NINAD stages Jean Cocteau’s The Human Voice at Alliance Française de Dhaka
NINAD made its theatrical debut with The Human Voice, a one-act play by renowned French playwright Jean Cocteau, staged at the Auditorium Nouvelle Vague of Alliance Française de Dhaka on 9, 10, and 11 October 2025.
Presented in collaboration with Alliance Française de Dhaka, the production ran for five shows over three days, captivating audiences with its emotional intensity and artistic finesse. The one-hour performance, staged entirely in Bangla, was translated and adapted by Prajna Tasnuva Rubayyat, who also directed the play.
Originally written in 1930, The Human Voice is a single-character drama portraying a woman's final phone conversation with her lover on the eve of his wedding to another woman. The work explores heartbreak, loneliness, and the fragility of human connection—hallmarks of Cocteau's poetic realism.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The Bangla adaptation and direction by Prajna Tasnuva Rubayyat brought a fresh contemporary lens to the French classic. With 17 years of experience in theatre, teaching, and writing, Rubayyat infused the performance with deep emotional nuance. The solo role was performed by Sadika Swarna, whose moving portrayal reflected her rich background in theatre and the visual arts.
To commemorate Jean Cocteau's death anniversary on 11 October, a special discussion titled "A Special Talk on Jean Cocteau" followed the 3:00 PM show. The session, moderated by eminent theatre personality Ramendu Majumdar, explored Cocteau's creative philosophy and his enduring influence on modern theatre.
The creative team behind the production included Azmain Esmam (soundscape), Tanji Kun (scenography), Dhrubo Das (projection visuals), Amit Chowdhury (choreography), and Mukhlesur Rahman (lighting). Costumes were designed by Afsana Ferdousi, with Atiq Pial serving as assistant director and Shajib Hazra contributing to visual design and promotions.
The play offered Dhaka audiences a rare opportunity to experience a French theatrical classic through a powerful Bangla interpretation, fostering a cultural bridge between two artistic traditions.
