AFD reopens with a stellar list of upcoming events

With a motto to promote local artists and launch collaborative events, featuring indie artists from different parts of the world, Alliance Française De Dhaka (AFD) is all set to reopen next month. 

The cultural wing of the French embassy in Bangladesh has always worked with the local artists and Dhaka audiences have experienced many great events through their exchange programs. 

Simultaneously, Bangladeshi musicians and artists also get to go on tour to Europe and collaborate with Western artists as well. However, due to the pandemic, those activities came to a standstill. 

With a new director in the office, AFD wants to resume their cultural activities and highlight local artists like in the past.

François Grosjean, director of AFD told The Business Standard, "Besides our long list of events, we have plans of producing theatre based on Bangladeshi folklore stories, featuring local theatre artists."

"We are also planning to bring indie artists such as dancers, musicians, actors from Europe and Africa to perform here in Bangladesh and collaborate with local artists to bring out something universal that would attract people from all over the world." 

"I am very pleased to join as director of the Alliance Française de Dhaka and I look forward to the educational, artistic and cultural collaboration between both countries."

In the coming months, many indie artists who have performed all over the world will come to Dhaka to entertain local audiences.  Souleymane Sanogo is one of such performers who will come to Bangladesh sometime next year. 

West African dancer Souleymane uses his body to tell his story of self-discovery through dance, with minimal words and music.

Composer and instrumentalist, Max Vandervorst will also grace the stage in Dhaka with his unique instruments made with recycled materials. 

Talking about his theatre experience and festivals, François informed, "I began my life as an artist. Then I got interested in drama and theatre productions.  Hence, I have an interest in local theatre and hosting cultural events and festivals in Dhaka. 

With that in mind, 'The Francophone Festival' might come back to Bangladesh after almost two years. 

Another interesting event called, 'Les Grande Personnes' has also been lined-up.  This is a collective of artists from Aubervilliers, France. There are different types of performance arts that they focus on, but street theatre pretty much covers a big part of it. 

They are also known for creating these giant puppets which go as tall as over four meters. They also bring these puppets alive through entertaining performances. The Dhaka University campus or Dhanmondi Lake are possible venues for such an event.  

List of upcoming events:

Marc Riboud Exhibition

The acclaimed French photographer's solo show will feature his work on Bangladesh

Tentative Date: 10 -11 October – 10 November

Eunic (The European Union National Institutes for Culture): Hidden Heritage

As a part of the EUNIC project, heritage buildings and sites of Dhaka will be exhibited 

Tentative Date: October 

Solo photography exhibition of Abir Abdullah

The solo photography exhibition will feature rural Bangladesh 

Tentative Date: November – December 

Les Grandes Personnes

Street art show will showcase giant puppets 

Tentative Date: February-March, 2022

Dance or Chaos by Souleymane Sanogo

The West African dancer's solo performance 

Tentative date: To be announced