On this day the Bengali stage entered a new era with the opening of Star Theatre at 68, Beadon Street. The theatre was originally meant to be named after the famous actress Binodini, but since that could alienate “respectable” society, as Binodini, like the other actresses of her time, had her origins in a red light area, it was named Star. It was owned by Binodini’s patron, Goormookh Roy.
The theatre opened with Dakshayajna, a play directed by theatre legend Girish Chandra Ghosh in which he acted with Binodini. The opening night was a grand success with the audience dazzled both by the theatre and the performance. Star saw some of the best flowerings of the Girish-Binodini partnership. But the theatre had a short run, with Goormookh stepping away and others taking over. July 31, 1887, saw the last performance at Star. After it changed hands its name, too, was changed several times. It was known as Emerald Theatre, City Theatre and Classic Theatre subsequently and was razed before Central Avenue was constructed.
A new Star Theatre was built in Cornwallis Street. It opened on May 25, 1888.
It is still there.