Shilpakala Academy

Celebrating December with theatre, qawwali, and cultural festivals across Bangladesh

This December, the country is set to come alive with an extraordinary lineup of cultural festivities, organized by Shilpakala Academy to mark the country's month of victory. From Qawwali performances to theatre festivals, the month-long celebration promises something for everyone. These events, held across districts and major cities, aim to bring art and culture to the public, making them accessible to all.

When art and politics collide

Dr Samina Luthfa, associate professor at the Department of Sociology in Dhaka University, talks about the recent controversy surrounding Shilpakala Academy and the theatre scene in Bangladesh with Monorom Polok of The Daily Star.

Opinion / Shilpakala Academy’s catalytic role against polarisation and extremism

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.

Three-day Lalon Festival to return to Shilpakala Academy tomorrow

In honour of Lalon's 134th death anniversary on October 17, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organised a three-day festival to celebrate his legacy. A press conference detailing the event will take place today at 3:00pm in the National Theatre Hall seminar room.

Women’s bodies, male privilege, and the enduring secularist/religious binary in Bangladesh

There are women who don't want to be in the middle of a duel between two groups who legitimise and co-produce each other.

Ferdous Ara returns to Bangladesh Betar after 15 years

Celebrated Nazrul Sangeet exponent Ferdous Ara faced an unexpected exclusion during Awami League’s tenure. For the past 15 years, she was barred from performing on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar. Recently, however, she made a long-awaited return to these two state-run platforms. 

‘The School for Wives’ returns to Shilpakala Academy

The play proceeds to what happens after that, and if Arnolphe succeeds in his motif.

22nd DIFF / Dhaka Int’l Film Festival kicks off today, ‘Mujib’ and ‘Fereshteh’ to be screened for free

The 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) officially kicks off today, featuring a lineup of around 250 films from 74 countries, including Bangladesh. The festival, spanning nine days from January 20 to January 28, will showcase 71 films from Bangladesh. Notably, the films “Mujib: The Making of a Nation” and “Fereshteh” will be available for viewing at the festival free of charge.

19-day nationwide Jatra festival kicks off

The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is spearheading a unique 19-day Jatra festival that spans 42 districts, engaging the general public in a journey of development and celebrating art. The grand cultural festival, titled "Gono Jagoron Jatrapala Utsav 2023", kicked off yesterday (November 2) with an inaugural ceremony at 6 pm at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

March 29, 2023
March 29, 2023

Liaquat Ali Lucky reinstated as DG of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy

The notice read that he can begin his occupancy starting from the coming April 13, 2023 or his next word-day, according to his existing contract.

February 23, 2023
February 23, 2023

We don't have enough women in the Bangladeshi music scene: Sohini Alam

Among many talented artistes being featured at the upcoming WOW festival, this will be the first time that British-Bangladeshi band "Khiyo" would be performing in the country.

February 11, 2023
February 11, 2023

Dhaka Art Summit for young visitors

Animation, games and performances your children shouldn't miss on the last day of DAS 2023 today

September 29, 2022
September 29, 2022

‘Praner Prodip Jwaliye’: Prime Minister’s 75th birthday celebration at Bangla Academy

The program was divided in two sections; the first part was dedicated to launching the book titled, Praner Prodip Jwaliye (Bangla Academy, 2022). It is a collection of poetry and rhymes written for the Prime Minister’s 75th birth anniversary and were composed by celebrated personalities.

September 15, 2022
September 15, 2022

How I became Tamijer Baap in ‘Khowabnama’

I found myself looking for him beyond the pages of Elias's novel, among the old men who beg on the streets of Dhaka, or in the madman lying on the footpath, trying to say something  in a huff or lost in a hallucination on the open road.

May 29, 2022
May 29, 2022

Himmati Mai: Symbolic protest in response to widespread atrocities against women

Saturday afternoon witnessed a unique performance art at the city’s Shilpakala Academy Grounds, where 70 women across all generations and professions took to the streets for an hour to protest against the escalating abuse against women all over the world including Bangladesh.

December 9, 2021
December 9, 2021

National award winner Kajol Ibrahim launches her memoir

In an intimate ceremony held at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on December 4, national award-winning dancer, choreographer, and stage performer Kajol Ibrahim launched her memoir, Nritte Gantha Kotha Mala, published by Ramon Publishers.

March 21, 2015
March 21, 2015

Attack on theatre workers at Shilpakala

THE mindless assault on theatre workers at the Shilpakala Academy on Wednesday is an appalling example of a lapse in security at such an important cultural centre.

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