The next program of the day was at 4.00 P.M. at Shahid Hadis Park with a colourful rally by the children that moved around the main roads from the park. There was competition among the children on “Dress as you like” and drama performance. The rally and drama competition was participated by many organizations like Picker, Mases, SOS Children’s village, Kingbadanti Khelaghor Asar, Prodipan, Abrity, Shishu Sarga Khelaghor Asar, World Vision Bangladesh, Government Shishu Sadan, Nobarun Sangshad, Highcare school, Shapla Kuri Khelaghor Asar, Shishu Mancha, Mohammadnagar Primary school, Goalpata Khelaghor Asar, Children of Rupantar Folk Theatre Institute and many others including the guardians and executives of the organizations.
Seven drama were performed in the occasion such as “Daowat” by Mohammadnagar Primary school, “Paribesh” by Abrity, “Shikshangane Pathdan” by government Shishu Sadan, “Langra-Khora Sangbad” by Kingbadanti Khelghor Asar, “Thakbo Nako Baddha Ghore” by Shishu Mancha, “Misty Mukh” by Goalpata Khelaghor Asar and “Shishu Pachar” by Aparajeyo Bangladesh. Finally, there was presentation of Mime and Pot song by Rupantar Institute of Folk Theatre.
The cultural program was followed by a discussion meeting. The Deputy Commissioner of Khulna, Mr. N.M. Ziaul Alam attended the meeting as Chief Guest. The meeting was presided over by Mr. Anwarul Quadir, the Convener for the day observation with welcome address by Mr. Swapan Guha, Executive Director of Rupantar.
The Chief Guest emphasized on the quality education for the development of the children as part of national progress and prosperity. He emphasized that physical, mental and creativity development means real human development. so, along with bookish knowledge there is need for children development in greater perspective to incorporate development of other elements of human potentiality. He expressed that in the primary and secondary school curriculum theatre should be included as compulsory to ensure quality education and at the same time the World Children’s theatre Day on 20th March need to observed with prime importance.
Mr. Swapan Guha spoke in the meeting uttering his views that the vast majority of the students aging 5-25 who are in primary, secondary schools and in colleges or universities neither are nor exposed to theatre nor cultural activities. As such they do not develop with aestheticism. The prevailing education system also does nor encourage this practice. Theater art can fulfill this gap. Theatre art is the junction and media for all cultural fields may it be literature, drama, sculpture or any audio-visual performance. Through the theatre art one can develop his aesthetic personality with deep sense of perception. One theater activist not only responds to the thematic view of the drama but also responds to all other aesthetic elements related to the drama.
Mr. Guha emphasized on the incorporation of theatre practice in the educational curriculum as compulsory subject so that the children develop learning other aspects of life along with bookish knowledge in developing as an complete person in the society in contributing for the nation in their adulthood.
He also mentioned that since childhood, the children are exposed to viewing television and are exposed to arts but with out direct involvement in theater arts and so they remain incomplete in life.
He also mentioned that in Bangladesh there are 27 Public Universities, 51 Non-government private Universities, 3197 colleges, 19,017 Secondary schools, 82,020 Primary schools and if one cultural teacher is appointed for each of the institutions there will be employment of 104,312 persons. The theater activists need economic empowerment and social recognition. If this can be ensured many more capable persons will come forward to join theatre activities.
He requested all to love theatre and patronize theater activities. In this respect, he expressed his hopes that the present democratic government will come forward and encourage theatre movement. He uttered why theatre will have no place in ‘Sonar Bangla’ of Rabindranath Tagore’, ‘Bangladesh of Nazrul and ‘Rupashi Bnagla’ of Jibanananda Das? He hoped for all out efforts and government initiative in ensuring quality education, developing bright future of the children through incorporation of theatre in educational curriculum at all stages of educational institutions. Finally, he expected patronization of the government especially for the International Children Theatre Day.