DU mime artist makes European stage debut

A Dhaka University (DU) mime artist has made a landmark appearance in Europe, performing a solo act during Bangladesh’s Independence Day celebrations in Poland’s capital, Warsaw.

Dhaka University Mime Action (DUMA) president Ubaidullah Ridwan staged the performance on March 26 at an event organised by the Bangladesh Embassy at the iconic Palace of Culture and Science. The programme was attended by Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Władysław Bartoszewski as chief guest.

Ridwan presented two mime pieces, Muktir Joygan, a Liberation War-themed production written and directed by himself and Selfiemania, a comedic sketch penned by Meer Lokman and directed by Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem. The performances conveyed themes of patriotism and contemporary social issues through expressive, dialogue-free storytelling.

The event drew a diverse audience, including Polish officials, members of the diplomatic corps, academics, business representatives and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora from Poland and neighbouring countries such as Lithuania, Latvia and Ukraine.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh Ambassador to Poland Md Moynul Islam, NDC, BPM, formally hoisted the national flag at the embassy premises as part of the Independence Day observance.

Organisers described Ridwan’s performance as a powerful artistic representation of the spirit of the Liberation War alongside modern societal reflections.

His appearance is being regarded as the first solo mime performance by a Bangladeshi artist in Europe under the banner of DU Mime Action, marking a notable milestone for the university-based cultural organisation.

NRE/AM