Syed Jamil Ahmed to act on stage after four decades

Renowned theatre director Syed Jamil Ahmed is set to return to acting after more than four decades, taking on a guest role in Spardha Academy of Performing Arts's upcoming production of "Round Heads and Pointed Heads" (Golmatha Ar Chokhamatha).

The acclaimed thespian will portray a judge in the play, directed by his former student Mohsina Akter and translated into Bangla by Anirudha Anu from German playwright Bertolt Brecht's original work.

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The production will be staged five times over three days at the Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium of Bangladesh Mohila Samity. Performances are scheduled for July 23 at 7:30 pm, July 24 at 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and July 25 at 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm onwards.

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Speaking to Prothom Alo, the theatre personality said he last appeared on stage as an actor in 1984 in the play "Phanimansa", and has not acted since.

"It is a matter of pride for me to work under the direction of my student, Mohsina Akter," he said. "She approaches theatre differently from I do, and collaborating with her has been a joyful experience. This production brings together four generations of theatre practitioners—from Baby Boomers to Gen Z."

The thespian also believes directors should continue acting to remain connected to the craft.

"A director needs to work on stage," he said. "Acting helps one understand the challenges performers face. That experience ultimately enriches one's work as a director."

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The cast also includes Titas Zia, Faiza Chowdhury, Fatima Nuzhat Kaderi, Shams Emon, Eva Afroze Khan, and Nusrat Jahan, among others.

Mohsina Akter previously staged the play with the inaugural batch of students from Spardha Academy of Performing Arts (SAPA). The new production marks a revival featuring a broader ensemble.

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Widely regarded as one of Bangladesh's leading theatre practitioners, Syed Jamil Ahmed has directed landmark productions including "Chaka," "Bishad Sindhu," "Ek Hazar Aur Ekti Raat," "Behular Bhashan," "Song Bhong Chong," "Rizwan," "Jibon O Rajnoitik Bastobota," "Bismoykor Sobkichu," and "Ami Birangana Bolchi." He also served as the former Director General of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Tickets for the production are available through QuickTicket.