Bangladeshi theatre: A sociopolitical study

Theatre in Bangladesh has never been merely a form of entertainment. It has always served as a mirror to society, reflecting its contradictions, struggles, and aspirations. In his seminal work, Bangladesher Natoke Shomajbastobota—adapted from his PhD thesis—Dr Babul Biswas takes on the ambitious task of exploring how Bangladeshi theatre has engaged with social realities throughout history and, in particular, in the years following independence. The outcome is an illuminating study that is at once scholarly, analytical, and profoundly relevant to contemporary cultural discourse.

At the outset, Dr Biswas situates his work within the context of a nation in flux. He reminds us that independent Bangladesh was born in the crucible of communal tension, hegemonic domination, and imperialist designs. Alongside these structural forces came new forms of consumerism and religious dogmatism that reshaped social consciousness. Against this backdrop, theatre emerged not only as a cultural practice but also as a form of resistance and a means of social commentary.

In this book, eminent playwright Selim Al Deen, among others, is credited with framing theatre in sociological and historical terms, and it is within this lineage that Dr Biswas anchors his own analysis.

The scope of the book is admirably wide. By juxtaposing Bangladeshi theatre within global processes of colonialism, consumerism, and hegemonism, Dr Biswas shows that the nation's cultural struggles are neither isolated nor unique.

The book is organised into five substantial chapters, each addressing a distinct periodic study in Bangladeshi theatre. The opening chapter provides a historical sweep, tracing cultural practices from the Pala period through the medieval, colonial, and postcolonial eras. This long historical arc reveals how shifts in political and religious authority left lasting imprints on literature and theatre studies. Particularly striking is the analysis of how Western dramatic traditions were adopted during British colonial rule, gradually altering Bengali theatre's orientation. Dr Biswas carefully links these transformations to questions of class, domination, and identity, laying a solid foundation for his later arguments.

The second chapter examines pre-independence theatre, from the pre-British to Pakistani periods. Here, theatre is shown as a site of cultural assertion against colonial and authoritarian structures. The Language Movement of 1952 and subsequent cultural struggles are presented not merely as political events but as catalysts for theatrical innovation, demonstrating how theatre carried forward the fight for identity and autonomy.

It is in the third and fourth chapters, however, that the book truly comes alive. Focusing on the Liberation War and the turbulent years that followed, Dr Biswas explores how theatre absorbed and represented the crises of a nation. Plays such as "Ekti Michhil" are highlighted as pivotal texts that encapsulate the birth of Bangladesh, the trauma of war, and the vision of a new society. Liberation War-themed plays are reviewed in detail, with attention to how they reflected not only nationalist aspirations but also the disillusionment that followed. Post-independence theatre, he argues, became an arena where the manipulation of religion, the rise of authoritarian rule, and the spread of consumerism were critically examined. The realist framework adopted by playwrights is shown to be deeply connected to the lived experiences of a society grappling with betrayal, instability, and shifting values.

Perhaps the most compelling contribution of this book lies in its fifth chapter, which foregrounds women in theatre. Dr Biswas argues that the promise of equality and empowerment for women remained largely unfulfilled in post-independence Bangladesh. Instead, women were subjected to new forms of oppression under the twin pressures of religious conservatism and capitalist consumerism. Through the analysis of three plays, he demonstrates how women's struggles for freedom, recognition, and dignity were represented on stage. Importantly, he also highlights the role of female playwrights in reshaping post-independence theatre, ensuring that women were not merely subjects but also creators of cultural narratives.

Methodologically, Dr Biswas employs a rigorous approach. His reliance on textual analysis, archival documents, supporting books, and interviews with experts allows him to weave together literary criticism with social science perspectives. The application of new theoretical frameworks lends freshness to the study, while his careful attention to both historical continuity and contemporary change ensures a balanced perspective.

The scope of the book is admirably wide. By juxtaposing Bangladeshi theatre within global processes of colonialism, consumerism, and hegemonism, Dr Biswas shows that the nation's cultural struggles are neither isolated nor unique. Rather, they are part of a larger narrative of resistance and adaptation that spans continents. Yet, he never loses sight of the local, grounding his analysis in the particularities of Bengali nationalism, cultural practice, and historical experience.

What makes the book especially timely is its relevance to today's Bangladesh. As the nation continues to grapple with religious extremism, gender inequality, and consumerist values, theatre in Bangladesh remains a vital space for reflection and critique. By showing how our theatre has historically responded to such challenges, Dr Biswas implicitly calls for its continued role in shaping a more just and conscious society.

In sum, this book is an invaluable addition to the field of theatre studies and cultural history in Bangladesh. It will appeal not only to scholars and students of literature and theatre studies but also to anyone interested in the intersection of culture, politics, and society. Dr Biswas has produced a work of both academic rigour and cultural significance, one that ensures Bangladeshi theatre is recognised not only as art but as a vital record of social reality.

Abdus Selim is an eminent academic and translator. He can be reached at [email protected].