| DATE | RAFFERTYS AUDITORIUM | LENNOX AUDITORIUM | RIVERSIDE THEATRE COURTYARD | ARTS & CULTURAL EXCHANGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THURSDAY 24th JULY |
7:00 PM – 8:15 PM Khowaj Khizr er Sinduk - The Ark of Khowaj Khizr (Lokojog Collectives from Bangladesh) |
7:45 PM – 9:00 PM KaMeeNi Play by Abida Malik |
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Food Truck/Food Corner |
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Shokaparva Play in Marathi |
| FRIDAY 25th JULY |
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Unscripted, Uzma Gillani (Telefilm - Presentation - Q&A) Dhoop jali |
7:45 PM – 9:00 PM KaMeeNi Play by Abida Malik |
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Folk Song – Baul Jakir Hossain and group (3 musicians performing) 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Food Truck/Food Corner |
N/A |
| SATURDAY 26th JULY |
1:00 PM – 2:15 PM Khowaj Khizr er Sinduk - The Ark of Khowaj Khizr (Lokojog Collectives from Bangladesh) 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Unscripted, Uzma Gillani (Telefilm - Presentation - Q&A) Dhoop jali |
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM The Dance Theatre - Double Bill Tilototama: A Letter Lost in Transit & Yagnaseni: The Story Untold |
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Voice of Tomorrow – Children’s Band / Music LGBT / Satrangi Style 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM Book-Talk Open Mic 9:15 PM – 10:30 PM Band-Antariksh Closing Ceremony 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM Food Truck/Food Corner |
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Nokshi Kotha – Paper Presentation 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Shokaparva Play in Marathi |
Riverside Theatre Foyer and Courtyard
Riverside Theatre Foyer and Courtyard
Riverside Theatre Foyer and Courtyard
Faizul Islam was a renowned Bangladeshi economist and fiction writer, born on November 24, 1963, in Shiddhweswari, Dhaka. He passed away on January 21, 2025. Islam completed his early education at Pabna Zilla School and Edward College, Pabna, before earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics from Rajshahi University. He further pursued a postgraduate degree in Development Economics from Williams College, USA. Islam’s literary career began with his first short story collection, Nakshatrer Ghora, published in 1998. He was a respected civil servant, he joined the Bangladesh Civil Service in 1994 and served as the chairman of the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission until his death. His literary work, Khowaz Khizirer Shinduk, was awarded by Prothom Alo, cementing his legacy in both literature and economics.
Dr. Ahmed Abidur Razzaque Khan (alias Ahmed Abid) is an Assistant Professor of General Education at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) and an Associate Member of the Club of Rome. He holds a joint Ph.D. in Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance from the Human Rights Centre, University of Padova, Italy, and Western Sydney University, Australia. He is also an adjunct fellow at the Humanitarian and Development Research Initiative (HADRI), Western Sydney University. As an Activist, Ahmed directs and acts in theatre, creates documentary films, and curates storytelling projects across Asia-Pacific and Europe. He was the General Secretary of Dhaka Little Theatre (1993–1998) and a key founder of Lokojog Collectives. He served as the Artistic Director for the First Human Rights Film Festival in Thailand (2009). His debut documentary, The Dreaming Vendors (2010), explored cross-border human trafficking and was selected for the Festival of South Asian Documentaries (FSA ’11). He also served as a Human Rights Network Jury member at the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF/2011). Abid leads Bengal, panel linking Bangladesh and Poland, at the XXIII IAHR World Congress (2025) in Kraków, Poland. Through theatre, film, and academia, he continues to champion the arts as a catalyst for education, human rights, and social change.
Lucy Tripti Gomes is award winning actor and filmmaker, a dedicated social activist, theatre artist, and from Bangladesh. With a deep passion for theatre and film, she has been actively performing since 1995. She earned her master’s degree in acting from Jahangirnagar University’s Drama and Dramatics Department in 2000. She has been associated with Natta Kendra, a renowned theatre group in Bangladesh, as a performer and designer since 2000. From 2003 to 2009, she worked as a theatre activist for the Popular Theatre Program at Ain o Salish Kendra, using theatre to raise awareness about human rights in remote areas of Bangladesh.
Over the past 15 years, Lucy has established herself as a filmmaker, collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, and satellite TV stations. In 2014, she directed a short film adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s Daakghor, funded by the Cultural Ministry of Bangladesh. She also won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2012 for her role in Uttorer Sur, directed by Shahnewaz Kakoli.
In 2017, she participated in the prestigious 77th International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), supported by the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka. From January 2020 to June 2023, she worked as an Interactive Theatre Expert for ActionAid Bangladesh’s Rohingya Response Program. Since 2024, Lucy Tripti Gomes has been actively involved as a Creative Director at Lokojog Collectives, continuing her commitment to impactful storytelling and social activism through theatre and film including curating art events.
Synopsis of the story:
The story The Ark of Khowaz Khizir is a poignant tale of resilience, courage, and the relentless human pursuit of betterment. Set in rural Bangladesh, the narrative follows Changta and Najor, two of the poorest workers in society. About 40 to 50 years ago, wells were the primary source of drinking water, and the ‘Kua Jharani’ or well cleaners, like Changta, were tasked with maintaining them. This job involved great physical strain and posed life-threatening risks as they had to submerge themselves in muddy water for several minutes to clean and retrieve valuable items. Despite their remarkable skills, the wages were barely enough for survival.
However, when tube wells replaced the traditional wells, Changta and Najor found themselves without work, forcing them to beg for food. But they clung to hope, driven by the legend of Khowaz Khizir, the prophet of water, who was believed to bestow wealth upon those fortunate enough to find his treasure. Changta, at 62, despite his frail body, decided to take a final risk and descend into an abandoned well in search of the chest filled with gold coins.
After a long and grueling effort, Changta finally glimpses the treasure but succumbs to exhaustion before he can reach it. His fate mirrors that of migrant workers seeking better lives abroad—some succeed, while others are lost along the way. The story emphasizes the undying human spirit, the courage to face adversity, and the endless journey toward change, a journey that continues to shape societies and civilizations.
Kameeni (the Bitch) is a powerful narrative that explores the intersection of gender, culture, and identity within the Pakistani-Australian community.
At its core, the project examines the impact of patriarchy and misogyny, bringing to light the disempowerment of women and their resilience in the face of systemic and personal injustices.
Kameeni is a new writing/development showing for the stage through emerging writer Abida Malik. Her Maiden work emerged from the Pakistani-Australian community, through Nautanki’s Drama~Sutra playwriting project. She is stepping up to co-direct the play along with Neel Banerjee.
Creative Team: Abida Malik and Neel Banerjee with Madiha Khan, Sonil Shankar, Sadia Amir, Khurram Kaiser, Mariah Hasan, Maanav Talwar, Sara Mirza, Sabiha Khan, Sheni Iqbal, Cyra Noshirwan
Photos & Graphics by Kamal Khajuria
Writer: Abida Malik started her creative journey with Nautanki Theatre on stage with 2019 hit play Curry Kings of Parramatta. Since then, she has worked on stage and screen while balancing her day job as a business analyst and a mother of four. Abida has a passion for reading and formed a Book Club. Her passion lies in women’s empowerment and capacity building, and she wants her writing to reflect the subjects close to her heart.
Shokaparva / शोकपर्व
Presented by Sydney Natak Mandali
Written by Pramod Kale, this powerful play transports us to the aftermath of the Mahabharata.
The war has ended, and the Pandavas have taken the throne. In this moment of reflection and reckoning, Draupadi comes to visit Gandhari. Her arrival stirs a storm of emotions in Gandhari, who is burdened with questions: Why now? What could Draupadi possibly want after all that has unfolded?
Unsure of how to respond, Gandhari turns to her confidante, her Sakhi and asks her to roleplay as Draupadi, to imagine what this encounter might reveal. As the Sakhi steps into Draupadi’s shoes, a series of imagined conversations unfolds, guiding Gandhari through a transformative journey.
What follows is a powerful exploration of trauma, loss, and shifting perspectives as Gandhari begins to see the story she lived through from an entirely different angle. The play reimagines well-known events from a fresh lens, offering deep emotional insight and challenging long-held beliefs.
Director: Yogesh Pophale
Cast and Crew
Aanvika Wagh, Mrugaja Karandikar, Rahul Kulkarni, Shalaka Bodda, Saket Limaye, Kaivalya Joshi and Sachin Bhave.
Jakir is a Bangladeshi musician and educator known for his commitment to preserving traditional Bengali music. He is the founder and director of Obokolpo, an initiative launched in 2018 to nurture traditional and experimental music of Bengal. Trained from an early age, Jakir’s musical journey took him across the border to West Bengal in pursuit of devotional and philosophical music. His work spans Indian classical, Bengali folk, Songs of Tagore, and experimental genres. He has engaged audiences both locally and internationally through performances and workshops. In 2024, he organized the “Harmony of Healing” exhibition at Alliance Française de Dhaka, featuring over 100 traditional instruments, live demonstrations, and seminars. Jakir’s current research involves ancient musical manuscripts passed down from his uncle Akbar Ali Mondal, continuing a family legacy rooted in the traditions of Ismail Hossain (1891–1966).
A Letter Lost in Transit
Synopsis:
This performance by Inara is an outcry, a rebellion . A rebellion for the countless women whose pain has been tucked away into the void of ‘injustice’.
Through every step, they scream. Through every movement, they mourn. They dance for the justice that never comes, for the broken trust in a system that should protect. Join us in art and solidarity as we honour their strength and their lost legacies. This is our rage. This is our grief.
Payel Basu
Tiyasha Chatterji
Sharmistha Sinha
Sharmistha Sarkar
Manali Roy
Priya Chakraborty
Asha Raju
Sugandha Pramanik
Ritwika Ray
Pritha Banerjee
Rima Sen
Surashree Paul Choudhury
Moumita Mukherjee
Kaira Dasgupta
Riana Ganguly
A Celebration of Classical, Folk & Fusion Rhythms:
A vibrant celebration of India’s dance traditions featuring Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Bihu, Kathak, Lavani, Ghoomar, and fusion performances brought to life by Sydney’s most passionate South Asian artists. Experience the spirit of India through rhythm, colour, and movement.
Step into a world of rhythm, grace, and cultural splendour with Dances of India! a spellbinding showcase of classical, folk, and contemporary Indian dance proudly presented as part of the 10th Annual South Asian Festival by Nautanki Theatre.
This special matinee brings together artists from across Australia, united by their deep love for India’s diverse performing arts heritage. From the sculptural poise of Bharatanatyam and the lyrical storytelling of Odissi, to the celebratory sway of Bihu, the fiery flair of Lavani, the regal elegance of Kathak, and the vibrant whirl of Rajasthani Ghoomar, each performance tells a story of culture, connection, and legacy.
With solo, duet, and ensemble acts spanning various regions and styles, Dances of India! offers audiences a rare chance to experience the depth and breadth of India’s dance traditions in one rich, dynamic production. Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual geometry of classical forms or the joyful energy of folk expression, this curated journey will leave you moved, mesmerised, and uplifted.
More than a performance, this event is a confluence where generations, genres, and geographies meet on stage to honour the past while dancing boldly into the future.
Antariksh_The T Collective is a genre-blending musical ensemble that seamlessly fuses the soul of Indian classical, ghazals, Indian rock and folk traditions with contemporary global influences. Drawing from a diverse range of musical styles and cultural textures, the band creates a unique soundscape that is both timeless and refreshingly modern. Since 2023, each performance has been an emotive journey — combining traditional instruments like tabla and harmonium with guitars, keys, and percussive grooves — delivering a rich, cross-cultural musical experience. Known for their evocative storytelling, dynamic stage presence, and intricate arrangements, Antariksh doesn’t just perform music — they create atmospheres that resonate deeply with audiences from all walks of life.
The name Antariksh means “the cosmos” or “sky” in Sanskrit — a space of limitless possibility, much like the band’s vision for music. The ‘T’ in The T Collective stands for the group’s original root – Tarkaata which originally was a Bengali pop band & a tribute to the founding members, whose diverse backgrounds in Indian classical music, Western instrumentation, and experimental fusion sparked the creation of the group. What started as a casual collaboration among friends has evolved into a collective that celebrates cultural fluidity and musical exploration. Together, they journey through soundscapes that are rooted in tradition yet unafraid to experiment, much like the ever-expanding cosmos that inspires them.
Saptorshi Basu – Vocals & Percussions
Srikant Jagannathan – Keyboards
Agniva Chakraborty – Vocals & Bass Guitar
Arindam Kanjilal – Rhythm Guitar
Anubhab Thakur – Lead/Rhythm Guitar
Dev Mukherjee – Lead Guitar
Om Das Chakraborty – Bass/Rhythm Guitar
Sanjoy Tabu Chakraborty – Drums
Shahriar Jamal – Octapad
Saikat Das – Percussions
Lashaan Vithushan – Violin
Nautanki Theatre is celebrating its long-time collaborator, television legend Uzma Gillani, with a special programme.
The programme will commence with an exclusive screening of Uzma Gillani’s renowned and critically acclaimed telefilm, “Dhoop Jali.”
This will be followed by a live theatrical, semi-biographical short play, ‘Umeed ka Safar’, concluding with an in-depth, unscripted panel discussion featuring Uzma Gillani.
In the rich tapestry of Indian mythology, Draupadi stands as an iconic figure of strength, resilience, and grace. Her story is one of unwavering courage, endurance, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who faced countless trials and tribulations yet emerged as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
Through the magic of dance (nritya) and drama (abhinaya), we embark on a riveting journey into the heart and soul of Draupadi – a woman whose significance extends far beyond her beauty and royal lineage. We will witness her untold saga, her triumphs, her sorrows, and her unyielding spirit that defied the odds. From the opulence of the swayamvara to the harrowing moments of the game of dice, every step and gesture on this stage will convey the essence of her journey.
Join us as we delve into the depths of Draupadi’s tale, celebrating her strength, grace, and the everlasting impact she has left on Indian mythology. We hope this performance will ignite the flames of inspiration within your hearts, leaving you captivated by the unflinching spirit of Yajnaseni.
Amrita Pal Chaudhuri, and the dancers from Kalankan Dance Academy, Sydney.
Script: Amit Dasgupta
Voice: Biplab Ganguli
Music: Kaustav Sen Barat
Lighting and Set Design: Rahul Ganguly
Production Pramit Chaudhuri
South Asian Theatre Mela is supported by
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