Rajshahi theaters facing artist shortage as youths prefer TikTok

The Rajshahi theatre industry is facing various challenges, including a shortage of theater artists and creative writers due to the younger generation's preference for TikTok.

Local theater artists said in spite of having opportunities and possibilities, young people in this district have less interest in theater. Because of this, the theater industry in this region has lagged behind even in the era of digitalization.

They also noted that the young generation does not possess the same love towards theaters as they once had. 

Hridoy Roni, the general editor of the local Moncho Kotha Theatre, said: "The new generation is not very interested in theater. Even among those who are working, the same level of sincerity and dedication is not seen as before. Smartphones are dominating the world, and many are now more interested in TikTok. “

“We cannot find enough artists for theater. There is no longer a place for creative conversations like before,” he added.

Dhaka Tribune

Roni added: "Though there is potential, theater practice in Rajshahi could not progress that way. There are some crises. There is a lack of public-private sponsorship. Theater organizers are looking for a way out of these issues from their respective places.”

Bangladesh Graam Theatre Rajshahi Divisional Coordinator and former president of Rajshahi Theater Kamarullah Sarkar said: “Once upon a time people practiced drama. But currently, it is not that prominent. If the new generation could be involved, new possibilities would be created.”

“We keep trying. Drama is something I'm always interested in. I am organizing a festival. Many are now inactive. They'll be able to make the drama movement more dynamic if they actively remember their ancestors,” he added.

“Rajshahi Theater, Rajshahi Shangsriti Shongho, Shandho Pradeep Academy, Moncho Kotha Theater, and many others are now inactive. Organizers are not able to give time as they are involved with other professions,” Kamarullah Sarkar added. 

Even though TikTok has gained vast popularity across the world, the application does have several flaws that may affect the young generation. 

Dhaka Tribune

Surveys and studies across the globe suggest that the TikTok app is one of the main reasons children and young adults face bullying. 

The app is addictive, as its algorithm is designed to keep users engaged and scrolling through an endless stream of videos.

In terms of theater, it is evident that people are less likely to attend theaters nowadays due to the abundance of entertainment available online.

In 2022, TikTok removed 2,636,372 videos from Bangladesh for violating its Community Guidelines.

Bangladesh ranked seventh in the world for the largest volume of videos taken down from the platform according to the Community Guidelines Enforcement Report Q4 2021.