‘Invisible Stories’ captivates Dhaka audience at BSA

Puppet theatre performance by Alliance Francaise in collaboration with BD Shilpakala Academy on Saturday

Dhaka, Jul 5 – Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), in collaboration with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), hosted the opening shows of the body puppet theatre performance Invisible Stories on Saturday and Friday at BSA Experimental Theatre Hall, drawing a captivated and enthusiastic audience.

Directed by renowned French puppeteer Laurie Cannac, the intercultural production featured a powerful performance by Cannac herself alongside Bangladeshi artist Md Farhad Ahmed. Combining elements of puppetry, dance, and music, the show marked a unique Bangladesh-France collaboration in contemporary theatre.

'Invisible Stories' told the tale of two scientists in Dhaka investigating the influence of ghosts on daily life. As their obsession grows, they are overtaken by the supernatural and drawn into a surreal voyage through the haunted and mystical Sundarbans.

The performance shed lights on diverse oral traditions across faiths and communities, blending folklore with modern theatrical technique.

Following the Dhaka shows, the production is set to tour France starting in mid-August 2025. For the international leg, performers Md Farhad Ahmed and Swatee Bhadra will represent the production in cities including Charleville-Mézières, Paris, Cluny, Dijon, and Besançon.

The piece will be staged at notable venues and festivals such as the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes, Théâtre Paris-Villette, and Festival Contes Givrés.

Laurie Cannac, classically trained at Théâtre-Ecole du Passage, is known for her emotionally resonant and physical puppet theatre. She founded Compagnie Graine de Vie in 1997 and has led numerous intercultural collaborations.

Md Farhad Ahmed, associated with Prachyanat Theatre since 2012 and Jolputul Puppets since 2014, brings his expertise in dance, choreography, and puppetry to the production. Swatee Bhadra, a fellow performing artist, joins him for the upcoming France tour. 

The show was free and open to all.