As a dramaturge, Dr. Shahman Moishan plays a vital role in shaping theatrical productions by bridging the gap between the creative and intellectual aspects of performance. His work involves a deep engagement with the text, cultural context, and performance traditions to enhance the artistic and thematic coherence of the production.

Key Aspects of Shahman Moishan's Role as a Dramaturge:

Cultural Integration
  • Moishan incorporates Bangladesh’s rich performance traditions into contemporary theatre, ensuring that indigenous practices such as Jatra, Puthi, and Baul songs find a place in modern productions.
  • He emphasizes the preservation of cultural identity while exploring global theatrical methods.
  • As a scholar, he delves into social, historical, and political themes, ensuring that the narratives resonate with the audience’s lived realities.
  • For instance, his dramaturgical approach in productions like “Lal Majlum” or “Piyar Alir Bhanga Mukh” addresses issues such as colonial histories, identity, and collective memory.
  • Moishan actively collaborates with directors, writers, and performers to refine scripts, align the narrative with the production’s vision, and ensure the performance remains impactful.
  • His work often involves integrating textual analysis with visual and performative elements to create layered theatrical experiences.
  • As a theatre scholar, Moishan brings a rigorous academic perspective to his dramaturgical work, drawing from global theatre theory, performance studies, and Bangladeshi traditions.
  • His scholarly insights allow him to engage critically with the material, contributing to a more nuanced and multidimensional performance.
  • He is known for blending traditional forms with contemporary post-dramatic aesthetics, using multimedia and digital tools to add new dimensions to storytelling.
  • His dramaturgy reflects a commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance art while staying rooted in cultural authenticity.

Through his dramaturgical contributions, Shahman Moishan enriches productions with intellectual depth, cultural resonance, and artistic innovation, making him a significant figure in both Bangladeshi and global theatre landscapes. As a pioneering dramaturge in Bangladeshi theatre, Shahman Moishan has been instrumental in introducing and shaping this professional category in the country. His contributions span collaborations with notable directors, academic institutions, and international festivals, marking a significant impact on both local and global stages. 

  • In his role, Shahman has co-created productions of Brecht’s The Measures Taken and Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Macbeth. These groundbreaking performances, staged by MA students at his department in 2012, 2014, and 2018 respectively, were the first in Bangladesh to incorporate dramaturgy as a formal practice.
  • In 2015, Shahman worked alongside Alistair Campbell, Reader in Applied Performance at Queen Mary University of London, contributing to the Tower Hamlets-based ‘Season of Bangla Drama Festival’ in the UK.
  • His expertise was further showcased through his collaboration with Professor Dr. Mohammad Israfeel in the production of Sanjhbelar Bilap (Delirium of Twilight), adapted from Jean Racine’s Phaedra. This production, staged by the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Dhaka, represented Bangladesh at the 9th Asia Pacific Bureau Theatre School Meet in New Delhi from October 19–25, 2016.
  • In 2018, Shahman reunited with Professor Dr. Mohammad Israfeel for a production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. This production received an invitation to be showcased at the 20th Bharat Rang Mahotsav, held in Delhi and Ranchi, India, from February 10–12, 2019.

Through his collaborative and visionary work, Shahman Moishan continues to enrich the theatrical landscape, bridging academic insight with professional artistry. 

Theatre Portfolio