French theatre group to stage play ‘Z’ on Ziaur Rahman
A French initiative has launched a theatre project based on the life of Ziaur Rahman, along with a new online diploma programme for Bangladeshi students.
A newly formed arts organisation, Theatre de la Maison Française, based in the Brittany region of France, has announced plans to introduce an online Bengali theatre diploma titled ‘French House Theatre Diploma – Bangladesh Chapter’.
The initiative aims to expand Bengali theatre practice on an international level, said a press release.
France-based Bangladeshi poet and playwright Choyon Khairul Habib has been selected as the resident writer, director and coordinator of the programme.
He previously translated and directed an African play at a Commonwealth Literature seminar held at the British Council in Dhaka in 1990. His opera-style work ‘Julekha Trilogy’ was staged at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and received critical appreciation.
The three-month online diploma will provide training in playwriting, script reading, directing, acting, stage design and lighting. After completing the course, participants will take part in three theatre productions in Bangladesh. The first production will be a mythological play based on the story of ‘Shakuntala’.
The second production, titled ‘Z’, will focus on the 1971 Liberation War, highlighting the rebellion of then Major Ziaur Rahman and his declaration of independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station.
The play will also depict a fictional interaction between Ziaur Rahman, the late musician and freedom-fighter Azam Khan, and martyred filmmaker Zahir Raihan.
The third production will be an improvised play on Begum Rokeya, developed collaboratively by participants.
The course will also include short plays by martyred playwright Munier Choudhury, alongside works from global dramatists such as Wole Soyinka, Tennessee Williams, Eve Ensler, and Yasmina Reza, said the organisers.
The play ‘Z’ will be translated into English and French, with future plans to stage it in France with school students.
The diploma programme is expected to begin in August, with rehearsals starting in November.
Organisers plan to stage a workshop production of ‘Z’ on January 19, 2027, marking the birthday of Ziaur Rahman, at the Chattogram Circuit House ground in Chattogram.
The French coordination of the project is being led by Patricia Guidas. Organisers hope the initiative will open new opportunities for young artistes and bring Bengali theatre to a wider global audience.
