‘Khona’ marks 100th show with vibrant cultural festival

Theatre troupe BotTala has launched a two-day cultural festival at the Central Shaheed Minar to celebrate the 100th staging of its acclaimed play “Khona”.

The festival began on Friday morning with an cultural session titled “Udaybhanu Song”, directed by artist and activist Arup Rahi. Audiences were later treated to instrumental performances featuring sarod and violin, alongside musical renditions by invited artistes.

Originally written by Samina Luthfa and directed by Mohammad Ali Haider, “Khona” premiered at the same venue on March 8, 2010, marking the centenary of International Women’s Day. Over the past 16 years, the play has been staged both at home and abroad.

The second day of the festival will culminate in the landmark 100th performance of “Khona” on Saturday evening.

As part of the celebrations, a “Deshiyo Ponner Mela” (local products fair) has also opened, showcasing organic produce, traditional foods, handicrafts, clothing and books. The fair is being organised by Prakrit Samaj and was inaugurated by theatre director Mohammad Bari, with welcome remarks from BotTala chairman Khushi Kabir.

Daytime programme included children’s programmes such as Bratachari dance, traditional performances, music and recitation. Workshops like a pottery session led by artisan Khokon Karigor and an art camp titled “Akibuki-te Boshonto” conducted by artist Monjur Rashid were also held, alongside puppet theatre performances by Kakatarua Puppet Theatre.

The first day also featured traditional lathi khela by a troupe from Tangail, as well as folk music performances by Wasim Boyati and Azizul Boyati’s Group. Evening events included performances by cultural groups such as Shomogit, Charcoal, Mavoi, Kuasha Murkho, Geetal Bangla and the Dhaka University Cultural Society, along with a photography exhibition titled “Khona Through the Audience’s Lens”.

A discussion session on “Khona”, involving researchers, teachers, artists and critics, was also held, followed by a special documentary screening by Soumya Sarkar and Bratya Amin.

According to the organisers, “Khona” explores themes of gender, class and power structures, presenting a narrative that remains deeply relevant despite being rooted in a story set 1,500 years ago. The play reflects on women’s struggles, knowledge systems and societal barriers, offering a layered and contemporary interpretation of historical realities.

The festival will conclude on Saturday evening with the milestone 100th staging of “Khona”.