Dhaka is set to host the Bangladesh premiere of Guardians of the Gods, an international theatre production that has already toured across five continents. The play will be staged at Alliance Française de Dhaka, Dhanmondi, on September 6, with shows scheduled at 7:00 pm and 8:15 pm.
A collaboration between Prachyanat (Bangladesh) and Unga Klara (Sweden), the production is directed by Swedish theatre-maker Gustav Deinoff and written by Erik Uddenberg, with Bengali interpretation by Prajna Tasnuva Rubayyat. The play is part of The Childhood Project, a major global initiative involving theatres from Bangladesh to Finland, aimed at enhancing cultural experiences for children and young people.
Following its universal premiere in Diyarbakır, Turkey, on May 30, 2025, Guardians of the Gods has been performed in 11 countries, each in its native language. Now, Bangladesh joins the global journey with its own staging.
Director Gustav Deinoff describes the play as a story about what unites children across the globe: “living in a world ruled by adults.” Developed from interviews with children and adults worldwide, the play presents a powerful voice for the younger generation. Playwright Erik Uddenberg adds, “It is very rewarding to unite people from all over the world on this universal experience: being a child adjusting to adults.”
For Bangladesh, the project carries special significance. Azad Abul Kalam, Creative Director of Prachyanat, recalls the early discussions with Deinoff in December 2023. “I realized this could be a great opportunity for international collaboration with our ‘Prachyanat for Children’ activity. Despite national challenges, the project came to life, beginning with rehearsals in Sweden and Turkey before reaching Dhaka. The purpose of this play is to awaken the potential that lies within children beyond the decisions imposed by adults,” he noted.
Actor and theatre activist Toufikul Islam Emon, who also served as advisor for the Bangladesh team, reflects on the experience: “Guardians of the Gods is not just a theatre production—it is a rare journey of global collaboration. Working with 22 actors from 11 different countries turned every rehearsal into a cultural exchange. The play portrays adults embodying the experiences of children, exploring how young people resist, communicate, and imagine in a world often dominated by adults.”
Alongside Emon, Bangladeshi performers include Nahida Akhter Akhi and choreographer Diana Meriline. The artistic team features international talents: scenographer and costume designer Deniz Göl, composer Tayza Naing, and choreographer Diana Meriline.
Participating theatres in this global venture include Alley Theatre (USA), Mordem Arts Centre (Turkey), Theatre Direct (Canada), La Covacha Teatro (Mexico), Theater Festival/Assitej (Poland), Unge Viken Teater (Norway), Svenska Teatern (Finland), Drama for Life (South Africa), Complejo Teatral de Buenos Aires (Argentina), Prachyanat Theatre (Bangladesh), and Unga Klara (Sweden).
With its universal yet localized approach, Guardians of the Gods offers Bangladeshi audiences a rare glimpse into a truly global theatre collaboration—where the voices of children echo through the performances of adults, transcending cultures and borders.