The production has been lauded for its compelling portrayal of Khona's defiance against patriarchal norms and her quest for equality.
As the nation now stands on the cusp of renewal, Pahela Baishakh 1432 arrives at a time when the people of Bangladesh are eager to reclaim their cultural voice—seeking a deeper connection to its identity, heritage, and hope. For centuries, it has been an occasion of collective celebration, resilience, and unity.
Popular theatre troupe Prangonemor was all set to stage their acclaimed adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s “Shesher Kobita”, with a fresh perspective, as part of the upcoming Chaitra Sankranti and Pahela Baishakh celebrations.
Directed conceptually by actress Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed, the shoot masterfully intertwines the joyous rituals of Biju and heartfelt reunions among friends, reflecting values of empathy, unity, and the universal language of human connection.
The production delves into the nuanced romance between Amit Roy and Labanya Debi, whose chance encounter in Shillong evolves into a profound exploration of love and self-discovery. The play also features pivotal characters such as Shobhonlal and Ketaki, adding depth to the narrative.
Farooki declared that this year’s New Year celebrations would bring together not just Bengali citizens, but also 27 ethnic communities from across the country. “Diversity is our most powerful and beautiful asset,” he said.
Renowned filmmaker and cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has dismissed concerns that Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is running without leadership following the recent resignation of its Director General, Syed Jamil Ahmed.
Artists from across the country, including indigenous performers, will participate. The celebration begins on April 13 evening with a traditional “Chaitra Sankranti” fair, featuring folk elements like nagor dola, lathi khela, and stalls selling local crafts and utensils.
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.
The cover art of “Chronicles of Allen Swapan” was designed by Asifur Rahman, with editing by Mehedi Haque and Sheikh Korashanee. The comic is rated ‘M’ (Mature) and is intended for adult readers.
On this very day on February 21, 1952, the streets of Dhaka became a battlefield, soaked with the blood of young martyrs, who stood resolute in the face of oppressive authority, demanding the right to speak their mother tongue, Bangla. It was a day that would carve itself into the collective memory of the Bengali people—a day when the language movement claimed its sacred place in history, and shaped the identity of the country, as a nation.
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.
