Ninad debuts with Jean Cocteau’s ‘The Human Voice’ in Dhaka

Ninad, a new Dhaka-based theatre collective, opens its inaugural production on Wednesday evening with Jean Cocteau's one-act play "The Human Voice" at the Alliance Française auditorium.

The Bengali adaptation by Prajna Tasnuva Rubaiyat brings the classic monologue into a contemporary context, with performances continuing on October 10 and 11 to mark World Mental Health Day and the playwright's death anniversary.

The 1930 drama explores the final telephone conversation of a woman whose lover is about to marry another, capturing heartbreak, abandonment, and emotional turmoil.

Ninad's production preserves Cocteau's intense, intimate narrative while presenting it through a Bengali lens, combining psychological depth with theatrical innovation.

In addition to the main performances, the production features a pre-show installation designed to immerse audiences in the play's emotional atmosphere. Following the final show, a panel discussion on Cocteau's life and work will provide insight into his enduring influence on theatre.

Tickets and scheduling details are available through Alliance Française Dhaka.