175 cultural activists call for a separate film division at BSA

The statement presented arguments in support of this demand, signed by filmmakers, producers, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, film critics, researchers, teachers, film workers and organizers, actors, musicians, and photographers.
24 November 2024, 10:50 AM

Azad Abul Kalam, Saif Suman to lead Theatre Artists Association of Dhaka

The committee will serve until December 2026. The decision was approved during the association’s first general meeting, attended by 80 of the 170 registered members, held at the National Theatre Auditorium in the capital, reads a press release.
23 November 2024, 11:33 AM

Alliance Française to exhibit handcrafted musical instruments

Alliance Française de Dhaka is set to host a distinctive exhibition featuring traditional musical instruments handcrafted by Mohammad Zakir Hossain. Titled “Symphony of Healing”, the exhibition will officially open on November 25 at 6pm at La Galerie in Dhanmondi.
23 November 2024, 09:01 AM

Bangladeshi dance troupe turns heads at Indian festival

In a lively celebration of cultural exchange, a distinguished nine-member ensemble from Dhaka’s esteemed dance academy, “Kolpotoru,” showcased Bangladesh’s artistic heritage at the illustrious “Bali Yatra Festival 2024” in India. The performance was held at the invitation of the Government of India. 
23 November 2024, 04:56 AM

‘Nityapurana’ returns to stage with symbolic ‘127.5th’ show

The play has garnered acclaim for its poignant exploration of societal inequalities. Between 2001 and 2005, “Nityapurana” was staged 86 times across Bangladesh and abroad. 
22 November 2024, 12:22 PM

‘Brishti-te Roder Kona’: A tribute to Kazi Abdul Baset

The name of the late legendary artist Kazi Abdul Baset stands strong among the intellectuals who contributed significantly to Bangladesh's artistic and cultural progress even before independence. In tribute to the drawings and paintings he created from the ‘60s to the ‘90s, a solo exhibition titled “Brishti-te Roder Kona” is currently being hosted at Bengal Shilpalay. The Bengal Arts Program has curated the exhibition.
21 November 2024, 11:47 AM

When dance speaks the language of resilience and spirit 

With its universal message of hope, “A Rising Lioness: In Search of Beauty” speaks not only to burn survivors but to anyone facing disabilities, neurodiversity, or societal exclusion. By portraying a journey of courage and transformation, the production inspires reflection on the values of empathy, and inclusion, and celebrates the human spirit of resilience.
19 November 2024, 18:05 PM

Group Theatre Federation’s convening committee resigns over ‘clash in working methods’

In a letter signed by renowned director Mamunur Rashid and dated Tuesday, the committee highlighted significant challenges in collaborating with the federation's central leadership.
19 November 2024, 14:00 PM

‘Bengal Bliss and Harmony’: Fragments of Bengal in Texas

The everlasting beauty of Bengal and her women, the past relics, and the present elements are currently assembled at Lone Star College Art Gallery, City of Tomball, Texas — creating a window from the USA, across the Atlantic, to Bangladesh. Tasnuva Rahman, a Bangladeshi-American visual artist has adorned the walls of the gallery with her heritage, memoir, and artistry for her second solo exhibition titled “Bengal Bliss and Harmony”. The event, curated by Jill Brumer, chair of the Fine Arts Department at Lone Star College and associate professor of Drama, is currently taking place in Texas.
18 November 2024, 13:24 PM

‘Marx in Soho’ to stage five shows over three days

The play “Marx in Soho” is making its return to the stage with five performances. This collaborative production by theatre groups BotTola and Jatrik will be staged over three consecutive days in Dhaka. 
18 November 2024, 06:27 AM

Street theatre ‘Lal Majlum’ revisits historic uprisings

A peaceful performance program, in the form of a street theatre titled “Lal Majlum” commenced at Dhaka University's Raju Memorial Sculpture last Saturday at 4:00pm, marking the tragic events of the historic mass uprising of July-August. 
17 November 2024, 06:37 AM

Padatik Natya Sangsad revives autism awareness play 'Prerona'

The play was not only about raising awareness but also sought to change societal perceptions of people with autism and other disabilities. The team behind "Prerona" hoped the audience would rethink their approach toward those with special needs, transforming their black-and-white world into a colorful one filled with possibilities. As the saying goes, "It takes a village," and the creators of "Prerona" believe collective action can create a more inclusive society.
17 November 2024, 06:03 AM

Arnob back on the canvas

On a quiet autumn evening, we visited Arnob’s studio, Kolorob, where he shared reflections on his musical career, insights into his creative journey in art, and his upcoming projects.
15 November 2024, 18:05 PM

Theatre artistes to stage street play as protest at BSA

Today two theatre troupes are set to perform street plays at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), advocating for the safety of theatre artistes. This protest is in response to the cancellation of the play “Nityapurana” on November 2, as well as the subsequent attack on renowned thespian Mamunur Rashid during a demonstration led by Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) activists.
14 November 2024, 09:45 AM

Indian High Commission celebrates Nazrul’s legacy

The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) of the Indian High Commission organised a musical evening dedicated to Shyama Sangeet by Kazi Nazrul Islam. The event took place yesterday afternoon.
13 November 2024, 06:48 AM

Ongoing unrest at BSA: Theatre activists commit to continue protests

Today, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) activists organised and participated in a press conference held at the National Theatre Hall seminar room, in response to the unwarranted attack on activists during a protest at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s (BSA) National Theatre Hall yesterday. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for the protection of the nation’s cultural sector so that theatre activities can resume without fear.
9 November 2024, 13:25 PM

Aranyak Natyadal cancels show following BSA Attack

Following the attack, the theater group Aranyak Natyadal decided to cancel the scheduled 7:00pm performance of their play Company at the main auditorium of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
9 November 2024, 12:29 PM

Eggs thrown at protest as Theatre Federation condemns abrupt suspension of ‘Nityapurāna’

The artiste further shared that they have scheduled a press conference for tomorrow at 11:00am in BSA’s seminar hall to address the incident and the broader issues affecting theatre workers and the BSA nationwide. Senior theatre personalities are expected to attend.
8 November 2024, 14:52 PM

Aly Zaker: Remembering the architect of Bangladeshi theatre

As we celebrate the artiste’s 80th birth anniversary and reflect on four years since we lost him, we remember Aly Zaker as more than just an actor; as a visionary who understood the transformative power of storytelling. His legacy reminds us that art is not merely entertainment—it is the heartbeat of life itself, shaping how we see, feel, and understand the world.
6 November 2024, 07:39 AM

‘Finely Tiny’: The blend of mathematics and Oriental art

In her current body of work, Élise finds inspiration in the intricate symmetry of geometric forms, exploring a shared language between art and science. Her pieces “Classroom” and “Roméo & Juliette – Mathematician Version” epitomise her commitment to merging mathematical calculation with creative expression.
5 November 2024, 12:32 PM