Being the cultural heart of Bangladesh, Dhaka has numerous venues where musical and theatrical performances take place. But most of these are either large stadiums or auditoriums. Very few of them are Amphitheaters, which is a style of venue originating in ancient Greece. Amphitheaters are open-air venues that have circular or semi-circular seating around the main stage. There are quite a few venues in Dhaka that keep in line with this definition, and so they can be called Amphitheaters. Today, we will look at the most significant amphitheaters in Dhaka, and their stories!
Selim Al-Deen Muktomoncho
The Selim Al-Deen Muktomoncho is an Amphitheater located at Jahangirnagar University, in Savar. It is named after famous playwright Selim Al-Deen, who is considered to be one of the best playwrights in Bangladesh, making significant contributions to Bengali drama. He was also the founder of the Department of Drama and Dramatics and Jahangirnagar University and helped create many future playwrights as a teacher there. He also played a huge role in the creation of this Amphitheater, which was renamed in his honor after he died of cardiac arrest in 2008.
It is considered to be one of the best venues for the theatrical arts in the country, with many of the country’s top theatrical troupes putting on shows here. It is also where all the big events, concerts, dance performances, and plays at Jahangirnagar University take place. Overall, its prominence in the theater scene, along with Selim Al-Deen’s contributions to Bengali drama, make the Selim Al-Deen Muktomoncho one of the most important Amphitheaters in Dhaka.
Suhrawardy Udyan Muktomoncho
Suhrawardy Udyan is a place that holds significance in the history of our nation. Located within its premises are the Independence Monument, The Museum of Independence, and a beautiful amphitheater. Although it doesn’t see much use for most of the year, the amphitheater comes alive once a year during the Ekushey Boi Mela that is held every February. And most of the cultural programs that take place during the fair are hosted at the Suhrawardy Udyan Muktomoncho, with many people flocking the amphitheater to see the different programs and performances. Overall, its location and significance during the Ekushey Boi Mela makes the Suhrawardy Udyan Muktomoncho one of the best amphitheaters in Dhaka.
Rabindra Sarobar
Although this place serves less as an amphitheater and more as a center for socialization, it plays host to important cultural events. Located right at the center of Dhanmondi, which is one of Dhaka’s oldest residential neighborhoods, Rabindra Sarobar is located right on the bank of the picturesque Dhanmondi Lake, and is visited by many people every day. Many cultural programs also take place here, with the most significant being the events that take place during the Bengali New Year, where many people come to see the different events that take place. Special programs also take place during Independence Day, Victory Day, and several other important dates on the calendar. The different events that take place on national holidays and special occasions make Rabindra Sarobar one of the most significant amphitheaters in Dhaka.
Hatirjheel Amphitheatre
This amphitheater, located in Hatirjheel, was opened in 2017, along with the beautiful musical fountain. It has a capacity to seat over 2000 people, making it one of the largest amphitheaters in Dhaka. The Hatirjheel Amphitheater is also decked with state of the art facilities, and is located near to Gulshan, one of Dhaka’s most upscale neighborhoods. It is one of the most notable structures in Hatirjheel. This amphitheater is slated to be a part of the Dhaka Opera House Complex, a grand project containing an international standard opera house, along with multiple conference halls, and a multi-story car park.
Today, we’ve looked at some of Dhaka’s most significant amphitheaters, each having its own, unique backstory. Which of these would you like to visit? If you think we have missed out on any other amphitheater, please let us know in the comments.
