Kheyali marks 50 years with two-day festival at Shilpakala

Kheyali Natya Goshti, one of Dhaka's long-standing theatre troupes, will mark its 50th anniversary with a two-day cultural and theatrical festival at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy's Studio Theatre Hall on October 24 and 25.

The celebration, part of the troupe's year-long golden jubilee programme, reflects Kheyali's enduring contribution to Bangladesh's theatre movement. Established on February 21, 1975 — in memory of Sirajuddin Khan and on the occasion of Language Martyrs' Day — the group has spent five decades combining theatre with social and cultural activism.

The festival will open on Thursday evening with "Kangaler Joto Kotha", a special presentation featuring songs, poems, and plays written by Kheyali's founder AKA Kabir. The second day will feature the troupe's musical and dance drama "Manush Hobo", which explores themes of humanity, compassion, and social consciousness.

Several guest troupes will also join the celebration. Maitri Theatre will stage "Bir Angona", Rongpeeth Nattyadal will perform "Sadakalo", and Shoukhine Theatre will present selected scenes from "Arek Falgun", based on Zahir Raihan's acclaimed novel.

"This golden jubilee celebration is not just about looking back," said Shahin Ahmed of Kheyali. "It's a call for dignity, compassion, and the creation of a humane society through art."

Kheyali's legacy stretches far beyond the stage. From its early days in Jurain, the group has remained active in social movements, using theatre as a platform for dialogue, reflection, and change.