Theatre celebrates 100th staging of ‘Nikhai’

Theatre will stage the 100th performance of its acclaimed production “Nikhai” on July 11 at the National Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Written and directed by Gazi Rakayet, “Nikhai” is the troupe’s 34th production. Set at a steamer ghat during the British colonial period, the play explores humanity beyond caste and religious divisions, arguing that a person’s true identity lies in their shared humanity.

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The story centres on an elderly man who has remained at the riverside ghat for a decade. One midnight, the arrival of a police officer and his wife—desperate to cross the river but unable to find a boatman—sets in motion a series of events that gradually uncover the mystery surrounding the old man’s past.

Calling the production his first original stage play, Rakayet said the drama is rooted in a love story while examining social inequality, caste hierarchy and discrimination.

“God created love to erase divisions between people,” he said. “If we want to preserve humanity, we must bridge the distance that separates us. There is no alternative.”

He added that reaching the 100-performance milestone was particularly meaningful, noting that another of his productions had also recently achieved the same landmark.

The theatre troupe said it is planning special events to mark the occasion and will announce details soon. The production features the troupe’s regular ensemble cast.