‘Bangladesh Natya Utsab’ brings 12 theatre troupes under one roof

Marking four decades of its journey, Bangladesh Theatre has launched a nine-day theatre festival in the capital, featuring 12 plays by 12 theatre troupes from across the country. Titled “Bangladesh Natya Utsab 2026”, the festival was inaugurated on Friday morning at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

The performances are being staged daily at 6:30pm at the National Theatre Hall and the Experimental Theatre Hall of the BSA. Following the Dhaka phase, the festival will travel to four divisional cities—Chattogram, Khulna, Rangpur and Barishal.

Khandaker Shah Alam, secretary, actor and director of Bangladesh Theatre, said, “We began our journey on 14 November 1986, with the vision of making theatre a sanctuary for nurturing healthy and thoughtful minds. We are now celebrating four decades under the stage lights. For nearly 35 years, we have organised festivals to mark our anniversary, with the primary goal of bringing people together.”

The opening day’s celebrations began at 10:30am with the release of balloons and pigeons, followed by a colourful procession and a session dedicated to sharing memories. The event also featured “Mancha Mela”, organised in two segments.

A cultural programme was held on an open-air stage at 4:30pm, followed by the 48th performance of “Siraj Jokhon Nawab Sirajuddaula”, a Bangladesh Theatre production, at the National Theatre Hall at 7:00pm.

On the second day, today, the troupe Theatre will stage “Baramkhana”, written by Pantha Shahriar and directed by Tropa Majumdar, at the National Theatre Hall. Meanwhile, Mahakal Natya Sampraday will present “Nilakhyan”, written by Anan Zaman and directed by Yusuf Hasan Arko, at the Experimental Theatre Hall.

On 15 November, Desh Natok will stage “Nityapuran” at the National Theatre Hall, while Drishtipat Natya Sangsad will present “Koyla Ronger Chador” at the Experimental Theatre Hall. “Nityapuran” has been adapted and directed by Masum Reza, while ‘Koyla Ronger Chador’ is written and directed by M A Salam.

The 16 November performances will feature Bahubachan’s “Aniket Sandhya”, written by Chandan Sen and directed by Arham Alo, at the National Theatre Hall. Natyam Repertory will present “Domer Madar”, written by Sadhana Ahmed and directed by Irin Parvin Lopa, at the Experimental Theatre Hall.

Natyatirtha's “Dwip” will be staged on 17 November, followed by Nandanik Natya Sampraday’s “Nripati” on 18 November, Swapnadal's “Horgaj” on 19 November and Nagarik Natyangan’s “Dui Pakhi O Nandini” on 20 November.

The festival will conclude on 21 November with Dhaka Theatre's production “Ekti Loukik Othoba Oloukik Steamer”.

Alongside the theatrical productions, the festival will feature daily cultural programmes, including dance, music and recitation, at the academy's open-air stage from 4:00pm.