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Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Sudip Chakroborthy is a theatre practitioner and a teacher at the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at Dhaka University. Inspired by this form of art from a very young age, Sudip believes that theatre helps to open up worlds for people sitting inside four walled rooms. The art form helps people express themselves and thus become kinder in behaviour, subtler in language, understanding and patient during crises. "Theatre is life," as he says. 

Why does theatre excite you?
Theatre is full of surprises. It is 'fresh' and a completely new way to experiencing life and beyond.

Who is your inspiration when it comes to theatre?
My friends, my first theatre teacher Jahangir Alom Rana, college teachers Tofazzal Islam Chowdhury and Sheikh Araz Ali during theatre practice in Nabiganj and Habiganj.  However, during theatre study in Dhaka University, my mother and teachers inspired me greatly.

Your three favourite stage plays.
My direction: 'Chaka' by Selim Al Deen, 'Mohajoner Nao' by Shakoor Majid and 'Lal Jomin' by Mannan Heera. Others: 'Behular Bhashan' by Syed Jamil Ahmed, 'War Horse' by Nick Stafford (West End) and 'Black Watch' by Gregory Burke (National Theatre of Scotland).

What is the first thought that comes to your mind when you make an entry on stage in front of hundreds of people?
It was 1996, when I stepped on the stage in front of thousands of people at the Nabiganj School open stage – and I was terrified!

What is your motto in life?
To create something beautiful, and of course staying positive always.

If banished to an isolated island for 14 years, what are the three things that you would carry with yourself?
I will carry books, films and seeds of flowers!

Your advice to the young people who would like to enter the world of theatre?
Stay calm, focused and observe the world around you.  Don't think about money. Money will come to you if you are true to your creativity.