SMUCT Drama Club wins Runner-Up at Inter-University Cultural Festival with play 'Redefining Beauty'

The stage darkened, and silence filled the auditorium at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). Moments later, a burst of light and emotion swept through the crowd as the young performers from Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology (SMUCT) took the stage.

Their performance - a thought-provoking play titled "What is Beauty and Who is the Beast?" - attracted the audience with its blend of humour, symbolism, and powerful social commentary.

By the end of the night, the SMUCT Drama Club, representing the Department of English, secured the Runner-up position at the 11th DHE Inter-University Student Conference and Cultural Competition 2025. Alongside the honour, the team received a cash prize of Tk 10,000, earning widespread applause for their originality and expressive storytelling.

The play challenged conventional notions of beauty, goodness, and identity, drawing inspiration from both classical literature and contemporary society. "It's not just a play — it's a reflection on how we see ourselves and others," said Md. Shahrear Talukder, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of English, who guided and accompanied the team. "Our students showed that theatre can question, heal, and enlighten."

The talented cast — Sadikul Islam, Tasmia Hassan, Naima Benjir Bonna, Anshil Azim Afridi, Bony Amin Niloy, Nawrin Nusrat Naina, Sayeda Rumman Jahan Nishi, Premananda Debnath, Suraiya Mim, and Saif Uddin Ahmmed Antu — received praise for their teamwork and compelling stage presence. Their performance, marked by fluid transitions between movement, dialogue, and emotion, impressed both judges and participants from across the country.

For the students, the recognition was deeply personal. "It was a dream to represent our university on such a big stage," said Tasmia Hassan, one of the performers. "We learned how powerful storytelling can be when everyone believes in the same vision."

Professor Dr. Md. Shah-E-Alam, Honorable Vice Chancellor of SMUCT, congratulated the team, calling the achievement "a testament to the creative and intellectual potential of SMUCT students." Professor Dr. Sayed Azizul Huq, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, noted that the Department of English "continues to demonstrate excellence both in academics and in the creative arts."

The Drama Club's success highlights SMUCT's growing prominence in Bangladesh's inter-university cultural scene. With passion, creativity, and collaboration, these young performers have once again proved that art remains a powerful medium for reflection and change.

As the curtain fell on their award-winning act, one message lingered — true beauty lies not in appearances, but in the courage to question, create, and connect.