The timeless tale of love, separation and spirituality has returned to the stage in Dhaka through a new musical adaptation. The legendary romance of Qays ibn al-Mulawwah and Layla, one of the Arab world’s most celebrated love stories, has inspired generations since the seventh century. Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi transformed the tale into one of world literature’s enduring classics, while Bengali poet Daulat Wazir Bahram Khan immortalised it through his celebrated adaptation. Audiences in Dhaka now have the opportunity to experience the classic Sufi narrative in a fresh theatrical form.
The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Dhaka has brought the classic romance to the stage as a musical theatre production. Assistant Professor Tanvir Nahid Khan adapted the script and directed the production. Under his direction, the creative use of stage design, lighting and props successfully connects the centuries-old literary work with a contemporary theatrical language.
The seven-show production, which began on 8 July, will continue until 12 July. Amid the pace and bustle of city life, the production offers audiences an opportunity to experience an artistic celebration of spiritual tranquillity and timeless love.
The play was staged at the Experimental Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on 9 July at 7pm. Two more performances will be held at the same venue on Friday (10 July) at 5pm and 7:30pm.
The production will then move to the Natmandal Auditorium at the University of Dhaka. The remaining three performances are scheduled for 11 July at 7pm and on 12 July at 5pm and 7:30pm.
The musical celebrates the spiritual philosophy of Sufism alongside one of literature’s greatest love stories. Theatre enthusiasts can experience the production this monsoon season at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy or the University of Dhaka’s Natmandal Auditorium.
