Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy

Three Russian artistes take to Shilpakala stage for a musical evening

A standout moment of the evening was the rendition of the well-known wartime song “Smuglyanka”, with Chernukhin’s piano evoking a mood of tenderness and longing.

LITERARY CURTAINS / ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’: Reverberating despair and dread through a theatrical production

All Quiet on the Western Front (Little, Brown and Company, 1929), a semi-autobiographical novel authored by a German World War I veteran, Erich Maria Remarque, is one of the greatest anti-war works of literature—one that was published nearly a century back and still holds relevance today

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?”

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy launches three training workshops

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has launched three specialised training workshops today, under the management of its Training Department. The inaugural event took place at 10 AM at the academy premises, officially opened by A.F.M. Nurur Rahman, Director of the Training Department.

Musical festivities begin for Chaitra Sankranti at Suhrawardy Udyan

The Chaitra Sankranti Band Show and Cultural Programme officially commenced this afternoon at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka, celebrating the end of the Bengali calendar year with a vibrant celebration of traditional music and modern performances.

‘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.

Chand raat special: Musical showcase at Shilpakala

To celebrate the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has arranged a Chand raat special musical event. The programme will take place today at 7 pm at Nandan Mancha, featuring performances by Emon Chowdhury, Nancy, and Qawwal Ahmed Noor Ameri. Ameri is well-known for his expertise in Qawwali and Maizbhandari music.

BSFF to host memorial for Anjan with ‘Meghmallar’ screening

The Bangladesh Short Film Forum (BSFF) has organised a memorial event in honour of filmmaker, film activist, and educator Zahidur Rahim Anjan, who previously served as the organisation’s president.

‘Shastriya Sangeet O Nritya Utsab’ commences at Shilpakala

Classical music and dance are among the most refined expressions of human culture, representing profound dedication, beauty, and tradition. In an effort to further promote and preserve these distinguished art forms, the Music, Dance, and Recitation Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will be hosting a four-day “Shastriya Sangeet O Nritya Utsab” (Classical Music and Dance Festival).

February 1, 2025
February 1, 2025

BSA launches first-ever Munier Chowdhury National Theatre Festival

For the first time, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is set to organise the Munier Chowdhury National Theatre Festival, with a 15-day, production-based theatre workshop already underway across the country in three phases.

January 31, 2025
January 31, 2025

Aranyak Natyadal to celebrate 53 years with month-long theatre festival

Theatre troupe Aranyak Natyadal has organised a month-long festival to commemorate its 53rd anniversary this year, featuring a series of performances and events. The celebrations will take place at the Mahila Samiti Auditorium and the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), beginning tomorrow.

January 29, 2025
January 29, 2025

Tarunner Utsab 2025 unites the nation in celebration

Tarunner Utsab (Youth Festival) 2025, organised by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, is currently being celebrated nationwide. The programmes are being held at district, divisional, and central levels. As part of this initiative, the Music, Dance, and Recitation Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organised the band music event “Bol Bir—Ami Chiro Unnoto Shir” in six districts and dance performances in 50 districts to celebrate the energy, enthusiasm, and potential of youth.

January 11, 2025
January 11, 2025

Revolutionary art meets technology at BSA’s ‘Poster e July Obbhutthan’

“Ek dofa, ek dabi”, “Bloody July in Bangladesh”, and “Shob Shabhabik”— each poster boldly bearing these statements against the fascist regime, painted exclusively in red, yellow, and black — were the striking artworks by Debashish Chakrabarty during the height of the July Uprising.

January 8, 2025
January 8, 2025

‘July Revolution on Posters’: A fusion of art and technology at Shilpakala

Yesterday, the Arts and Production Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy launched a live and interactive AR-VR (Augmented-Virtual Reality) exhibition titled "July Revolution on Posters", featuring Debashish Chakrabarty's artworks on the July Uprising. The inauguration ceremony was held at 4:00pm in the Jatiya Chitrashala Auditorium.

January 1, 2025
January 1, 2025

Opera, art exhibitions, and folk theatre to mark Shilpakala's New Year celebrations

Among the notable schedules, the "Sixth National Sculpture Exhibition" will run until January 20, while the month-long exhibition titled "2024: Oi Nutoner Keton Ore" will feature posters, paintings, photography, videography, and cartoons and conclude on January 17. Additionally, the National Pitha Festival will be held on the Academy grounds from January 24 to February 1.

December 31, 2024
December 31, 2024

Controversies, cancellations, and comebacks: Bangladeshi theatre in 2024

Although theatrical productions continued into the early part of the year, political instability gradually reduced the frequency of performances. On July 19, "Anne Frank", a play by Mad Theatre, was supposed to be staged at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Shilpakala. However, the performance was cancelled due to the tense political situation. Soon after, the Academy shut down its auditoriums and rehearsal spaces, halting all activities. After nearly three months, theatre resumed on October 11 at the National Theatre Hall stage.

December 26, 2024
December 26, 2024

Bandarban to host night-long Marma folk drama performance

The performance, organised by the Conservatory Cell of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will commence at 9pm and continue throughout the night.

December 21, 2024
December 21, 2024

Renamed halls and standup comedy mark Shilpakala Academy’s latest initiatives

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has officially designated three of its auditoriums to theatrical performances. The academy’s Director General Syed Jamil Ahmed, announced that these auditoriums are being renamed. Speaking at an event held at the academy’s Experimental Theatre Hall yesterday, he further stated that the Experimental Theatre Hall will be opened for theatrical productions starting December 28.

December 16, 2024
December 16, 2024

Victory Day 2024: Your complete itinerary

This year, the Victory Day feels particularly significant due to this year’s powerful uprising. To commemorate this special day, here are some events to help you embrace the spirit of patriotism.