MUSINGS / The journey of 'Khwabnama' from a novel to a play
I once thought it was impossible to present the magnitude of the novel on stage.
‘Nil Chhaya’ reconjures ghosts of Bengal’s Indigo Revolution
‘Nil Chhaya' connects the Indigo Revolt to the oppressions faced by present day garment factory workers in Bangladesh.
Portraying genocide across 64 districts
Commemorating the struggle of our Liberation war, Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence and birth centenary of the Father of The Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. noted cultural and theatre personality Liaquat Ali Lucky, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), has conceptualised and organised ‘Gonohotta Poribesh Theatre’. Based on the mass genocides in 1971, the plays are being staged in 64 districts across the country.
Padatik Natya Sangsad’s ‘Prerona’ promotes autism awareness
Popular theatre troupe Padatik Natya Sangsad’s 33rd production “Prerona'' premiered at Bangladesh Mahila Samity’s Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium yesterday, marking World Autism Awareness Day. The play is written and directed by Sabil Reza Chowdhury. “Prerona” highlights the story of a child who is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Ten-day theatre festival underway at Bangladesh Mahila Samity
On the occasion of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation arranged a ten-day theatre festival at Bangladesh Mahila Samity. The festival was inaugurated yesterday, with the 242nd staging of the popular play, “Court Martial”, by Theatre Art Unit.
Dhaka Padatik celebrates 40 years of excellence
Dhaka Padatik, one of the leading theatre groups in the country, arranged a two-day long event at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, commemorating the groups’ 40 years.
How I became Tamijer Baap in ‘Khowabnama’
I found myself looking for him beyond the pages of Elias's novel, among the old men who beg on the streets of Dhaka, or in the madman lying on the footpath, trying to say something in a huff or lost in a hallucination on the open road.
Afzal Hossain returns to theatre with ‘Pendulum’
Afzal Hossain is one of the most celebrated actors in the industry. Throughout the golden period of television, the multifaceted actor garnered widespread appreciation and popularity for his diverse and memorable characters.
Celebrating 49 years of Natyachakra
Natyachakra, the oldest theatre troupe in the country, has been performing on stage for the last 49 years. They have successfully produced 54 plays. “Bhaddarnok” is one of the most staged and widely acclaimed plays by this prominent group.
The Manipuri Raas Leela: Where performance meets history and mythology
The Raas Leela is an important part of Manipuri culture. The term roughly means ‘dance of divine love and passion’. Dancers symbolise their spiritual love for Lord Krishna when they perform the Raas Leela. At 76, Krishnakumari Sinha is one of the most renowned artistes of this traditional art form in Bangladesh. For more than three decades, she has also been a guru to many. In a conversation with The Daily Star, Krishnakumari Sinha, along with her two disciples Sharmila Sinha and Jyoti Sinha, talk about the Manipuri Raas Leela, and their journey with it.
Celebrating the legacy of Dhaka Theatre
Dhaka Theater was founded on July 29, 1973, with the slogan, “Moulik Natok Monchayoner Maddhome Bangla Natoker Mukti”. Established by noted cultural personality and freedom fighter Nasiruddin Yousuff, along with a few other freedom fighters, the theatre troupe has also garnered acclaim by staging plays internationally. Today marks the 48th founding anniversary of Dhaka Theatre.
Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation expresses dissatisfaction over budget for cultural activities
The Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation has been demanding that one percent of the national budget be allocated to cultural affairs. However, it was not implemented in the budget this time. For this, the federation has expressed their dissatisfaction in a statement.
Theatre and cultural activist Saiful Islam Mahmud no more
Theatre and cultural activist Saiful Islam Mahmud passed away last night. Renowned thespian Nasiruddin Yousuff Bachchu confirmed the news to The Daily Star.
When the shows don’t go on
As we wrestle with the coronavirus pandemic, theatre artistes and production workers are trying to figure out how to stay afloat and take care of their community, since the very notion of live entertainment has become taboo.
Theatre festival ‘Muktir Chetonay Shilpito Srijon Choturtho Barshik Natyautshab 2020’ held
The Department of Drama and Dramatics of Chittagong University (CU) arranged the theatre festival, Muktir Chetonay Shilpito Srijon Choturtho Barshik Natyautshab 2020, recently. Cultural Affairs Minister K M Khalid, MP, attended the festival as the chief guest.
An evening adorned with colours of Kathak
The impeccable footwork and storytelling of the dancers of Nrityanchal and Guru Shishya Parampara, along with the masters Shibli Mohammad and Shamim Ara Nipa, captivated the audience at ICCR Scholar’s Evening: Colours of Kathak.
