theatre

REFLECTIONS / Utpal Dutt and the new dawn

The audience for the jatra was all any Marxist theatre director in Kolkata could have wished for.

LITERARY CURTAINS / ‘Begum’s Blunder’ shines in Wilde splendour

Begum’s Blunder is a clever adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan. The play transports the Victorian setting to the imaginary Behrampur, the heyday of the Nawabs in India. With Naila Azad Nupur’s direction, and Sadaf Saaz working her behind-the-scenes magic as the producer, the production by Kaleidoscope projects lights on the prism of Wilde’s 1892 play to find their contemporary refractions and reflections in colonial India.

Bonna Mirza revives on stage

While Bonna Mirza is widely recognised for her roles in cinema and television, her roots in theatre remain a defining aspect of her career. Despite being a prominent figure in the film and TV industry, Bonna frequently graces the stage, captivating audiences with her acting prowess.

Theatre to thrive in 2024?

Prominent theatre troupes Prachyanat, Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, Aranyak Natyadal, Swapnadal, Meghdoot, Theatre, Batighar and others have planned to bring a new and intriguing set of theatrics to the stage as well for the year 2024 as well.

A theatrical triumph in East London: 'Prithok Palonko' mesmerises a packed house

The Brady Arts Centre in East London witnessed a cultural extravaganza as the curtains rose for "Prithok Palonko" (A Palanquin of One's Own), a production by Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, UK, staged on November 25, Saturday. This theatrical gem, written by Bulbul Hasan and directed by Syeda Saima Ahmed, is part of the much-anticipated 'A Season of Bangla Drama', an annual festival organised by the Tower Hamlets Council. The play wove a tapestry of love, poetry, and timeless connections, leaving the audience in awe.

Anuswar theatre troupe's 'Harmachis Cleopatra' underway

Dhaka's theater enthusiasts are in for a treat as the theater troupe Anuswar takes center stage with their latest production, "'Harmachis Cleopatra".

‘Tirthojatri’ stages successful run in Dhaka after New York

“Tirthojatri”, directed by Tauquir Ahmed, took the stage at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka recently. This production marks the 16th instalment from his theatre troupe Natyakendra. Prior to this, Tauquir presented the play to the expatriate audience at the Queens Theater in New York on March 18.

‘I don’t want anything more from life'

Today marks the 80th birthday of the renowned actor, Ferdousi Majumdar.

#Arts / Our theatre scene and its present challenges

Theatre has a rich history in Bangladesh. Like many other art forms, it combines social commentary and dialogue with skilful acting and narratives to reach audiences. With the advent of various entertainment platforms and given Bangladesh's limited approach to performative arts, theatre has progressed, but still has a long way to go to overcome multiple obstacles standing in its way.

April 20, 2023
April 20, 2023

Over 100 theatres reopening for Eid

With Eid just around the corner, it has been anticipated that a total of nine films would be released on the occasion.

March 13, 2023
March 13, 2023

Love the Oscars winners? Here’s what you should read

The book behind the Oscar-winning adaptations, and books about the history of the award

February 15, 2023
February 15, 2023

'Bridgerton' spin-off goes back in time, follows 'Queen Charlotte' origins

The six-episode series is the first spin-off from "Bridgerton", set in Regency London and whose first series became a global phenomenon when it was released in late 2020.

January 11, 2023
January 11, 2023

Ishrat Nishat Natya Puraskar coming January 19

On Tuesday, nominees for the Ishrat Nishat Natya Puraskar were announced at a press conference in Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

September 24, 2022
September 24, 2022

‘Nil Chhaya’ reconjures ghosts of Bengal’s Indigo Revolution

‘Nil Chhaya' connects the Indigo Revolt to the oppressions faced by present day garment factory workers in Bangladesh.

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.

June 13, 2022
June 13, 2022

The Making of Theatre: There are no secrets

What makes theatre good, bad or even deadly? I thought I knew the answer to this tricky question. I had a valid ground for this belief because more than thirty years ago, the pre-eminent playwright of Bangladesh,

May 12, 2022
May 12, 2022

The pursuit of theatre

The world of theatre is accessible yet not a simple one to get into.

April 25, 2022
April 25, 2022

A search for the Shakespearean semiotics in Bangladesh

This writing celebrates how Bangladesh has practised a ‘disturbingly relevant’ legacy of William Shakespeare through a testimonial of Aly Zaker, a phenomenal figure in the cultural arena of the country.

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.