'Invisible Stories' to be staged at Shilpakala Academy on November 6 and 7
An unusual theatre production, 'Invisible Stories', will be staged on November 6 and 7 at the Experimental Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. The show will be performed at 6pm on both days.
The performances have been jointly organised by Alliance Française de Dhaka, the French theatre company Compagnie Grain de Vie and the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Both shows will be open to general audiences, subject to seats being available.
The play blends contemporary modern theatre with Bengal's age-old storytelling tradition. Bengali folk tales, ghost stories and the region's rich folk heritage are presented in a new form through body puppetry, physical acting and an imaginative theatrical style.
The production is directed by French puppet artist Lori Kanak. Kanak herself will perform on stage, alongside Bangladeshi actress Swati Bhadra. Live music on stage will be performed by the Nonabhumi Organization, and the choreography is by Md. Farhad Ahmed.
The story centres on two scientists researching the influence of ghosts on everyday life in Dhaka. At one stage of their investigation, the familiar boundary between the human world and the supernatural world begins to blur.
Familiar urban crises such as severe traffic congestion and unplanned rapid urbanisation are presented through a supernatural lens, portraying Dhaka as a surreal metropolis.
The journey later moves beyond the capital into the mysterious depths of the Sundarbans, where the deep relationship between people, biodiversity and unseen forces is revealed.
Director Lori Kanak created the play from long interaction and experience with grassroots artists and communities in different parts of Bangladesh. Her main aim is to present before international audiences the close link between supernatural belief and this country's daily life, natural environment and heritage.
Under the performance schedule, the play will be presented in English and Bangla on November 6, and the closing show on November 7 will be performed in French and Bangla.
