Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy
‘July Revolution on Posters’: A fusion of art and technology at Shilpakala
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.
8 January 2025, 10:39 AM
Opera, art exhibitions, and folk theatre to mark Shilpakala's New Year celebrations
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.
1 January 2025, 07:01 AM
Controversies, cancellations, and comebacks: Bangladeshi theatre in 2024
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.
31 December 2024, 07:46 AM
Bandarban to host night-long Marma folk drama performance
The performance, organised by the Conservatory Cell of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will commence at 9pm and continue throughout the night.
26 December 2024, 06:53 AM
Renamed halls and standup comedy mark Shilpakala Academy’s latest initiatives
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.
21 December 2024, 06:28 AM
Victory Day 2024: Your complete itinerary
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.
16 December 2024, 04:17 AM
Celebrating December with theatre, qawwali, and cultural festivals across Bangladesh
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.
6 December 2024, 06:39 AM
175 cultural activists call for a separate film division at BSA
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.
24 November 2024, 10:50 AM
23rd Dhaka Int'l Film Festival to dazzle in January 2025
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.
16 November 2024, 06:03 AM
Theatre artistes to stage street play as protest at BSA
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.
14 November 2024, 09:45 AM
Ongoing unrest at BSA: Theatre activists commit to continue protests
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.
9 November 2024, 13:25 PM
Aranyak Natyadal cancels show following BSA Attack
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.
9 November 2024, 12:29 PM
‘Awaaz Utha’ famed Hannan to perform at 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.
6 November 2024, 13:56 PM
Shilpakala Academy announces week-long Jatra festival
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.
29 October 2024, 10:06 AM
Shilpakala Academy’s catalytic role against polarisation and extremism
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.
27 October 2024, 18:05 PM
Dhaka’s cultural vibrancy restored: Concerts, exhibitions and plays returning slowly
As concerts, exhibitions, and theatre performances return in full swing, Dhaka is once again set to embrace its cultural vibrancy.
14 October 2024, 18:00 PM
Shilpakala Academy’s theatre performances resume today
After almost three months of closure, theatrical performances are set to resume today on a limited scale at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital. Bangladesh Theatre's production of "Sea Morog" will be performed at the National Theatre Hall auditorium on this inaugural day.
11 October 2024, 05:20 AM
National Theatre Hall to reopen under new safety measures
Sources at Shilpakala Academy confirmed that since the student-led protests, army personnel have been stationed in various rooms of the National Theatre Hall, making it impossible to allocate spaces for events or rehearsals. However, as conditions have improved, and following requests from cultural groups and organisations, the hall and two rehearsal rooms will now be available for theatre performances and rehearsals, albeit under strict conditions.
8 October 2024, 07:06 AM
Jyotika Jyoti relieved of Shilpakala Academy role
After a period of uncertainty, actress Jyotika Jyoti has officially been relieved of her position at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. She had been serving as the director of the Research and Publication Department on a contractual basis, a role she was appointed to during the former government's tenure.
1 October 2024, 10:13 AM
‘Embracing Inharmonious’ kicks off at Kala Kendra
The exhibition titled “Embracing Inharmonious”, featuring the works of artists Masuda Khatun Jui and Jafrin Gulshan, was inaugurated at Kala Kendra on September 27.
30 September 2024, 05:26 AM