Melbourne pays tribute to Nazrul with ‘Chirantan’

The timeless legacy of Bangladesh’s National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was celebrated in Melbourne through a commemorative cultural programme marking the 50th anniversary of his death.

Titled “Chirantan: Amare Debo Na Bhulite”, the programme was held at Drum Theatre in Dandenong on Sunday, drawing nearly 360 people, according to the organisers.

The event brought together music, poetry, dance and theatre to showcase Nazrul’s enduring messages of equality, love, humanity and social harmony.

Conceived and creatively directed by Melbourne-based Nazrul Sangeet practitioner and cultural curator Adila Noor, the programme also featured the first Australian presentation of two of Nazrul’s works—Jhilimili and Kaberi Tire—on the same stage.

“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,” Noor said.

She said preserving cultural heritage becomes particularly important for communities living away from their roots.

The programme opened with “Sur O Banir Arghya”, featuring selected Nazrul songs, poetry and dance. Local dancers Chris and Anil performed a duet, while a special presentation combined Nazrul’s poem Abhishap with the song Shunyo E Buke, featuring recitation by Tanweepriya and music by Adila Noor.

The first segment concluded with 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.

“Nazrul was not only a poet of rebellion but also a powerful voice for humanity, equality and social harmony,” he said.

He added that initiatives such as Chirantan could help introduce Nazrul’s philosophy to younger generations, particularly those growing up outside Bangladesh.

The second segment featured Jhilimili, Nazrul’s lyrical play, directed by noted Bangladeshi theatre personality Brindaban Das.

The production featured performances by Brindaban Das, Shahnaz Khushi, Dibya Jyoti and Sauti Malabika, with musical accompaniment by Melbourne-based singers Arpon and Adila Noor.

The final segment presented Kaberi Tire, a musical drama depicting a romance on the banks of the Kaveri River. Melbourne-based Purabi Chowdhury directed and choreographed the production, which featured an ensemble of dancers and live singing by Nazrul Sangeet performers Ajoy Roy and Adila Noor.

A commemorative souvenir was also published as part of the programme, featuring contributions from scholars, musicians, teachers and cultural practitioners from Bangladesh and Australia.

The contributors included singer and teacher Khairul Anam Shakil, Dr Priyanka Gope of the University of Dhaka, Dr Leena Taposi Khan, Professor Irshad Ahmed Shaheen, Dr Chanchal Khan and Sharmin Shathi Moyna of Chhayanaut.

The programme received a standing ovation from the audience, with organisers saying it highlighted the continuing relevance of Nazrul’s works while helping connect younger members of the Bengali diaspora with their cultural heritage.