Remembering Selim Al Deen through Nimajjan

After a long world journey, a stranger arrives in a city built at the confluence of three rivers to visit a friend on his deathbed. The friend, a political science professor, had been brutally tortured by the Black Death Squad of Karavar, who drove nails into his spine for his political beliefs. 

Disembarking at the station, the stranger witnesses haunting scenes: the hanging body of a porter, a bizarre old man, a steamer engulfed in flames, and a stunning woman whose body, despite repeated burials, refuses to remain dead. He discovers 51 children's frozen corpses encased in ice, a mutilated child singer silenced by violence, Kandahar's mummies, massacres in Madrid, and laments of the Chilean poet Neruda. 

He witnesses a stadium where 1,500 spectators were slaughtered with razors and a city consumed by a massive explosion of 30,000 tons of TNT that ignited the air for 16 kilometres. The play concludes with a solar prayer, weaving a final scene of reckoning.

This harrowing tale of global genocide is the essence of 'Nimajjan', a play written by the late Dr Selim Al Deen, one of Bangla theatre's most celebrated playwrights.

On 17 January, to mark his 18th death anniversary, 'Nimajjan' was staged at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Under the banner of Dhaka Theatre and directed by Nasiruddin Yousuff, this marked the 82nd performance of the play. 

Actors such as Milu Chowdhury, Asaduzzaman Aman, Sirajul Islam, Mostafa Ratan, and Fahmida Kamal brought the characters to life, creating a powerful anti-genocide narrative.

The performance began with Dhaka Theatre member Kamal Bayezid inviting the audience to experience the play. A viewer from Khilgaon, Kamal Hossain, remarked, "The portrayal of genocide was so vivid and heart-wrenching that it felt like witnessing reality."

For actor Sajjad Rajib, who has performed in nearly every staging of the play, it is a deeply emotional experience. He shared, "Every time I act in 'Nimajjan', I feel inspired by Selim Sir's incredible talent. His works awaken a profound sense of humanity in me."

As part of a four-day tribute organised by Dhaka Theatre and Bangladesh Gram Theatre, the commemorative events included a visit to Selim Al Deen's grave on 14 January, a seminar on 18 January, and a video documentary of his life and works on 19 January at the Shilpakala Academy.

Simultaneously, theatre group Swapnodol organised a three-day memorial festival for Selim Al Deen from 14-18 January, featuring tributes at Jahangirnagar University and performances such as 'Chitrangada' and 'Macbeth', directed by Zahid Ripon.

The entire week saw Dhaka's theatre community alive with Selim Al Deen's legacy, honouring his timeless contributions through performances, discussions, and exhibitions, reaffirming his lasting influence on Bangali theatre.