Promoting Bangladeshi theatre in USA

Bangladesh Theatre Houston (BTH) is a non-profit organisation based in Houston, USA that works as an intellectual platform for creating a wealth of knowledge about theatre and performance related disciplines. Promoting Bangladeshi culture through group theatre production is the aim of this organisation.

BTH began their journey in 2013 with the staging of their first play “Shubochon Nirbashone”. The Abdullah Al Mamun play received acclaim from the audience. Inspired by its success, the organisation went on to stage a few more productions.

Obaidullah Zakir, one of the main organisers of BTH and the director of plays said, “I have been involved with group theatre from my childhood. Bangladesh Association Houston, an association of immigrant Bangladeshis, has long been arranging cultural programmes. And we thought, we could include theatre as well. Then we staged 'Shubochon Nirbashone' and realised that theatre could draw audiences even in the Diaspora.”

“We collected funds from local sponsors and residents, and used that fund for staging the show. Bangladesh Association received donations from its members to support the production. We also sold tickets for the play. We got around a 600-strong audience at the first show; it was a huge number,” he added.

“Later we brought to stage 'Payer Awaj Pawa Jaye'. Currently we have 50 members who are actively involved with theatrical productions. The group runs on donations. We rehearse at the house of one of our members. Our latest production is 'Meraj Fakirer Maa',” Zakir informed.

Zakir concluded that the lack of enthusiasm for theatre among immigrant Bangladeshi communities disappoints him. Uppermost in his mind is to promote theatre so that immigrants can learn about Bangladeshi culture and revive connections with their roots.