Theatre & Arts

Theatre & Arts

A delightful children’s exhibition in the heart of Dhaka

The exhibition “Ikrimikri: A World of Picture Books” opened on May 2 at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka, inviting visitors into a whimsical realm where children’s book illustrations come to life. Organised by the children’s publishing collective “Ikrimikri”, the show runs until May 7 and celebrates the power of visual storytelling rooted in Bangladeshi culture.

1d ago

Kumkum Rani honoured with Nrityanchal Padak

Kumkum Rani has devoted considerable time and effort to mastering these forms. She has a collection of nearly 700 Radharaman Dhamaail songs. Many folk artistes come to her to learn from her vast repertoire.

2d ago

May Day to be observed with theatre, music and red flag rallies

This year’s May Day discussion will feature playwright and professor Ratan Siddiqui as the keynote speaker, alongside Harun Rashid, chief editor of Aranyak Natyadal. Staying true to tradition, Aranyak will also release the latest issue of their annual publication, “May Day’s Paper.”

3d ago

Art Exhibition / ‘Miniscope 2’ returns to prove less is more

Dwip Gallery in Lalmatia opened its doors to the second exhibition of its kind, “Miniscope 2”, on April 26. Flaunting creative gateways for diverse artists from both Bangladesh and India, it is currently hosting miniature and endearing artworks.

5d ago

‘Mukto Surer Chhondo’ to mark International Dance Day at Shilpakala

Observed worldwide today, International Dance Day is a global celebration of dance’s power to connect people beyond borders. It’s a day that highlights the joy of movement and raises awareness of dance as an expressive, educational, and unifying force.

5d ago

Dhaka to host ‘Nrityasudha’ for International Dance Day

In celebration of International Dance Day, Dhaka is set to host a special dance extravaganza titled “Nrityasudha” this Monday evening. The event, organised by Nrityam Nrityashilon Kendra, will take place at 7pm at the Bangladesh Mohila Samity auditorium.

6d ago

Why is Shilpakala reserving empty halls?

Multiple theatre troupes claim they applied to book shows during these “reserved” slots — and were denied. When the list of reservations became public, the frustration spilled onto social media. On the Facebook group “Theatre Connection,” theatre activist Zubair Zahid posted a blunt question: “What kind of artistic practice requires 54 working days across three auditoriums?”

1w ago

Tarua stages anti-war drama ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ at Shilpakala

The play explores the psychological and physical toll of World War I, tracing the journey of young soldiers as they are transformed from patriotic youths into disillusioned veterans.

1w ago

Drik announces winners of Bangladesh Press Photo Contest 2025

'Drik' has been hosting the Bangladesh Press Photo Contest since 2022, to highlight the success and work lives of photojournalists. We salute all the hardworking, courageous, and talented male and female photographers and photojournalists.

2w ago

Munem Wasif’s homecoming at ‘Kromosho’

Around the mid-2000s, a young Munem Wasif, with his rickety Soviet-era Zenit camera, found himself indulging in the allures of the older parts of Dhaka. Infinite lived experiences and thousands of shutter counts later, his first magnum opus, “Belonging”, came to life in 2012. This photo book became one of the most revered photographic bodies of work in Bangladesh’s visual art history.

2w ago

Activists demand allocation of 1 percent of national budget for cultural sector

On Friday afternoon, cultural activists presented their views at a seminar titled “Review and Proposal of the Cultural Sector Budget.” The event was organised by the Theatre Artists Association of Dhaka (TAD) in the seminar room of the Shilpakala Academy.

2w ago

Portrait of amputee Palestinian child wins World Press Photo

A haunting portrait of a nine-year-old Palestinian boy who lost both arms during an Israeli attack on Gaza City won the 2025 World Press Photo of the Year Award yesterday.

2w ago

BotTala’s ‘Khona’ returns to Shilpakala for 92nd performance

The production has been lauded for its compelling portrayal of Khona's defiance against patriarchal norms and her quest for equality.​

2w ago

The spirit of defiance and freedom fuels Pahela Baishakh

As the nation now stands on the cusp of renewal, Pahela Baishakh 1432 arrives at a time when the people of Bangladesh are eager to reclaim their cultural voice—seeking a deeper connection to its identity, heritage, and hope. For centuries, it has been an occasion of collective celebration, resilience, and unity.

3w ago

Initially cancelled show at Mohila Samity to take place tomorrow after police assurance

Popular theatre troupe Prangonemor was all set to stage their acclaimed adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s “Shesher Kobita”, with a fresh perspective, as part of the upcoming Chaitra Sankranti and Pahela Baishakh celebrations.

3w ago

Nawshaba’s ‘Together We Can’ celebrates Biju and Bengali New Year

Directed conceptually by actress Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed, the shoot masterfully intertwines the joyous rituals of Biju and heartfelt reunions among friends, reflecting values of empathy, unity, and the universal language of human connection.

3w ago

Prangonemor to bring back 'Shesher Kobita' for Baishakhi celebrations

The production delves into the nuanced romance between Amit Roy and Labanya Debi, whose chance encounter in Shillong evolves into a profound exploration of love and self-discovery. The play also features pivotal characters such as Shobhonlal and Ketaki, adding depth to the narrative.​

3w ago

‘Cultural healing’ and ‘inclusivity’ key in Bengali New Year celebrations as Ministry announces plans

Farooki declared that this year’s New Year celebrations would bring together not just Bengali citizens, but also 27 ethnic communities from across the country. “Diversity is our most powerful and beautiful asset,” he said.

3w ago