For the first time, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is set to organise the Munier Chowdhury National Theatre Festival, with a 15-day, production-based theatre workshop already underway across the country in three phases.

Theatre troupe Aranyak Natyadal has organised a month-long festival to commemorate its 53rd anniversary this year, featuring a series of performances and events. The celebrations will take place at the Mahila Samiti Auditorium and the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), beginning tomorrow.

Tarunner Utsab (Youth Festival) 2025, organised by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, is currently being celebrated nationwide. The programmes are being held at district, divisional, and central levels. As part of this initiative, the Music, Dance, and Recitation Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organised the band music event “Bol Bir—Ami Chiro Unnoto Shir” in six districts and dance performances in 50 districts to celebrate the energy, enthusiasm, and potential of youth.

“Ek dofa, ek dabi”, “Bloody July in Bangladesh”, and “Shob Shabhabik”— each poster boldly bearing these statements against the fascist regime, painted exclusively in red, yellow, and black — were the striking artworks by Debashish Chakrabarty during the height of the July Uprising.

Yesterday, the Arts and Production Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy launched a live and interactive AR-VR (Augmented-Virtual Reality) exhibition titled "July Revolution on Posters", featuring Debashish Chakrabarty's artworks on the July Uprising. The inauguration ceremony was held at 4:00pm in the Jatiya Chitrashala Auditorium.

Among the notable schedules, the "Sixth National Sculpture Exhibition" will run until January 20, while the month-long exhibition titled "2024: Oi Nutoner Keton Ore" will feature posters, paintings, photography, videography, and cartoons and conclude on January 17. Additionally, the National Pitha Festival will be held on the Academy grounds from January 24 to February 1.

Although theatrical productions continued into the early part of the year, political instability gradually reduced the frequency of performances. On July 19, "Anne Frank", a play by Mad Theatre, was supposed to be staged at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Shilpakala. However, the performance was cancelled due to the tense political situation. Soon after, the Academy shut down its auditoriums and rehearsal spaces, halting all activities. After nearly three months, theatre resumed on October 11 at the National Theatre Hall stage.

The performance, organised by the Conservatory Cell of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will commence at 9pm and continue throughout the night.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has officially designated three of its auditoriums to theatrical performances. The academy’s Director General Syed Jamil Ahmed, announced that these auditoriums are being renamed. Speaking at an event held at the academy’s Experimental Theatre Hall yesterday, he further stated that the Experimental Theatre Hall will be opened for theatrical productions starting December 28.

This year, the Victory Day feels particularly significant due to this year’s powerful uprising. To commemorate this special day, here are some events to help you embrace the spirit of patriotism. 

This December, the country is set to come alive with an extraordinary lineup of cultural festivities, organized by Shilpakala Academy to mark the country's month of victory. From Qawwali performances to theatre festivals, the month-long celebration promises something for everyone. These events, held across districts and major cities, aim to bring art and culture to the public, making them accessible to all.

The statement presented arguments in support of this demand, signed by filmmakers, producers, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, film critics, researchers, teachers, film workers and organizers, actors, musicians, and photographers.

The Dhaka International Film Festival is returning for its 23rd edition, scheduled to run over nine days from January 11 to January 19 next year.

Today two theatre troupes are set to perform street plays at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), advocating for the safety of theatre artistes. This protest is in response to the cancellation of the play “Nityapurana” on November 2, as well as the subsequent attack on renowned thespian Mamunur Rashid during a demonstration led by Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) activists.

Today, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) activists organised and participated in a press conference held at the National Theatre Hall seminar room, in response to the unwarranted attack on activists during a protest at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s (BSA) National Theatre Hall yesterday. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for the protection of the nation’s cultural sector so that theatre activities can resume without fear.

Following the attack, the theater group Aranyak Natyadal decided to cancel the scheduled 7:00pm performance of their play Company at the main auditorium of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

There's no denying that Bangladeshi rappers were instrumental in the success of the student-led mass movement. Rapper Hannan, for instance, was even arrested for his song “Awaaz Utha”. Now, however, he is all set to take the stage at the Shilpakala Academy for a live performance.

In the spirit of post-July Revolution rejuvenation, Shilpakala Academy seeks to reinvigorate cultural expressions across all social layers. With the theme “In fear, we falter; in defiance, we are Bangladesh,” the festival will run from November 1 to November 7 at Mukto Moncho in Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.

BSA's initiatives in theatre, music, and visual arts have proven to be effective tools for bridging divides in Bangladesh's politically charged environment. The academy's diverse programming speaks to a wide range of Bangladeshis, although often failing to transcend party affiliations and ideological differences.

As concerts, exhibitions, and theatre performances return in full swing, Dhaka is once again set to embrace its cultural vibrancy.