Ninad to stage its first play ‘the human voice’

Theatre group Ninad is set to stage its debut production, The Human Voice — a one-act monologue written by renowned French playwright Jean Cocteau.

The play will be staged on 9, 10, and 11 October 2025 at the Auditorium Nouvelle Vague of Alliance Française de Dhaka.

Organised in collaboration with Alliance Française de Dhaka, the production will feature five performances over three days, with each show lasting approximately one hour. The play will be performed entirely in Bangla.

Originally written in 1930, The Human Voice revolves around a woman's final phone conversation with her former lover, who is set to marry another woman the following day. Through this emotional dialogue, the audience witnesses her heartbreak, despair, and the haunting depth of psychological turmoil.

To mark Jean Cocteau's death anniversary on 11 October, Alliance Française de Dhaka will also host a special discussion on Cocteau's life and theatre. Eminent thespian Ramendu Majumdar will speak at the session, scheduled from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, following the 3:00pm show at the same venue.

The play has been translated and directed by Pragya Tasnuva Rubaiyat, a theatre practitioner, teacher, and writer with over 17 years of experience. Under her direction, the Bangla adaptation brings out the play's emotional and psychological depth.

The solo role is performed by Sadhika Swarna, an accomplished actress and fine arts practitioner whose nuanced performance adds sensitivity and human appeal to the character.

The art direction and technical team includes Azmain Esmam (soundscape), Tanji Kun (scenography), Dhrubo Das (projection visuals), Amit Chowdhury (choreography), and Mukhlesur Rahman (lighting). The costume design has been done by acclaimed fashion designer Afsana Ferdousi. Atiq Pial serves as the assistant director, while Sajib Hazra has designed and planned the promotional visuals.

Show schedule (9–11 October 2025):

• 9 October (Thursday) — 7:00pm

• 10 October (Friday) — 3:00pm and 7:00pm

• 11 October (Saturday) — 3:00pm and 7:00pm

Venue: Auditorium Nouvelle Vague, Alliance Française de Dhaka, 26 Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
Tickets: Available at the venue counter on show days.