The “July Reawakening Theatre Festival” is currently underway at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, featuring 11 new productions by 11 theatre troupes. Organised to reflect on the spirit of the July movement, the festival opened on July 31 at the National Theatre Hall and will continue till August 8.
From stage to street, artistes and activists led a cultural revolt against brutality and censorship
Spardha’s acclaimed productions "Bismaykar Sabkichu" and "Tobu-o Jege Uthi"—the latter directed by Mohsina Akter—will return to the stage for one and three performances, respectively. This phase also includes four additional workshops and a public panel.
A rare Salvador Dali painting discovered during a routine house clearance in Cambridge is set to go under the hammer in October, with an estimated value of up to £30,000 ($40042.35) — despite being bought for just £150 ($200.29).
Recently, social media was flooded with her success story, as her work was selected as one of the top entries from over 7,000 submissions for London’s prestigious Drawing of the Year Awards. Her illustration was also featured in the Drawing of the Year 2025 book, earning her international recognition.
The Battery Dance Festival 2025 will feature performances from eight international dance companies alongside eight New York-based groups, celebrating the universal language of dance through live performances, workshops, and immersive experiences for all ages. The free, outdoor event is known for bringing together diverse cultures and artistic expressions in the heart of New York City.
The last week of July brought an artistic distraction in the wake of a national tragedy. Seeking a brief moment of emotional respite, I visited Safiuddin Shilpalay on July 26, 2025, as it inaugurated “Carving the Self: Id | Ego | Superego”—the first solo art exhibition of emerging artist Abu Al Naeem. The ceremony was attended by noted professors from the Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka, including Prof Syed Abul Barq Alvi, Prof Dr Azharul Islam Sheikh, Prof Anisuzzaman Anis, and Associate Prof Md Nazir Hossain Khan. Artist and founder of Safiuddin Shilpalay, Ahmed Nazir, was also present.
Set in a society marked by consumerism and apathy, the play follows Shubhonkar—a seemingly ordinary man—who becomes entangled in the turbulence of social upheaval. While others burn for the cause, Shubhonkar simply wants to hold hands, to connect, to not be forgotten. Yet, the system swallows him whole.
The essence of the events Bangladesh witnessed during the student-led mass uprising in July and August, which escalated into a bloodied revolution, ultimately toppling the regime of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and giving rise to what we now call a new Bangladesh, is truly inexplicable.
The Daily Star today hosted an evocative and poignant public lecture titled “Political Cartoon in Bangladesh: Past, Present & Future”. The engaging discussion, which had a restricted number of seats available, was effectively led by the creative Senior Cartoonist Mehedi Haque from Daily New Age. His ideation shone through as he guided the conversation, ensuring it was both informative and stimulating for the attendees.
Against the backdrop of rising tides and saltwater-soaked lands, the stage drama “Nona Joler Kanna” (Tears of Saline Water) took centre stage at Asilaha Auditorium, delivering a powerful portrayal of the everyday hardships faced by coastal communities in Bagerhat.
The event showcased 20 breathtaking photographs taken by renowned Bangladeshi photographer and travel writer Muhammad Mostafigur Rahman, whose work has earned widespread international recognition. These vivid images captured the serene beauty of Bangladesh, from its stunning natural landscapes to the peaceful lives of its people.
Renowned playwright and cultural icon Mamunur Rashid has sadly lost his cherished wife, Gawhar Ara Mamun, a quiet yet significant presence in the Bangladeshi theatre community.
Noor, one of the country's leading cultural personalities, a popular actor and recitation artiste, president of the Bangladesh Recitation Coordination Council, and a member of the advisory council of the Sommilito Sangskritik Jote, was arrested on Sunday night in connection with a murder case in Mirpur.
Actress Jyotika Jyoti, who also served as the Director of the Research Department at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, left the office on Tuesday (September 17) following protests from her colleagues. Tension escalated when Jyoti arrived at the office that morning, eventually leading to her departure from the premises.
In the dimly lit gallery, decorated with revolutionary-themed art, Anusheh Anadil spoke about love and revolution. A circle of people gathered to discuss the changes they hoped to see in post-revolution Bangladesh. Outside, raindrops tapped gently, while the sound of the Tanpura filled the air. A cat, wearing a blue bandana, wandered through the audience during the inaugural session of the two-week-long festival “Re-love-ution” or “Premandolon” at Jatra Biroti in Banani.
The event, held on Saturday (September 14) at Counter Foto’s Mirpur campus, was designed to help frontline journalists cope with the significant mental health challenges they’ve faced since reporting on the movement, including trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many of these journalists were unaware of the extent of their psychological distress, which had developed while covering violent protests and human rights violations during the movement.
Fifteen years ago today, on September 12, 2009, Karim, revered as the "Baul king," passed away, leaving behind a profound yet humble legacy of love and mysticism. Growing up in the flood-prone lowlands of Sunamganj, Karim's music became a lifeline, reflecting the rhythms of waterlogged lands and the heartache of their people. His songs, simple yet profound, captured the essence of rural life, blending spirituality with raw emotion.
