Shatabdi Wadud named Prachyanat Chief Secretary as the group plots a theatre hub
Prachyanat, one of Bangladesh's most prominent theatre companies, has announced its new executive committee for the 2025–27 term, signalling continuity of its longstanding commitment to experimental stagecraft, training and international collaboration.
At the general meeting held on September 24, Prachyanat announced several key appointments to strengthen its leadership and training initiatives.
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Acclaimed stage and film actor Shatabdi Wadud was appointed as the theatre group's Chief Secretary, while renowned acting specialist and stage persona Sahana Rahman Sumi was concurrently appointed as Secretary of the Prachyanat School of Acting and Secretary of Training.
Other appointments include Arif Reza Khan as Finance Secretary, Bin-e Amin as Information Technology and Communications Secretary, and Tanji Kun as Production and Publications Secretary, reflecting the group's commitment to organisational efficiency and artistic excellence.
Founded in February 1997, Prachyanat has won acclaim for productions such as "Circus Circus", "Koinya" and "A Man for All Seasons", and an array of subsequent works including "Gondar", "Mandar", "Raja ... ebong Annanya", "Kinu Kahar er Thetar", "Punorjonmo", "Mayer Mukh", "Tragedy Polashbari", "Pulsiraat", "Khawabnama", "Agun Jatra" and "Achalayatan". The company's repertoire blends folk forms, music and political theatre, and has repeatedly pushed the margins of Bangladeshi stage practice.
Prachyanat has also pursued international partnerships: notable co-productions include "Babarnama" with the Japan Foundation, "Come On Bangladesh: Just Do It" with the Royal Danish Theatre, and "Butterfly Butterfly" in association with overseas partners. Its outreach has been furthered through initiatives such as Open Theatre, Prachyanat for Children, Theatre Lab Productions, a research cell, a musical ensemble and the annual "Uthan Natok Mela".
A cornerstone of Prachyanat's infrastructure is the Prachyanat School of Acting and Design, established in 2001 as the country's first independent theatre and design school. The school has graduated 48 cohorts and is currently running its 49th batch; each cohort presents an original production as part of its curriculum.
In its statement, the group said it now aims to consolidate its activities by establishing a self-sustaining "theatre hub" — a move that would extend Prachyanat's role as both an artistic laboratory and a training ground for the next generation of theatre practitioners.
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