Bangladesh Performance Art Group to stage ‘Jalal Uddin Rumi’ tonight

Born on September 30, 1207, in a little-known village in the East, Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī became the poet whose verses travel and reign across the world even today. To honor the mystic, Bangladesh Performance Art Group is bringing a new production, "Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī," to the Experimental Theatre Hall of the National Theatre, with its premiere on Tuesday.

Written by Apurba Kumar Kundu and directed by Sujan Mahmud—who also performs the solo role—the play unfolds around the final hour of Rumi's life. It begins with the Maghrib call to prayer and closes under the glow of a full moon. The story draws from the Sufi philosopher's reflections on death, his burial wishes made at the request of Konya's ruler, Muinuddin Shah Parwana, and the epitaphs written to mourn him.

The narrative revisits Rumi's memories, his companion and spiritual guide Shams Tabrizi, his family, the turbulence of his time, and the devotion of his admirers. "Like Persian poets Rudaki, Ferdowsi, or Saadi, Rumi stands as a bright star of world literature. Through this play, I have tried to show him in the light of history," playwright Kundu said.

Director Mahmud calls the production a contemporary experiment, weaving together elements of jatra, recitation, scroll painting, dance, shadow theatre, poetry, and music. "It is not just entertainment—it aims to open new spiritual and philosophical horizons for the audience," he explained.

The first performance will be staged on Tuesday at 6:30 pm. After the show, a discussion marking Rumi's birth anniversary will be held with Dhaka University Persian literature professor Mumeet Al Rashid and Syed Reza MirMohammadi, Cultural Counsellor of the Iranian Embassy, among others.