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.
Reaching the 3rd level of Bengal Shilpalay, the first art piece greeting me in the lift lobby with its unique appearance was "Ria Moni", a tower constructed with children's toys. Created by Afsana Sharmin, this sculpture is a memorial for the six-year-old Riya Gope, who was shot dead on her apartment's rooftop during the Student Against Discrimination (SAD) Movement, leaving her family devastated. An intimidating installation with bamboo, sharp objects, water lilies, and severed doll parts is her way of visualising the movement.
For his final act, Dutt chose to turn to William Shakespeare, reimagining “King Lear” in a contemporary context, which he titled “Aro Ekta Lear” (Another Lear).
As I stepped into the Central Shaheed Minar late in the afternoon, I was greeted with the jovial and embracing atmosphere of feminists from all corners of the city— and perhaps even beyond. Most were decked out in orange and red sarees, seemingly in line with a theme for the day. Some were even in work mode, going live on social media platforms to share updates on behalf of their organisations.
With a visionary mission to elevate Bangladeshi art to the global stage, Platforms Gallery is gearing up for its inaugural appearance at the prestigious Tokyo International Art Fair, set to take place on November 29 and 30. The works of three Bangladeshi artists—Auntora Mehrukh Azad, Fakhrul Islam Mazumder Shakil, and Tariqul Islam Herok—will be showcased at this global event.
The statement presented arguments in support of this demand, signed by filmmakers, producers, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, film critics, researchers, teachers, film workers and organizers, actors, musicians, and photographers.
The committee will serve until December 2026. The decision was approved during the association’s first general meeting, attended by 80 of the 170 registered members, held at the National Theatre Auditorium in the capital, reads a press release.
Alliance Française de Dhaka is set to host a distinctive exhibition featuring traditional musical instruments handcrafted by Mohammad Zakir Hossain. Titled “Symphony of Healing”, the exhibition will officially open on November 25 at 6pm at La Galerie in Dhanmondi.
In a lively celebration of cultural exchange, a distinguished nine-member ensemble from Dhaka’s esteemed dance academy, “Kolpotoru,” showcased Bangladesh’s artistic heritage at the illustrious “Bali Yatra Festival 2024” in India. The performance was held at the invitation of the Government of India.
The play has garnered acclaim for its poignant exploration of societal inequalities. Between 2001 and 2005, “Nityapurana” was staged 86 times across Bangladesh and abroad.
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has announced seven priority programmes, including a nationwide talent hunt and a youth festival, to reignite the cultural landscape of Bangladesh.
