French-Bangladeshi artists bring Sundarbans folklore to stage through body puppetry

A French-Bangladeshi theatrical production blending Bengali ghost stories, body puppetry and live music inspired by the Sundarbans will be staged at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on November 6 and 7.

Titled ‘Invisible Stories’, the production is jointly presented by Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), Compagnie Graine de Vie and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Created and directed by French puppeteer Laurie Cannac, the production draws inspiration from Bangladesh’s oral traditions, cultural heritage and the deep-rooted presence of supernatural beliefs in everyday life.

Inspired by her encounters with Bangladeshi artists and communities, Cannac has developed the performance as an artistic tribute to the resilience, humour, optimism and wisdom of the people of Bangladesh.

The story follows two scientists investigating the influence of ghosts on everyday life in Dhaka.

As their investigation unfolds, they embark on an extraordinary journey where the boundaries between the human and supernatural worlds gradually dissolve, taking them beyond the urban landscape into the mysterious wilderness of the Sundarbans.

Through traditional Bengali ghost stories, the production reimagines Dhaka as a surreal metropolis, offering supernatural explanations for familiar urban realities, including notorious traffic congestion and rapid urban transformation.

Bringing ancient beliefs into conversation with contemporary challenges, the performance explores cultural memory, ecological awareness and humanity’s enduring relationship with nature.

Featuring Laurie Cannac and Swatee Bhadra, the production will also include live music by Nonabhumi Organisation, highlighting an artistic collaboration between French and Bangladeshi performers.

The performance on November 6 will be presented in English and Bangla, while the November 7 show will be staged in French and Bangla.

Both performances will begin at 6 pm at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, located at 14/3 Segunbagicha Road in Dhaka.

Admission is free and open to all, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.