Actomania to stage new production ‘When We Dead Awaken’

The young theatre troupe Actomania is bringing their third production to the stage in Dhaka. This time, they will present the timeless play When We Dead Awaken by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen.

The inaugural performance will take place on January 27, followed by a second show on January 28 at the main hall of the National Theatre of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The Norwegian ambassador to Bangladesh, Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, will attend the opening performance as the chief guest.

The play has been translated into Bengali by Shahidul Mamun, with direction by Nowrin Sazzad. Since its inception in 2023, Actomania has aimed to introduce audiences to unconventional theatrical practices. Their previous productions, Hamletmachine and The Man Outside, received critical acclaim, and the troupe hopes to maintain that standard with their new production.

Speaking about the play, director Nowrin Sazzad said, “When We Dead Awaken” is primarily about liberation—exploring freedom through creation and the warmth of human relationships. The characters seek freedom either through artistic creation or interpersonal connections. This eternal conflict between personal liberation and relationships makes the play both worldly and spiritual.

He added, “Art transcends space and time—it is universal. Though written in Norway in 1899, the anguish of creation remains relevant today. The pain of an artist when their desired creation remains unfulfilled is akin to death—that inner torment forms the core of the play. This is why we felt compelled to present it to audiences.”

The cast features Kamruzzaman Tapu, MHS Labon, Nowrin Sajjad, Marshia Shawn, Sagar Borua Shan, Fakir Biplob, Marzuk Al Hasan, Prathama Rahman, Sanvi Mir Chowdhury, Rajon Arif, Dibakar Mondal Jitu, Shahriar Yusuf and Abhijit Saha Rudra.