Swapnadal stages ‘Macbeth’ to mark Marcel Marceau death anniversary

Theatre troupe Swapnadal marked the 19th death anniversary of French mime artist Marcel Marceau with a special staging of its mimodrama “Macbeth” and a discussion and mime performances at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka on Tuesday.

The programme was held at the academy’s Studio Theatre Hall and Experimental Theatre Hall. Marceau, who died on September 22, 2007, was widely known as the “Master of Mime” and played a major role in popularising mime internationally.

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Based on William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Swapnadal’s “Macbeth” was adapted and edited by Juena Shobnom and directed by Zahid Repon. The production follows Macbeth’s rise to power through the murder of King Duncan and his subsequent attempts to retain the throne through further killings.

Juena, Hasan, Sumaiya, Nishak, Shishir, Shyamal, Jebu, Sonali, Anindya, Arko and Nishorgo were among the performers. The production is Swapnadal’s 18th and was first staged in January 2023.

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The Bangladesh Mime Federation also organised a discussion at the Experimental Theatre Hall, followed by mime performances by Shaon Mime Academy, The Mummers, Muk-balaka, Rangan Mime Academy, Mime Face, Silent Theatre and Pantomime Movement.

Meanwhile, Dhaka Padatik staged its 47th performance of “Trial of Surya Sen” at the Dr Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium of Bangladesh Mahila Samity on Tuesday as part of a programme commemorating revolutionary Pritilata Waddedar. The event also included a musical programme and an exhibition of portraits drawn by schoolchildren.

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Written and originally directed by the late Masum Aziz, the play centres on the mock trial and execution of Masterda Surya Sen, a leader of the anti-British movement. After Aziz’s death, Nader Chowdhury took over as the new director and made changes to selected sections of the production and its stage design.