Dhaka Theatre is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of events featuring classic plays. One of the highlights is the return of Selim Al Deen’s famous play “Shakuntala,” directed by Shahiduzzaman Selim.
“Shakuntala” was first directed by Nasir Uddin Yousuff in the 1980s and was very popular in Dhaka. Now, for the first time, it will be performed in the United States. The Dallas Bangla Group Theatre is organizing this event, with shows in Austin, Houston, and Dallas, Texas. The dates are June 22 in Austin, June 29 in Houston, and July 7, 12, and 13 in Dallas.
Shahiduzzaman Selim, who directed “Shakuntala” in 1995 for Jahangirnagar Theatre, will lead this production and also play the character Taksha. He and the cast, which includes actors from both Bangladesh and the US, have been rehearsing online for six months. Shahiduzzaman arrived in the US on June 5 for 20 days of intense rehearsals.
The new poster for the play is designed by Afzal Hossain, with music by Rahul Ananda and costumes by Nasreen Nahar and Rosey Siddiqui. Rosey Siddiqui is also part of the cast.
This production of “Shakuntala” is a significant part of Dhaka Theatre's anniversary celebrations, which started on July 29, 2023, and will end on July 29 this year. It also marks the international debut of Selim Al Deen’s works, coinciding with his 75th birth anniversary on August 18.
Shahiduzzaman Selim expressed his joy in bringing the play to a new audience and honoring Selim Al Deen’s legacy. He emphasized the support from Dhaka Theatre in making this international debut possible. The collaboration between Bangladeshi and US artists reflects a cultural bridge that enriches the production. More US performances are planned in the future, continuing the global journey of Selim Al Deen’s plays.
