Two theatre troupes perform street plays at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in Dhaka to demand safety and freedom for theatre artists. The protest comes in response to the abrupt cancellation of the play "Nityapurana" on November 2, followed by an attack on well-known playwright Mamunur Rashid during a demonstration organized by Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) activists.
The performances, scheduled for 4:00 pm at the entrance of BSA’s National Theatre Hall, will feature two of Dhaka's prominent theatre troupes, Aranyak Natyadal and Prachyanat. The central theme of the protest is captured in the slogan, "Natok Moder Odhikar, Rukbe Natok Shadho Kar," which translates to "It is our right to perform plays—who has the power to stop theatre?" Aranyak Natyadal will perform "Murkho Lokher Murkho Kotha," while Prachyanat will present "Speak Out." Additionally, Aranyak Natyadal will perform songs from their theatrical productions to support the event's spirit.
Shamima Shawkat Lovely, acting chief secretary of Aranyak Natyadal, expressed deep concern over recent events affecting the theatre community. She stated, "We are saddened and outraged by actions such as halting performances during protests and attacks on activists. The state has not ensured the safety of theatre workers, and if it continues to fail, theatre artists will take to the streets to perform and protect their rights."
She also urged theatre artists across the country to attend the event, both to support the protest and to safeguard their own rights as performers.
The disturbances began on November 2, when "Nityapurana" was suddenly canceled at BSA’s National Theatre Hall. On November 8, BGTF activists held a protest where, during Mamunur Rashid’s speech, unknown individuals threw eggs at him and escaped. Aranyak Natyadal later canceled their scheduled performance of "Company" on November 9 as part of the protest. Today’s street theatre event extends this call for the safety and rights of theatre artists across the country.
