During the event, the theatre personality who was supposed to give a speech to the present audience, suddenly took the microphone and informed on his resignation. "It is no longer possible for me to continue working here. That is why I am submitting my resignation letter to the Shilpakala Secretary (Mohammad Wares Hossain) in front of all of you," he stated, addressing the audience and distinguished guests at the event.

Prominent theatre troupe Prachyanat marked its 29th anniversary on February 21. To commemorate the occasion, the troupe organised a series of cultural events throughout the month, which concludes today with a closing ceremony at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA).

In recent years, the alarming rise in suicide rates among the youth has been a matter of concern. Societal pressures, relationship struggles, academic and professional failures, financial crises, and family conflicts have all been identified as key factors exacerbating mental stress. "Atmajoy" aims to convey the message that standing by one another and offering mental support can help prevent suicide. The play is written by Momena Chowdhury and directed by Shamim Sagar.

The fifth volume of legendary lyricist Gazi Mazharul Anwar’s songbook series, “Olpo Kothar Golpo Gaan”, was officially released on February 24 at the Ekushey Book Fair. Published by Bhashachitra, the event took place at their Pavilion 17 at 4pm. This new edition includes the stories behind 50 songs, along with the lyrics of 200 songs.

The closing ceremony on Tuesday night was marked by an energetic staging of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s "Swami-Strir Jhogra", a lively Leto drama performed by the theatre group Bohor Natya Nritya Dal. The production, brought to life by Banshari, left a lasting impression on the audience. After the play, singers such as Bijon Mistry, Priyanka Bhattacharya, and Mridula Samaddar graced the stage with soulful renditions of Nazrul’s iconic songs.

The much-anticipated annual Nazrul Utsav 2025 kicked off yesterday, celebrating the philosophies of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet whose works embody a powerful message of secularism, humanity, and unity. The two-day festival, organised by the Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Songstha (BNSS) at the Chhayanaut premises, is scheduled to run from 5pm to 9:30pm, featuring performances by over 100 artistes from Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi has claimed that a section of former Udichi activists who have left the umbrella of the organisation long ago has recently left cultural enthusiasts, all over the country, puzzled by performing a street drama named “Mukhosh” under their banner. This section for many years, featured the previous-incumbent government’s political and cultural narratives.

A talented ensemble of third-year students from the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies will bring the iconic production to life from February 24 to March 1, at the Natmandal Auditorium, under the direction of Assistant Professor Tanvir Nahid Khan. The play will be staged daily at 7pm, with additional shows on February 28 and March 1, at 5:00pm and 7:30pm, respectively.

A group of Bangladeshi performers traveled to Paris to participate in the event. Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the caretaker government, was invited as the chief guest for the inaugural ceremony, delivering his speech virtually. On February 21, at the main event, cultural advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki was present and shared his reflections on the Bangladeshi artists' performances on the prestigious UNESCO stage.

The first-ever Munier Chowdhury National Theatre Festival kicked off yesterday at the Training Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). The festival, scheduled for February 28, will feature 16 plays across eight categories, carefully chosen from a 15-day production-based theatre workshop conducted nationwide.

Classical music and dance are among the most refined expressions of human culture, representing profound dedication, beauty, and tradition. In an effort to further promote and preserve these distinguished art forms, the Music, Dance, and Recitation Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will be hosting a four-day “Shastriya Sangeet O Nritya Utsab” (Classical Music and Dance Festival).

Eminent Bangladeshi artist and creator of the iconic "Tokai"character, Professor Rafiqun Nabi, was denied access to the stage at an art exhibition at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka. The event, held yesterday, was meant to celebrate and showcase the talents of emerging artists from the university's Department of Drawing and Painting. However, what unfolded left many questioning the university’s priorities.

The rental fees for auditoriums in the Shilpakala Academy institutions nationwide have been reduced. According to the newly adjusted rates, the rental fee for an auditorium with over 500/300 seats equipped with split AC at the district level will now be Tk 3,000 for a single shift of eight hours (2:00pm – 10:00pm). Previously, the amount was Tk 6,000 for the first three hours.

Among the projects receiving grants in 2024 are initiatives from various fields, including film, creative technology, literature, visual arts, theatre, dance, design, fashion, crafts, and music. These diverse and multifaceted projects are expected to generate new ideas that will address global challenges, such as diversity and inclusion, as well as climate change.

This year, Barishal—Jibanananda’s birthplace—commemorated the poet’s 126th birth anniversary with a series of events that highlighted his enduring impact on both literary and artistic communities.

On the 126th birth anniversary of Jibanananda Das, one of Bengali Literature’s most revered figures, theatre group Theatre Factory is set to stage their latest production, “Komola Rong er Bodh”. Written and directed by Alok Basu, the play draws inspiration from the poet’s life and literary contributions.

Today Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, officially inaugurated the newly established Ananda Academy for Performing Arts (AAPA), as the chief guest. The inauguration of this project by the Social Services and Management Trust (SSMT) was held at SSMT House in the Baridhara area of the capital.

This moving love story was originally written almost 100 years ago by Urdu author Rahat Ara Begum. The tale of forbidden love between a prince and a servant has now been adapted into the dance drama “Dilnawaz” to be staged on Valentine’s Day.

As an admirer of art, the excitement was palatable as I could see legendary artists like Rafiqun Nabi and Monirul Islam gracing the premises – it was an exclusive first look of the event, arranged by Dhaka Storytellers.

Seventy-one theatre organisations from across Dhaka have united to form a platform to boost theatre practice by cultivating a more theatre-oriented audience, and invigorating theatre groups and members. Established last month, the platform is called Dhaka Mohanagar Natya Parishad. The organisation announced plans to host theatre festivals at various venues starting this month, led by the initiative of the board. As part of this effort, the first phase of the Dhaka Mohanagar Natya Utsab will span 14 days.