Syed Jamil Ahmed’s latest stage directorial venture Rizwan has garnered plaudits for its “anti-genocide message” and “out-of-the-box presentation.” The renowned theatre personality and founder of the Department of Theatre of Dhaka University (DU) has returned in directing on stage after a long hiatus.
From September 1, theatre troupe Natbangla has had staged two shows of its play Rizwan at Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy every day at 4pm and 8pm. As part of Eid theatre festival, the show has been organised to raise funds for the flood affected people.
Planned and directed by Syed Jamil Ahmed, the play depicts a region which has been torn apart by a war waged in the name of religion. Portraying the story of siblings Rizwan and Fatima, the play shows the sufferings of the people who have lost everything in the war.
An adaptation of Urdu language poet Aga Shaheed Ali’s poem "A Country without a Post Office", the play is translated and adapted to stage by Kolkata based theatre activist Wrishibesh Bhattacharia.
The shows of Rizwan will run till September 10.
Syed Jamil Ahmed last directed Bishad Shindhu, a Dhaka Padatik production based on the Mir Mosharraf Hossian’s epic novel, in 1992. In 2012, Ahmed worked in stage and light designing for Mamunur Rashid’s Target Platoon.
Ahmed’s unique views are reflected through some of his other notable works such as Dhaka Theatre’s Chaka and the Department of Theatre, DU’s productions Komolaranir Shagordighi, Behular Bhashan and Shong Bhong Chong.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
