Paulo Coelho’s Timeless Masterpiece *The Alchemist* Comes to the Dhaka Stage

One of world literature’s most popular and influential novels, Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, is set to come alive on the Dhaka stage in a new production by theatre troupe Actomania.

The allegorical story follows the journey of a young shepherd named Santiago, who travels from Andalusia towards the Egyptian pyramids in search of his dreams, destiny, and self-discovery. Having touched the hearts of millions of readers around the world, *The Alchemist* is widely celebrated for its universal themes of dreams, purpose, courage, and the pursuit of one’s destiny.

At the heart of the novel lies its timeless message: “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Actomania’s new stage production seeks to bring this universal philosophy and the deeper truths of life to the theatre through a compelling dramatic adaptation.

Speaking about the production, director Talha Zubaer said,“In today’s world, we are so deeply caught up in the rat race of building our careers that we often forget what we truly wanted to do with our lives. The Alchemist reminds us that every individual has a Personal Legend�"a dream or purpose that we are born to pursue. This production is an attempt to help us rediscover the dreams within ourselves and to inspire us to embark on our own inner and spiritual journeys.”

Through aesthetic lighting, evocative sound and music, and powerful performances, the production will portray Santiago’s journey across the desert as well as the transformation taking place within him.

The premiere and subsequent regular shows of The Alchemist will be held soon at the Experimental Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka.

The cast includes Shashanka Saha, Kamruzzaman Tapu, Sayem Sezan, Saira Akther, Salauddin Evan, Fatema Elma, Kamrul Tihan, Mahbuba Mou, Sunvi Mir, Marjuk Hasan, Jayabrata Biswas, Mahfuz Islam Megh, Bappi Chowdhury, Sakib Shuvo, Oishi Ray, Saad, Rihad Islam, Ratul Arian, Sulaiha Tarzia, Rudra, Jony, and Borish-Dhara.

With The Alchemist, Actomania invites audiences to rediscover the dreams they may have left behind and to believe once again that the journey towards one’s Personal Legend is often as transformative as the destination itself.