To mark the 18th death anniversary of Natyacharya Selim Al Deen, theatre troupe Swapnadal is hosting a three-day festival titled “Natyacharya Selim Al Deen Smaranoutsab 2026”, from January 14 to 16, at Jahangirnagar University and the Studio Theatre of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
The festival will feature two of Swapnadal’s most acclaimed productions: “Chitrangada”, created in the modern Bangla theatrical style, and Selim Al Deen’s own classical work “Hargaj”. Both productions are directed by Zahid Repon, a student of Selim Al Deen, following the research-based method rooted in theatrical tradition.
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Alongside the stage performances, the festival will include a remembrance procession, floral tributes at Selim Al Deen’s grave, decoration of the Shilpakala Academy courtyard with his portrait, and discussions on his life, work, and philosophy.
This year marks the 33rd edition of Swapnadal’s regular festival dedicated to Selim Al Deen. Its slogan reads: “Let storms rage and darkness fall—Selim Al Deen and Rabindranath remain our guiding lights.”
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On the opening day, Wednesday, January 14, a remembrance procession will begin at 10 am from the Old Arts Building of Jahangirnagar University and proceed to Selim Al Deen’s grave, where floral wreaths will be placed in tribute.
On the second day, Thursday, January 15, at 7 pm, Rabindranath Tagore’s poetic drama “Chitrangada” will be staged at the Studio Theatre for its 121st performance.
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The closing day, Friday, January 16, will feature the 50th show of Selim Al Deen’s “Hargaj” at the Studio Theatre, also starting at 7 pm.
Director Zahid Repon said, “Following the guidance of my theatre mentor Selim Al Deen, I created the production ‘Chitrangada’ after his passing. It has been praised at home and abroad, including at the ‘Bharat Rang Mahotsav’. Selim Al Deen devoted his life to reconstructing Bangla theatrical form through research. To honour him, we staged his complex work ‘Hargaj’. Presenting both ‘Chitrangada’ and ‘Hargaj’ at this memorial festival therefore, carries special significance.”
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Selim Al Deen wrote “Hargaj” based on his experience of a devastating tornado that struck Haragaj village in Manikganj district in 1989. The play follows the first rescue team that reaches the area after the storm and explores their psychological journey as they move from a world of form into a world that seems almost formless after the destruction.
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“Chitrangada”, adapted from the Mahabharata, tells the story of Chitrangada, princess of Manipur, who falls in love with the warrior Arjuna. Arjuna initially rejects her for her lack of conventional beauty. Humiliated, Chitrangada seeks the help of the god of love, Madan, and the god of youth, Basanta, who grant her stunning beauty for one year. Though she wins Arjuna’s love in this form, she is torn by doubt: does he love her true self, or only her transformed appearance? Through this mythic tale, “Chitrangada” reflects modern emotional conflicts, questions of identity, and the need for mutual respect in relationships.
Selim Al Deen, one of the most influential figures in Bangla theatre, was born on August 18, 1949, and died on January 14, 2008. He founded the Department of Drama and Dramatics at Jahangirnagar University and is remembered as a playwright, theorist, and cultural visionary who reshaped Bangla theatre through deep research into folk and classical traditions.
