Jean Cocteau’s Theatrical Production The Human Voice

Theatrical Production The Human Voice of Jean Cocteau

NINAD made its theatrical debut with The Human Voice, a one-act play by renowned French playwright Jean Cocteau, staged at the auditorium of Alliance Française de Dhaka on 9, 10, and 11 October 2025.

Presented in collaboration with Alliance Française de Dhaka, the production ran for five shows over three days, captivating audiences with its emotional intensity and artistic precision. The one-hour performance, staged entirely in Bangla, was translated and adapted by Prajna Tasnuva Rubayyat, who also directed the play.

Originally premiered in 1930, The Human Voice is a one-act, single-character drama depicting a woman’s final phone conversation with her lover on the eve of his wedding to another woman—a haunting exploration of heartbreak, abandonment, and emotional collapse.

The Bengali translation and adaptation are by Prajna Tasnuva Rubayyat, who also directs the production. With 17 years of experience in theatre, teaching, and writing, Rubayyat brings deep emotional insight to the piece. The solo role is performed by Sadika Swarna, a talented actress, whose nuanced performance reflects her long involvement in theatre and the visual arts.

Marking Jean Cocteau’s death anniversary on 11 October, a special discussion titled “A Special Talk on Jean Cocteau" was held after the 3:00 PM show. The session, moderated by Ramendu Majumdar, delved into Cocteau’s life, creative philosophy, and his influence on modern theatre.

The production offered Dhaka audiences a rare opportunity to experience a French theatrical classic through a contemporary Bangla interpretation—bridging cultures through performance and dialogue.

The creative team includes Azmain Esmam (soundscape), Tanji Kun (scenography), Dhrubo Das (projection visuals), Amit Chowdhury (choreography), and Mukhlesur Rahman (lighting), with Afsana Ferdousi designing costumes. Atiq Pial serves as assistant director, and Shajib Hazra contributes to visual design and promotions.

Show Schedule (9–11 October 2025)

• 9 October (Thursday) — 7:00 PM

• 10 October (Friday) — 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

• 11 October (Saturday) — 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Venue: Auditorium Nouvelle Vague, Alliance Française de Dhaka, 26 Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.