Play returns at National Theatre Hall for audiences after nearly three months

Following the ouster of the previous regime by the student-led mass uprising, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), which itself also went through a massive transformation, once again reopened its National Theatre Hall on Friday after 84 days.

The last theatrical performance held at this venue was on July 18, and then the academy had to restrict the screenings due to the socio-political turmoil. Since then, the academy has been occupied by army officers and personnel, reports UNB.

On Friday at 7:00 pm, BSA resumed the regular screenings of stage plays with Bangladesh Theatre's production ‘Sea Morog’, written by Asadullah Farazi and directed by Humayun Kabir. This was the 301st screening of the theatre troupe’s sixth production.

Ahead of this occasion, the newly appointed Director General of BSA and eminent theatre personality Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed said: “With the state undergoing constructive development, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is reopening its regular theatre-art practice after an unavoidable and involuntary break. On this momentous occasion, I want to send my greetings and best wishes to all cultural stakeholders in the country..”

Earlier on October 7, a coordination meeting between army officials and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy was held at the academy, which led to the decision to open the National Theatre Hall's main theatre and rooms 1 and 2 for performances and rehearsals on a limited basis, starting on October 11,

Following that meeting, BSA authorities addressed several new instructions for theatre productions, performers and general audiences. 

Theatre troupes are required to provide member lists of production-related troupes to the BSA office, and they are permitted to stage one show in a single shift. Based on their application for priority usage of the auditorium for staging the play, the troupes will be assigned to the practice rooms; and the troupes can also apply online for the allocation and allotment.

The audience can join the shows by purchasing a ticket or presenting an invitation card, while journalists need to provide their ID cards to get entry.

According to BSA’s schedule, Aranyak Natyadal will stage the play ‘Maiyur Singhason’ on Saturday, and theatre troupe Ethic will stage ‘Rajdrohi’ on Sunday, October 13.