Dr Israfeel Shaheen, a noted theatre director and professor at the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, University of Dhaka, has many achievements in his bag as a prominent theatre personality who is taking Bangladesh’s folk, indigenous, and improvisational theatrics to the world’s stage. However, besides his commendable accomplishments, he always traces back to his roots and brings forth what we, as Bengalis have to offer centered on our rich cultural genesis and resourcefulness.

"Duality" is an artistic collaboration between Salma Zakia Bristy and her son, Mashrafi Aveen. Each mother shares a unique story with her child, and Bristy is no exception. A visual artist and mother of two, her younger son Aveen has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with ADHD personality traits, as diagnosed by doctors when he was 18 months old.

Popular theatre troupe Aarshinagar is all set to stage one of their crowd-favourite plays, “Siddhartha”. The play, which is the fourth production of the troupe, is adapted from German-Swiss writer and playwright Hermann Hesse’s novel by the same name.

The exhibition "Rising Echoes" at Batighar – Smritite Sharaney Aly Zaker, brings forth a compelling visual narrative capturing the repercussions of climate change and the drawbacks of modern development. Photographer Mrittika Gain and artist Hlubaishu Chowdhuri employ their respective mediums to highlight the challenges faced by communities affected by environmental transformations.

In a poignant tribute to the late Mannan Hira's theatrical legacy, his final written play, "Rongin Chorki", is set to premiere today at 7:00pm in the National Drama Theatre at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Directed by Sajidur Rahman, this play marks the culmination of Mannan Hira's profound contributions to Bangladesh's dramatic arts.

The spring festival began with a captivating dance performance by a prominent Chinese Cultural organisation, the Song and Dance Ensemble of Yunnan Province. Performers created the Hani dance “Divine Bird Flapping Swings of China” at the event.

Ashim Das and Komol Barua adapted the play “Khonj” from Lebanese-Canadian writer and director Wajdi Mouawad’s popular text “Birds of a Kind”. This is going to be the play's 25th production.

Actress Bonna Mirza initiated her acting journey on the stage, despite gaining recognition and popularity through television. She became involved in theatre during her days as a university student, honing her skills and progressing from there. While achieving success on the TV screen, she consistently maintained her connection with the stage.

20 cultural icons and organisations are set to receive the Shilpakala Padak in recognition of their significant contributions to the cultural arena. The Bangladesh Shikpakala Academy (BSA) has been bestowing the prestigious accolade annually since 2013. For the fiscal years 2021 and 2022, a total of 20 individuals and organisations have been selected to be honoured.

The event will consist of performances of ancient Indian classical music and poetry genres in a bid to revive and reinstate its significance in the ever-changing world, confirmed authorities from its organiser, Saudha.

One winter evening in January, I found myself at the Kala Kendra Gallery in Lalmatia, Dhaka. Currently hosting a group art exhibition, Kala Kendra presents “Jogsutro”, featuring 15 Bangladeshi artists who have returned after completing their studies at Rabindra Bharati University.

Under their two-day long initiative, titled “Natyacharya Selim Al Deen Smaran Utsab”, they will stage two of their most popular shows, “Chitrangada” and “Macbeth” on January 13 and 14 respectively, at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Dhanmondi has always had a cultural identity of its own – be it the grand two-storeyed family bungalows, the sounds of rehearsals at Chhayanaut, the majestic Eidgah Masjid, or the playfields that kids flocked to. Even with the sprawling high-rise buildings, Dhanmondi, its lake, and its street stalls still maintain its rustic charm.

The artistes have told The Daily Star that they wait for winter season for contracts, but this year, the scenario is totally different due to impact of general election and its ongoing movements. Now, people have been engaged in election campaign, bypassing cultural activities.

Prominent theatre troupes Prachyanat, Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, Aranyak Natyadal, Swapnadal, Meghdoot, Theatre, Batighar and others have planned to bring a new and intriguing set of theatrics to the stage as well for the year 2024 as well.

Eighty-six years after Sayeeda's birth, these facts still resound, underscoring the pivotal role of parenting and support systems in shaping someone's journey, regardless of the societal norms they were born into. However, winning the birth lottery didn’t mean it was easy for Sayeeda; what she accomplished with a camera, paving the way for future generations of female photographers, was nothing short of conquering the Himalayas.

Since December 22, Aranyak has been staging the play continuously for six days at various theatre halls across Kolkata, including Kalyani Mancha in the city, as well as in Madhyamgram and Belgharia in West Bengal, India.

In a significant collaboration, Platforms, an esteemed global stage for both emerging and established artists, and the Faculty of Fine Art at Dhaka University have formalised an interim Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, December 21, 2023. This crucial agreement lays the foundation for a significant partnership poised to transform the realm of art in Bangladesh.

Turongomi Repertory Dance Theatre is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a variety of programs, including arranging a three-month-long dance training initiative for underprivileged street children of Dhaka city.

To pay respect to the cultural activists, Bangladesh National Museum felicitated 86 artistes and technicians on Sunday who risked their lives to inform and uplift the freedom fighters and people during the War.