theatre

LITERARY CURTAINS / Adaptation as misrecognition: ‘Siddhartha’ between text, philosophy, and stage

There is always a subtle tension when a story migrates across cultures. Some narratives travel with the lightness of wind, reshaping themselves almost effortlessly inside new imaginations, while others arrive heavy with the weight of the worlds that first produced them.

Muktadhara: How Tagore Exposed the Tyranny of Nationalism

Rabindranath Tagore, whose genius touched nearly every branch of the arts and literature, left an indelible imprint on the world of drama—not merely as a playwright, but as an actor, director, and visionary of the stage.

LITERARY CURTAINS / ‘Pakhider Bidhanshabha’: A mesmerising theatrical odyssey

On the evening of February 10 the curtain fell for the last time on a performance that, over the preceding days, had cast an enchanting spell upon its audience.

REFLECTIONS / Utpal Dutt and the new dawn

The audience for the jatra was all any Marxist theatre director in Kolkata could have wished for.

LITERARY CURTAINS / ‘Begum’s Blunder’ shines in Wilde splendour

Begum’s Blunder is a clever adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan. The play transports the Victorian setting to the imaginary Behrampur, the heyday of the Nawabs in India. With Naila Azad Nupur’s direction, and Sadaf Saaz working her behind-the-scenes magic as the producer, the production by Kaleidoscope projects lights on the prism of Wilde’s 1892 play to find their contemporary refractions and reflections in colonial India.

Bonna Mirza revives on stage

While Bonna Mirza is widely recognised for her roles in cinema and television, her roots in theatre remain a defining aspect of her career. Despite being a prominent figure in the film and TV industry, Bonna frequently graces the stage, captivating audiences with her acting prowess.

Theatre to thrive in 2024?

Prominent theatre troupes Prachyanat, Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, Aranyak Natyadal, Swapnadal, Meghdoot, Theatre, Batighar and others have planned to bring a new and intriguing set of theatrics to the stage as well for the year 2024 as well.

A theatrical triumph in East London: 'Prithok Palonko' mesmerises a packed house

The Brady Arts Centre in East London witnessed a cultural extravaganza as the curtains rose for "Prithok Palonko" (A Palanquin of One's Own), a production by Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, UK, staged on November 25, Saturday. This theatrical gem, written by Bulbul Hasan and directed by Syeda Saima Ahmed, is part of the much-anticipated 'A Season of Bangla Drama', an annual festival organised by the Tower Hamlets Council. The play wove a tapestry of love, poetry, and timeless connections, leaving the audience in awe.

Anuswar theatre troupe's 'Harmachis Cleopatra' underway

Dhaka's theater enthusiasts are in for a treat as the theater troupe Anuswar takes center stage with their latest production, "'Harmachis Cleopatra".

January 1, 2024
January 1, 2024

Theatre to thrive in 2024?

Prominent theatre troupes Prachyanat, Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, Aranyak Natyadal, Swapnadal, Meghdoot, Theatre, Batighar and others have planned to bring a new and intriguing set of theatrics to the stage as well for the year 2024 as well.

November 27, 2023
November 27, 2023

A theatrical triumph in East London: 'Prithok Palonko' mesmerises a packed house

The Brady Arts Centre in East London witnessed a cultural extravaganza as the curtains rose for "Prithok Palonko" (A Palanquin of One's Own), a production by Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, UK, staged on November 25, Saturday. This theatrical gem, written by Bulbul Hasan and directed by Syeda Saima Ahmed, is part of the much-anticipated 'A Season of Bangla Drama', an annual festival organised by the Tower Hamlets Council. The play wove a tapestry of love, poetry, and timeless connections, leaving the audience in awe.

August 24, 2023
August 24, 2023

Anuswar theatre troupe's 'Harmachis Cleopatra' underway

Dhaka's theater enthusiasts are in for a treat as the theater troupe Anuswar takes center stage with their latest production, "'Harmachis Cleopatra".

August 2, 2023
August 2, 2023

‘Tirthojatri’ stages successful run in Dhaka after New York

“Tirthojatri”, directed by Tauquir Ahmed, took the stage at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka recently. This production marks the 16th instalment from his theatre troupe Natyakendra. Prior to this, Tauquir presented the play to the expatriate audience at the Queens Theater in New York on March 18.

June 18, 2023
June 18, 2023

‘I don’t want anything more from life'

Today marks the 80th birthday of the renowned actor, Ferdousi Majumdar.

May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023

Our theatre scene and its present challenges

Theatre has a rich history in Bangladesh. Like many other art forms, it combines social commentary and dialogue with skilful acting and narratives to reach audiences. With the advent of various entertainment platforms and given Bangladesh's limited approach to performative arts, theatre has progressed, but still has a long way to go to overcome multiple obstacles standing in its way.

May 10, 2023
May 10, 2023

4 theatre troupes demand answers from Group Theatre Federation

The letter was sent to Liaquat Ali Lucky, Chairman, Group Theatre Federation, earlier on April 13, which has been revealed today to the media.

April 20, 2023
April 20, 2023

Over 100 theatres reopening for Eid

With Eid just around the corner, it has been anticipated that a total of nine films would be released on the occasion.

March 13, 2023
March 13, 2023

Love the Oscars winners? Here’s what you should read

The book behind the Oscar-winning adaptations, and books about the history of the award

February 15, 2023
February 15, 2023

'Bridgerton' spin-off goes back in time, follows 'Queen Charlotte' origins

The six-episode series is the first spin-off from "Bridgerton", set in Regency London and whose first series became a global phenomenon when it was released in late 2020.