Two-day ‘Nazrul Dance Festival’ kicks off at Shilpakala

The poetry, songs and rhythms of rebellion associated with National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam will soon find a new expression through dance, as a special two-day festival is set to take place in the capital. Titled “Nazrul Nritto Utshob 2026” (Nazrul Dance Festival), the event will be held today and tomorrow at 6:30pm at the National Music and Dance Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury will attend the programme as the chief guest. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khaiyam and Prime Minister’s Policy and Strategy Affairs Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman are also expected to attend, among other distinguished guests.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will preside over the session, while Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Rezauddin Ahmed Stalin will deliver the welcome address.

The festival aims to celebrate the themes of love, equality, humanity and rebellion that run through Nazrul’s vast body of work. Its main attraction will be a series of contemporary dance performances inspired by his songs, poetry, rhythms and multidimensional creative expressions.

Through innovative choreography and movement, participating artists will explore Nazrul’s emotions and ideals, presenting his message of love, resistance, equality and humanity to contemporary audiences through a distinct dance language.

Each day’s programme will begin with a discussion session, followed by the main dance performances at 7:30pm.

The performances are expected to create a unique artistic language through a creative dialogue between dance and the diverse dimensions of Nazrul’s work.