Theatre & Arts

Theatre & Arts

Off-screen to face bullets / How artistes flamed cultural defiance in July

From stage to street, artistes and activists led a cultural revolt against brutality and censorship

11h ago

From Shahidul Zahir to paratheatre: Spardha unveils daring lineup for August run

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.

1d ago

Salvador Dali painting found during house clearance could fetch £30,000

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).

2d ago

Cultural Dreamers / Dristi Chakma defies the odds, wins international recognition in architecture

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.

3d ago

Mofassal Alif to perform in New York’s Battery Dance Festival

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.

3d ago

Art Exhibition / ‘Carving the Self’: Abu Al Naeem explores the psyche through woodcut

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.

4d ago

Teerondaz Repertory to stage ‘Shubhonkar Haat Dhorte Cheyechilo’ this Friday

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.

5d ago

‘Mukhomukhi’ premieres at Shilpakala Academy tomorrow

The play unfolds through a series of fragmented scenes that examine authoritarian violence, collective trauma, and human resistance. Rather than following a linear plot, “Mukhomukhi” weaves together anti-war sentiments and political memory, echoing the spirit of last year’s July movement.

1w ago

World Press Photo Foundation announces 2024 Asia regional winners

Drik Picture Library, in collaboration with World Press Photo, has announced the regional winners of the 2024 World Press Photo Contest for Asia. The announcement was made during a webinar earlier today, featuring ASM Rezaur Rahman, General Manager of Drik Picture Library, and Anna Lena Mehr, Contest Director of World Press Photo, alongside the winning photographers.

1y ago

Canadian Bangla Theatre Alliance celebrates World Theatre Day

Canadian Bangla Theatre Alliance has celebrated World Theatre Day with cultural programmes and soulful discussions.

1y ago

Nazir Hossain’s ‘Boishakh in the Land of Tiger’ roars to life at AFD

Each painting in the exhibition tells a unique story, inspired by folklore, mythology, and the artist’s own imagination. From lush forests teeming with wildlife to bustling village scenes and joyous Boishakh festivities, they offer a glimpse into a world of beauty, wonder, and timeless tradition. He employs a unique blend of folk motifs, indigenous symbols, and captivating fables, to weave a narrative enriched in cultural significance. Some paintings also have references to other art forms, like nakshi katha and rickshaw painting, to name a few.

1y ago

'Small Format' exhibition brings together contemporary art from 32 diverse artists 

The exhibition presents a selection of 142 artworks encompassing various mediums such as wood engraving, pen, lithograph, watercolour, acrylic, and mixed media on canvas and paper.

1y ago

N’oubliez pas Novera: Rediscovering the pioneer of Bangladesh’s modern sculpture

In August of 1960, on the ground floor of the Central Public Library building of the University of Dhaka, showcasing 75 of her artworks sculpted between 1956 and 1960, Novera Ahmed had her first solo exhibition titled “Inner Gaze." This formidable exhibition arguably sparked the genesis of modern sculpting practice in both West and then East Pakistan (now present-day Bangladesh). She was the first-ever sculptor from the undivided Pakistani region. 

1y ago

Mamunur Rashid’s new play ‘Company’ to mesmerise audience on Eid

The play is centred around a timeline of 1744-1757 when British imperialism began to spread around the globe, especially the Indian subcontinent, to consciously rule them.

1y ago

‘Infrathin’: Exploring existence through art

In the collaborative embrace of “Infrathin”, the artists channel their creative energies, forming a cohesive vessel that not only captivates but also reflects the significance of the world around us

1y ago

Bengal’s revolutionary journey through slogans

Whenever an oppressive force tried to forcefully take their land and rice, the people of this country conjured up such resistance that even the strongest of forces had to retreat.

1y ago

Zainul Abedin's painting sold for record $381 000

Recently, in New York, two paintings by Zainul Abedin were auctioned at Sotheby's, with the "Santal Couples" painting fetching an amount that art enthusiasts consider staggering and a testament to the profound value of Abedin's artistic contributions. The other painting sold during the same auction by Abedin is an oil painting featuring a seated woman.

1y ago

BSA organises puppetry shows to revive nearly-lost art form

In a bid to revive that nostalgia, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) arranged a variety of programmes, including discussions and puppetry shows marking World Puppetry Day on March 21.

1y ago