Theatre & Arts

Theatre & Arts

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.

22h 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.

2d ago

Art Exhibition / ‘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. 

1w 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.  

1w ago

A day at Wangala festival with the Garo community

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.

2w ago

Celebrating December with theatre, qawwali, and cultural festivals across Bangladesh

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.

2w ago

Anuswar theatre to stage Shahaduzzaman's 'Mohashunye Cycle'

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."

2w ago

Teerondaz Repertory returns to Shilpakala after 8-year ban

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.

2w ago

Aly Zaker: Remembering the architect of Bangladeshi theatre

As we celebrate the artiste’s 80th birth anniversary and reflect on four years since we lost him, we remember Aly Zaker as more than just an actor; as a visionary who understood the transformative power of storytelling. His legacy reminds us that art is not merely entertainment—it is the heartbeat of life itself, shaping how we see, feel, and understand the world.

1m ago

‘Finely Tiny’: The blend of mathematics and Oriental art

In her current body of work, Élise finds inspiration in the intricate symmetry of geometric forms, exploring a shared language between art and science. Her pieces “Classroom” and “Roméo & Juliette – Mathematician Version” epitomise her commitment to merging mathematical calculation with creative expression.

1m ago

Activists rally for 'Nityapurana's' return after its abrupt halt

While the play had started on time, the demonstrators resumed their protest outside the gates shortly afterwards. To prevent any escalation, Syed, in consultation with Desh Natok, the theatre troupe helming the play, decided to call off the show. He explained this decision in a virtual press conference on Monday morning.

1m ago

‘Moja-Kori’ design festival to inaugurate Dhaka’s first community-driven cultural hub

Featuring more than 50 events, the festival will showcase architectural designs, artworks, photography, installation pieces, and performing arts, hosted in multiple venues around Korail as well as at Shala Neighbourhood Art Space, Gallery 101, and Alliance Française de Dhaka.

1m ago

Syed Jamil not to blame, it was a ‘Vibhishan’ move: Bonna Mirza

Though the play began on schedule, the demonstration resumed at the gates. Fearing escalation, Ahmed, in consultation with the theatre troupe Desh Natok, made the decision to stop the show. He explained the situation during a virtual press conference Monday morning.

1m ago

Bangla Movement Theatre brings ‘Yoddha’ to London stage

Bangla Movement Theatre is set to present “Yoddha,” a historical and imaginative tragedy that delves into the history of Mainamati. 

1m ago

I’ve lost a battle but will definitely win the war: Syed Jamil Ahmed

Ahmed initially managed to calm the protestors, allowing the performance to start, but their discontent flared up again as they regrouped at the entrance to the theatre hall. When some attempted to breach the gate, Ahmed and Desh Natok members decided to call off the performance.

1m ago

‘CineGala 2024’: Melbourne’s NSU alumni revisit golden age of cinema

On October 26, Melbourne’s Fitzroy Town Hall was transformed for "CineGala 2024," an event hosted by the Melbourne NSU Alumni Association. The gathering honoured the golden era of black-and-white cinema, with participating guests immersing themselves in the elegance of a 1960s-inspired theme.

1m ago

Shilpakala show halted as mob gathers at gate

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy had to reportedly halt an ongoing show yesterday in face of a mob gathering at its gate

1m ago

‘Peace Through Arts’: An artist’s path to tranquility

A versatile artist, SAM Showket Hossain, competent in landscapes, still lives, abstract paintings, line art, and floral paintings — all of which radiate undeniable charms — uses colors and subjects fanning out the peaceful essence of a Friday morning. His skills have the ability to draw the attention of artists and non-artists alike.

1m ago