Theatre & Arts

Theatre & Arts

Spandan Theatre to stage ‘Deyal Janey Shob’ this week

Written and directed by Shakil Ahmed Sonet, the play draws from the spirit of monsoon revolutions and presents what the director describes as “a chronicle of our times”—a poetic yet brutal narrative set against the backdrop of gunshots, grief, and fragmented dreams.

18h ago

BSA launches nationwide printmaking project to celebrate Bangladesh's linguistic diversity

The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) has kicked off a vibrant new art initiative titled “Bhashajog: Celebrating Expression through Language in Printmaking”, spotlighting the country’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity. The weeklong workshop began on June 13 at the National Art Gallery Plaza in Shegun Bagicha, Dhaka, and will run through June 21, offering four daily sessions to a total of 80 registered participants each day.

18h ago

Kazi Toufikul Islam Emon brings ‘The Guardians of the Gods’ to Bangladesh

Emon, an actor and advisor from Prachyanat, was the only participant from Asia and played a dual role as both actor and country representative. While two other Bangladeshi artists—actor Nahida Ankhi and choreographer Diana Merlin—were initially selected, both were unable to join due to visa issues.

1d ago

‘Paicho Chor-er Kichchha’ returns to the stage at Shilpakala

Based on a popular tale from the Khulna region, the play will be performed today (June 16) at 7pm at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

1d ago

Photographer Pinu Rahman to represent Bangladesh at PhotOlympic 2025 in Russia

His work has also been exhibited in several prestigious galleries and museums around the world, such as The Royal Photographic Society in Bristol, UK; Etihad Museum in Jumeirah, Dubai; Blank Wall Gallery in Athens, Greece; Espace Beaurepaire Art Gallery in Paris, France; and Granary Square in King’s Cross, London. In addition to his photographic achievements, Pinu also serves as a jury member for several international photography competitions, including those hosted by the US-based International Awards Associates (IAA), Kioxia Excelens Awards, and Decagon Gallery in New York.

2d ago

Shilpakala Academy to host ‘Ananda Utsab’ this Eid

Marking the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is set to host “Ananda Utsab” at the Nandan Mancha of the academy. Supported by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the programme will take place on Friday, 6 June, at 7pm.

1w ago

Theatre Artists Association voices concern over FY26 cultural budget

The Theatre Artists Association of Dhaka (TAD) has expressed disappointment over the proposed national budget for the cultural sector for the 2025–26 fiscal year. 

2w ago

25 rare MF Husain paintings to be auctioned in Mumbai

Twenty-five rare paintings by the late Indian modernist Maqbool Fida Husain, offering his sweeping perspective on the 20th century, are set to go under the hammer on June 12 in Mumbai.

2w ago

Commemorating Muzharul Islam's Legacy: A centenary celebration and publication launch

A special program will be held to commemorate the 101st birth anniversary of Sthapatyacharya Muzharul Islam, the pioneering architect who shaped Bangladesh's architectural landscape.

5m ago

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.

5m ago

Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin at the crossroads of humanity once again

Today, on the 110th birth anniversary of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, we celebrate not only the artist but also the visionary whose profound contributions shaped modern Bangladeshi art that gave a voice to the voiceless.

5m ago

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.

5m ago

‘Jolkabbo 5.0’: Exploring the charm of watercolour at Edge Gallery

With each artist contributing two paintings, the exhibition features 108 artworks spread across the well-lit gallery. While there is no singular theme, the collection underscores the intricacy and versatility of watercolour as a medium. Encompassing diverse subjects—from the seasons of Bangladesh to urban vignettes, rural landscapes, the July uprising, and abstract compositions—the exhibition offers a broad spectrum of artistic expressions.

5m ago

‘Bindu’: A display of passion and devotion

Enakkhi Saha Roy, Ishrat Parveen Leena, and Ranjana Sayeed — a trio of visual artists driven by their love and passion for visual arts — are practicing artists whose second group exhibition, titled “Bindu”, is being hosted at Bhumi Art Gallery in Lalmatia. The inauguration event of the art exhibition took place on December 20, where painter Professor Emeritus Rafiqun Nabi graced the event as the chief guest. The exhibition was underway after the inaugural event consisting of performances of musicians from various genres.

5m ago

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.

5m ago

Folk and classical music fests postponed amid security concerns

In an unexpected move, two major festivals slated for Dhaka’s Army Stadium have been postponed due to security concerns and the sudden cancellation of venue bookings. The highly anticipated International Folk Music Festival and Bengal Foundation's Classical Music Festival have both been put on hold, leaving event organisers and attendees in uncertainty.

6m ago

‘Rong Jeno Moar Maurme Lage’: The artistic grandeur of ‘Graphics Manik Dey’  

Most of the artworks currently adorning the walls of Gallery Chitrak were created between 2016 and 2024. The exhibition features 70 pieces, including acrylic, oil, and watercolour paintings, etchings, drawings, charcoal works, and some of his iconic graphic designs for BTV. 

6m ago

TikTok Creator Awards 2024 celebrates Bangladeshi rising talents

The vibrant TikTok community in Bangladesh took centre stage last night as TikTok hosted the TikTok Creator Awards 2024 in the capital. Held for the second consecutive year in the country, the event celebrated the creative brilliance of Bangladeshi content creators who have revolutionised digital storytelling and entertainment.  

6m ago