The programme was presided over by Professor Kabir Chowdhury, principal of Theatre School. Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Commission, Dr. Stefan Frowein was the chief guest at the programme. Eminent Cultural personality Ramendu Majumdar, secretary of the school, delivered the welcome speech.

Ramendu Majumdar said, "Because of limited funds, it's really difficult to continue a private school on theatre in Bangladesh. However, we have been successfully running the school thanks to the dedicated and helpful teachers. Patronage from enthusiastic organisations or individuals will be much appreciated."

Chief guest of the programme Dr. Stefan Frowein said, "Inspired by Ramendu Majumdar I'm keen on Bangladeshi art forms. After my recent visit to Theatre School, my interest has amplified."

Professor Kabir Chowdhury said, "Our aim is not just moulding theatre activists, but also generating rational human beings."

The discussion was followed by a theatre performance. Students of 17th batch staged Michael Madhushudan Dutt's play Shormishtha (published in 1859). Shormishtha, an example of blending traditional Sanskrit and western theatre, is directed by Golam Sarwar.

The play features a triangular love story between Jajati, a King from Chandra dynasty, a demon Princess Shormishtha and Debjani, daughter of the religious leader in the demon kingdom. All characters in the play are taken from the epic Mahabharata. Like other plays based on epics, which feature myths and legends, Dutt's play Shormishtha presents the female characters as mere source of entertainment to the male characters.

It is great a challenge for any actor to incorporate the craftsmanship of Michael Madhushudan Dutt. The young students have handled the challenge well.