15th to 17th April 2022, Ashoknagar Sahid Sadan

The ‘Festival of Ashoknagar’ and ‘Avijatri Nattoyutsab’ have become synonymous over time. The year 2022 marked the 24th anniversary of the ‘Avijatri Nattoyutsab’, and it continued the unique tradition where no distinguished personality is invited to inaugurate the festival. Instead, the audience collectively lights the ceremonial lamp (Pradip) to commence the festivities. In this edition of Nattoyutsab, six theatre teams graced the stage from April 15th to 17th.

The festival kicked off on April 15th with two plays: “কানXTION” by IFTA., Dumdum, and “Bhut Bhogoban” by Ashoknagar Avijatri, directed by Debasish Dutta. The latter play created a significant buzz in Ashoknagar, with its soulful songs, especially those sung by actor Partha Pal, deeply moving the audience.

April 16th witnessed a full-length play titled “Shekal Chera Hater Khonje,” by Rangalok, directed by Shyamal Chakroborty, with the renowned actor Sanjib Sarkar in the lead. On the final day, April 17th, three captivating plays graced the stage. University Friends Group presented “Desher Namey” with Ritobrata Mukherjee in the lead role. Ballygaung Swapna Suchana staged “Contract Killer,” and ‘Gobordanga Rupantar’ presented “Ami Agantuk”. The festival concluded with these six remarkable performances.

The unique conclusion of Nattoyutsab involved a heartwarming exchange of flowers between the actors and the audience, breaking down the invisible barrier between those on stage and those in the audience. This heartfelt gesture marked the countdown to the eagerly anticipated next Natyatsava by the people of this vibrant community.