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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The grounds of Lalmatia Housing Society School and College came alive with the beats of drums and the colourful celebration of Wangala, the foremost festival of the Garo community. Known as the “Hundred Drums Festival,” Wangala is a time for the community to thank Misi Saljong, the Sun Deity, for a successful harvest. This festive celebration marks the end of the farming season and celebrates the blessings of nature.
This December, the country is set to come alive with an extraordinary lineup of cultural festivities, organized by Shilpakala Academy to mark the country's month of victory. From Qawwali performances to theatre festivals, the month-long celebration promises something for everyone. These events, held across districts and major cities, aim to bring art and culture to the public, making them accessible to all.
Author Shahaduzzaman shared his thoughts on the adaptation: "The story revolves around a character who sees himself as split into two entities. The play delves into the interactions between these two sides of the same person. Inspired by Saif Suman’s vision, I extended the story into a theatrical form."
Now, after a significant shift in the political landscape, marked by the student-led July Uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government, Teerondaz Repertory has finally been given the green light to return to the stage at Shilpakala.
The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at Dhaka University is set to honour renowned Bangladeshi playwright Islam Uddin Palakar with the prestigious Natyajon Shommanona 2024 for his lifelong contribution to the nation’s indigenous theatre.
Young artists have utilised their creativity to address pressing issues such as inequality, gender-based violence, and the need to challenge outdated societal norms. Through their powerful work, they convey a strong commitment to driving change and transforming individuals, communities, and society as a whole.
Munier Chowdhury is the one behind the nation receiving such a great actor. He, who encouraged Ferdousi Majumdar to act, unfortunately, couldn’t see his sister’s success. “That saddens me the most. My last memory of him is from 1971 when we had moved across the border (to India). Many people had advised him to leave as well, but he would say, ‘Why should I go? I haven’t harmed anyone.’ I remember his words very clearly. It was for those very words that he was cruelly murdered. I never even got to see his body.”
Jamil Ahmed’s remarks, although unofficial, have ignited outrage within the cultural community, with many interpreting it as a dangerous precedent.
Jamil Ahmed confirmed that this was not an official directive. However, his comments have sparked a social media backlash, with many theatre artists criticising the suggestion. Numerous posts have emerged condemning Jamil’s stance, with some also alleging that fellow veteran actor Ferdousi Majumdar had been given similar advice.
The prestigious Munier Choudhury Award will be bestowed upon the distinguished stage actor and singer Shimul Yousuf, while the Mohammad Zakaria Memorial Award will be awarded to Jahangir Alam, a talented actor from the troupe Prachyanat, reads a press release.
