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 theatre festival and award ceremony will be held on the eve of International Women’s Day at the Mahila Samity’s Nilima Ibrahim Milanayatan, said Sayem Samad, lead artiste of Kanchkhela Repertory Theatre.
The exhibition is a pleasant treat for art lovers. Traversing a new path in art, the artist blossoms in the bliss of cosmic beauty in her search for inner peace, tranquillity and a divine connection with her works depicted in geometric forms and shapes, impressionable brush strokes and lurid colours. Her canvases are bountiful in realistic, semi-abstract, and abstract images. Thick and shimmering colours create volume and perspective in a poetic way.
The inauguration of “Metropolitan Melodies”, the second solo art exhibition by artist Biplab Biprodas took place in the gallery of Art Bangla Foundation on March 1. The ceremony was graced by the presence of renowned artist Prof Rashid Amin, chairperson of the Department of Printmaking at Jagannath University as the main guest.
On eminent theatre and cultural personality Mamunur Rashid's 75th birthday, one of his most celebrated disciples, Chanchal Chowdhury, presented him with a self-drawn portrait of his. In a way, the “Hawa” actor hence commemorated the long-withstanding ancient tradition “Guru Dakshina”.
A 14-day-long travelling fair, Shilpa Bazar (Art Market), has been the centre of attraction for the crafters and art enthusiasts in the capital, with regional, traditional products, ranging from Jamdani Sharee, sculptures to Bioscope in 100 stalls, featuring artists from the distinct places of the country.
Eminent cultural personality and Ekushey Padak winner Mamunur Rashid is a stalwart of the Bangladeshi media, simultaneously contributing as a playwright, director, and actor, and improving the cultural sector in the country. He is also the founder of Aranyak Natyadal.
The inauguration of “Inward Gaze”, the first solo art exhibition of Syeda Asma Akber took place at the capital’s Gallery Chitrak, Dhanmondi yesterday (February 24). The event was graced by the presence of cartoonist Professor Rafiqun Nabi as the chairperson, famous artist Monirul Islam and Professor Nisar Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka as special guests.
A group photo exhibition titled “Contemplation” is scheduled to commence today at 6pm at La Galerie Alliance Française de Dhaka in the capital’s Dhanmondi area.
Mamunur Rashid played a significant role in the post-independence stage movement in Bangladesh. Some of his notable stage dramas include “Ora Kodom Ali”, “Gandharva Nagari”, “Che'r Cycle”, “Sankranti”, “Rarang”, “Target Platoon”, “Iblish”, and more. He has also written numerous dramas for television. Mamunur Rashid continues to act regularly in stage, television, and film productions.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in collaboration with the People's Theatre Association (PTA) has organised the elaborate theatre festival in a bid to engage and encourage the young generation towards the craft, expressed Sabina Yasmin, public relations officer of BSA.
