Jahangirnagar Theatre held a three-day drama festival titled 'Songshokti Songhotto: Sanskritik Protirodh' on the Jahangirnagar University (JU) campus, under the slogan 'Bhangore Shikol, Anore Alo' ('Break the Chains, Bring the Light'), aiming to stand against cultural aggression.

"Since the fall of the autocratic regime, repeated attacks on cultural activists and vandalism of art installations have raised concerns about the future of cultural practices and the safety of cultural workers. To foster solidarity and highlight the spirit of mass uprising, we have organised 'Songshokti Songhotto: Sanskritik Protirodh'," said Syeda Meher Afroze, general secretary of Jahangirnagar Theatre.

The event commenced on Friday with street play performances by Podatik Natya Sangsad and Noboros. Their productions, "Tahader Kotha" and "Artonad," captivated the audience with their thought-provoking narratives.

Tahader Kotha, written and directed by Mominul Haque Dipu, portrayed the harsh realities of working-class life. The play sheds light on the exploitation and dehumanisation faced by labourers, showcasing how they are reduced to less than human in a cruel system.

On the other hand, Artonad, written and directed by Syeda Shamsi Ara Saiki, centres on the 2024 mass uprising. Saiki's storyline skillfully brought the voices of the deceased to the forefront, making the bloodshed and struggles of the movement vivid.

Saturday's performances included "Speak Out - BAASUD" by the theatre troupe Prachyanat and "Ekti Non-Fiction" by Jahangirnagar Theatre.

"Speak Out – BAASUD" boldly addressed opportunism in contemporary Bangladesh, showcasing how some individuals exploit evolving situations to serve their own interests. Prachyanat's performance was both meticulous and impactful.

Meanwhile, Jahangirnagar Theatre's "Ekti Non-Fiction," written and directed by Mahfuz Alam Masum, stood out as a timeless critique of oppression. The play, performed by Sazid, Ifaz, Haider, Sultan, Arif, Milon, Onnoraju, Samiha, and Priyanka, explored recurring historical injustices and condemned the ongoing lawlessness and attacks on cultural activists.

The festival concluded on Sunday night with a program titled "Muktir Gaan o Kobita" (Songs and Poems of Liberation), featuring performances by Jahangirnagar Theatre and other cultural groups. This celebration of art and resistance marked the end of a successful initiative to unite and empower cultural activists against aggression.