Confusion over hall allocations at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) has once again disrupted theatre activities, leaving cultural groups frustrated and raising questions over administrative decisions.
Theatre troupe Tarua had been granted approval to use the National Theatre Hall for three days from April 22 to 24 for an anti-war production titled ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’.
The group had already begun rehearsals and ticket sales when they were informed last Sunday that the allocation for April 23 would no longer be valid.
In an official letter, authorities cited administrative reasons for the cancellation, expressing regret over the decision.
The sudden change sparked criticism from theatre practitioners. Actress Kazi Rokshana Ruma publicly condemned the move on social media, questioning the disruption caused to production schedules, promotion plans and ticket sales. She also called for accountability and compensation for the affected troupe.
Amid speculation that the date had been reassigned for a programme linked to a cultural wing of a political party, the decision was later reversed following backlash. Authorities reinstated Tarua’s permission to stage their performances on the original schedule.
Drama and Film Department Director Deepak Kumar Goswami said the matter had been resolved and that the allocation could be reconsidered by the director general if necessary. He confirmed that the earlier change had been withdrawn.
However, theatre groups say this is not an isolated incident. Several organisations have reportedly faced similar disruptions in recent months, including cancellations and reassignment of bookings at short notice.
Cultural figures have expressed concern over the growing trend. Theatre personality Mamunur Rashid said sudden cancellations disrupt audience continuity and place financial pressure on productions, calling the practice unacceptable.
Dancer Pooja Sengupta also criticised the situation, arguing that the National Theatre should remain reserved for cultural activities and that alternative arrangements should be made for state or institutional events.
