On 13 March 2023, the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka organised an enriching field trip for its Grade 8 students to Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the country’s premiere centre for the fine and performing arts. During the visit with their teachers, students watched a play named "Swarnaboal" (The Golden Catfish) at the experimental hall of the centre. The play was written by renowned Bangladeshi playwright Selim Al Deen and directed by Sudip Chakraborty.
The visit aimed to inspire the students and introduce them to professional theatre. Visiting this academy, which is at the forefront of nurturing and preserving the country’s arts scene, was the perfect opportunity for them to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of performing arts. Through this experience, students explored performing arts as a career choice and made a connection with their upcoming unit, “Monologue and Dialogues”. Students witnessed the creative process of some of Bangladesh’s finest artists at work, including the former Minister and eminent actor, Mr Asaduzzaman Noor and Ms Wahida Mallik Jolly. Students got to interact with the artists and gain valuable insights into the creative process, and the inspiration behind their work.
The day was filled with eye-opening experiences for the students and changed their perspective on certain elements of theatre.
“From my childhood, all I thought was theatre was just about acting, but watching a live theatre performance really helped me understand different aspects of a play,” said Grade 8 student Radifa Narmin. “The lighting, the sound, and the colour combination really set the mood for the play. Nevertheless, the actors were amazing and I was able to connect with them in an emotional way.”
Vishwajit Shinde, drama teacher at the AKA Dhaka, was equally impressed by the impact of the field trip on his students.
“The visit to the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy provided a valuable opportunity for our students to witness first-hand the power of the arts in fostering social change and personal growth," Mr Vishwajit said. "As an educator, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our young people engage with and appreciate the arts in such a profound way.”
