Marking the 50th death anniversary of Bangladesh’s National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, a commemorative cultural programme titled “চিরন্তন: আমারে দেব না ভুলিতে” (Chirantan: Amare Debo Na Bhulite) was held at Drum Theatre, Dandenong, Melbourne, on Sunday, October 4, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM Melbourne time (12:00 PM to 2:30 PM Bangladesh time), drawing nearly 360 attendees, a press release said.
Conceived and creatively directed by Adila Noor, an acclaimed Melbourne-based Nazrul Sangeet practitioner and cultural curator, the programme celebrated the Rebel Poet’s legacy through music, poetry, dance and theatre. It also marked the first Australian presentation of two of Nazrul’s notable works, Jhilimili and Kaberi Tire, on the same stage.
Adila Noor, who also served as Music Director, said, “Through this production, we wanted to celebrate the many dimensions of Nazrul’s creativity and introduce younger generations to his timeless messages of equality, love and humanity. Living far from our roots makes it even more important to preserve our cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations.”
The first segment of the programme began with “সুর ও বাণীর অর্ঘ্য” (An Offering of Melody and Verse), featuring four selected Nazrul songs, poetry and dance. Local dancers Chris and Anil opened the segment with a dance duet. A highlight of the segment was a special presentation combining Nazrul’s poem “Abhishap” with the song “Shunyo E Buke,” featuring a recitation by Tanweepriya and a musical performance by Adila Noor. The segment concluded with the song “Phuler Jalsay Nirob Keno Kobi.”
Professor Irshad Ahmed Shaheen, recipient of the Nazrul Award 2023, delivered the keynote address on Nazrul’s life, literature and philosophy.
He said, “Nazrul was not only a poet of rebellion but also a powerful voice for humanity, equality and social harmony. Initiatives like Chirantan play an important role in introducing his philosophy to new generations, particularly those growing up beyond Bangladesh.”
The second segment featured “ঝিলিমিলি” (Jhilimili), Nazrul’s lyrical play, directed by renowned Bangladeshi theatre icon Brindaban Das and featured acclaimed performances by Brindaban Das, Shahnaz Khushi, Dibya Jyoti and Sauti Malabika, complemented by musical accompaniment from Melbourne-based singers Arpon and Adila Noor.
The final segment presented “কাবেরী তীরে” (Kaberi Tire), a musical drama portraying a romance set on the banks of the River Kaveri. Directed and choreographed by Melbourne-based Purabi Chowdhury, the production featured an ensemble of dancers, alongside live singing by Nazrul Sangeet artists Ajoy Roy and Adila Noor.
A commemorative souvenir was also published, featuring literary contributions from distinguished scholars and cultural practitioners, including Khairul Anam Shakil, singer, teacher and organiser; Dr. Priyanka Gope, Chairperson and Associate Professor, Department of Music, University of Dhaka; Dr. Leena Taposi Khan, singer and teacher at the University of Dhaka; Professor Irshad Ahmed Shaheen, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Culture, University of South Asia and recipient of the Nazrul Award 2023; Dr. Chanchal Khan, international development practitioner, academic and Tagore singer and exponent; and Sharmin Shathi Moyna, singer and teacher at Chhayanaut.
The programme received standing ovations, highlighting Nazrul’s enduring relevance while connecting younger generations of the Bengali diaspora with their cultural heritage.
