The year 2024 witnessed many highs and lows in the theatre scene of Bangladesh, with the country's stages alive with performances, controversies, and political turmoil. Among the year's most talked-about events was the resignation of Liaquat Ali Lucky, the former Director General of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy who was in that post for more than 12 years, following a mass uprising of students and citizens after over a decade of his controversial leadership.

Although theatrical productions continued into the early part of the year, political instability gradually reduced the frequency of performances. On July 19, "Anne Frank", a play by Mad Theatre, was supposed to be staged at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Shilpakala. However, the performance was cancelled due to the tense political situation. Soon after, the Academy shut down its auditoriums and rehearsal spaces, halting all activities. After nearly three months, theatre resumed on October 11 at the National Theatre Hall stage.

New productions hit the stage

According to Bangladesh Theatre Archives, while 73 new plays were performed last year, only 24 new productions made it to the stage in 2024. Notable among them were "Parabola" (Batighar), "Paro" (Desh Natok), "Company" (Aranyak), "Mohashunye Cycle" (Anushwar), "Bibidho Shok Othoba Sukh" (Anushwar), "Tiner Talowar" (Prangonemor), "Unopurush" (Nabaras Nritta O Natya Dal)), "The Man Outside" (Actomania), "Praay Tin/Chaarjon" (Prochondo Collective), "Meyeti" (Nattyahit, Chattogram), "Khoj" (Fame), and "Bodh" (Shopnoghuri Repertory).

A new director takes the helm

After the student uprising, Liaquat Ali Lucky resigned on August 12. On September 10, renowned theatre personality Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed stepped into the role of Director General of the Academy, marking a shift in leadership.

The abrupt cancellation of 'Nityapurana'

On November 2, a Facebook post by Ehsanul Aziz Babu, a key figure from Desh Natok, triggered protests at the gates of Shilpakala Academy during a scheduled performance of "Nityapurana." A group attempted to force their way inside, prompting Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed to halt the production midway, citing security concerns. The decision drew criticism from theatre artists, who held a protest outside the Academy. Things took a tense turn when eggs were thrown at veteran playwright Mamunur Rashid during his speech, sparking outrage among the community. In defiance, on November 27, "Nityapurana" returned to the stage at the same venue.

Leadership shake-up at the Theatre Federation

Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, which hadn't held an official meeting since 2018, underwent major changes this year. After a six-year stint as president, Liaquat Ali Lucky was ousted on October 25, with veteran actor-director Mamunur Rashid appointed head of a five-member reformation committee. Federation president Lucky Enam was named acting president. Just a month later, on November 19, Mamunur Rashid resigned, citing conflicts with the federation's operational methods.

A new organisation emerges

On October 19, a new organisation was formed by Dhaka's theatre artists—Theatre Artists Association of Dhaka— with Azad Abul Kalam as president and Saif Suman as general secretary. The group's mission is to protect the rights and welfare of theatre artists in Dhaka.

A controversial request

In the wake of the recent political upheavals, Syed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of Shilpakala Academy, advised Mamunur Rashid on November 29 to refrain from acting for a while. The recommendation sparked widespread criticism from the theatre community, who viewed it as an infringement on artistic freedom.

Renaming the auditoriums

On December 20, it was announced that seven auditoriums at Shilpakala Academy would be renamed. The National Theatre Hall's main auditorium was renamed "Kobi Alaol Natyalay," the Experimental Theatre Hall became "Selim Al Deen Natyalay," and the Studio Theatre Hall was renamed "Chandrabati Natyalay." Additionally, two halls in the music, recitation, and dance building were named after maestro Ustad Alauddin Khan and spiritual icon Shah Abdul Karim, while two halls in the fine arts building were dedicated to artist SM Sultan and sculptor Novera Ahmed.

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