Multiple theatre troupes claim they applied to book shows during these “reserved” slots — and were denied. When the list of reservations became public, the frustration spilled onto social media. On the Facebook group “Theatre Connection,” theatre activist Zubair Zahid posted a blunt question: “What kind of artistic practice requires 54 working days across three auditoriums?”
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has launched three specialised training workshops today, under the management of its Training Department. The inaugural event took place at 10 AM at the academy premises, officially opened by A.F.M. Nurur Rahman, Director of the Training Department.
The Chaitra Sankranti Band Show and Cultural Programme officially commenced this afternoon at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka, celebrating the end of the Bengali calendar year with a vibrant celebration of traditional music and modern performances.
Farooki declared that this year’s New Year celebrations would bring together not just Bengali citizens, but also 27 ethnic communities from across the country. “Diversity is our most powerful and beautiful asset,” he said.
To celebrate the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has arranged a Chand raat special musical event. The programme will take place today at 7 pm at Nandan Mancha, featuring performances by Emon Chowdhury, Nancy, and Qawwal Ahmed Noor Ameri. Ameri is well-known for his expertise in Qawwali and Maizbhandari music.
The Bangladesh Short Film Forum (BSFF) has organised a memorial event in honour of filmmaker, film activist, and educator Zahidur Rahim Anjan, who previously served as the organisation’s president.
Classical music and dance are among the most refined expressions of human culture, representing profound dedication, beauty, and tradition. In an effort to further promote and preserve these distinguished art forms, the Music, Dance, and Recitation Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will be hosting a four-day “Shastriya Sangeet O Nritya Utsab” (Classical Music and Dance Festival).
The three-day Burning Crab Festival came to a close, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the hill tracts and coastal regions. Hosted at the Mermaid Beach Resort, the event featured six stages, each showcasing a diverse array of performances.
For the first time, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is set to organise the Munier Chowdhury National Theatre Festival, with a 15-day, production-based theatre workshop already underway across the country in three phases.
The Dhaka International Film Festival is returning for its 23rd edition, scheduled to run over nine days from January 11 to January 19 next year.
Today two theatre troupes are set to perform street plays at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), advocating for the safety of theatre artistes. This protest is in response to the cancellation of the play “Nityapurana” on November 2, as well as the subsequent attack on renowned thespian Mamunur Rashid during a demonstration led by Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) activists.
Today, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) activists organised and participated in a press conference held at the National Theatre Hall seminar room, in response to the unwarranted attack on activists during a protest at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s (BSA) National Theatre Hall yesterday. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for the protection of the nation’s cultural sector so that theatre activities can resume without fear.
Following the attack, the theater group Aranyak Natyadal decided to cancel the scheduled 7:00pm performance of their play Company at the main auditorium of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
There's no denying that Bangladeshi rappers were instrumental in the success of the student-led mass movement. Rapper Hannan, for instance, was even arrested for his song “Awaaz Utha”. Now, however, he is all set to take the stage at the Shilpakala Academy for a live performance.
In the spirit of post-July Revolution rejuvenation, Shilpakala Academy seeks to reinvigorate cultural expressions across all social layers. With the theme “In fear, we falter; in defiance, we are Bangladesh,” the festival will run from November 1 to November 7 at Mukto Moncho in Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.
BSA's initiatives in theatre, music, and visual arts have proven to be effective tools for bridging divides in Bangladesh's politically charged environment. The academy's diverse programming speaks to a wide range of Bangladeshis, although often failing to transcend party affiliations and ideological differences.
As concerts, exhibitions, and theatre performances return in full swing, Dhaka is once again set to embrace its cultural vibrancy.
After almost three months of closure, theatrical performances are set to resume today on a limited scale at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital. Bangladesh Theatre's production of "Sea Morog" will be performed at the National Theatre Hall auditorium on this inaugural day.
Sources at Shilpakala Academy confirmed that since the student-led protests, army personnel have been stationed in various rooms of the National Theatre Hall, making it impossible to allocate spaces for events or rehearsals. However, as conditions have improved, and following requests from cultural groups and organisations, the hall and two rehearsal rooms will now be available for theatre performances and rehearsals, albeit under strict conditions.
