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{{Short description|Theatre group in Bangladesh}}

'''Spardha: Independent Theatre Collective''' (commonly known as '''Spardha ITC''') is a theatre group based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Founded on 12 September 2018, the collective is led by theatre director and scholar Syed Jamil Ahmed.{{cite news |title=From Shahidul Zahir to paratheatre: Spardha unveils daring lineup for August run |work=The Daily Star |date=31 July 2025 |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/entertainment/theatre-arts/news/shahidul-zahir-paratheatre-spardha-unveils-daring-lineup-august-run}} The group produces theatrical performances and operates the Spardha Academy of Performing Arts, which provides training in theatre practice.{{cite news |title=Spardha to stage ‘Ami Birangana Bolchhi’ during Eid |work=New Age |date=28 December 2025 |url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/205341/spardha-to-stage-ami-birangana-bolchhi-during-eid}}

The collective also manages the Spardha Atelier in Dhaka, a space used for rehearsals, workshops, and performances.{{cite news |title=Spardha stages Bengali adaptation of Pinter’s ‘The Applicant’ |work=The Daily Star |date=4 February 2026 |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/entertainment/news/spardha-stages-bengali-adaptation-pinters-the-applicant-4097751}}

== History ==
Spardha ITC was established in 2018 in Dhaka and has since engaged in theatre production and training activities.{{cite news |title=Theatre troupe Spardha concludes series of workshops |work=New Age |date=31 August 2025 |url=https://www.newagebd.net/post/theatre/274657/theatre-troupe-spardha-concludes-series-of-workshops}} The group’s work has been covered in Bangladeshi media in relation to its engagement with contemporary social and cultural themes.{{cite news |title=Spardha to commemorate seven years with month-long theatre festival |work=The Daily Star |date=25 August 2025 |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/entertainment/theatre-arts/news/spardha-commemorate-seven-years-month-long-theatre-festival-3970276}}

In addition to performances, the collective conducts workshops and training programmes through its academy and affiliated initiatives.{{cite news |title=Totakahini at Spardha Atelier: Children bring Rabindranath’s satire to life with wit and warmth |work=The Business Standard |date=1 December 2025 |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/splash/totakahini-spardha-atelier-children-bring-rabindranaths-satire-life-wit-and-warmth-1299511}}

== Productions ==
Spardha ITC has staged a range of productions, including adaptations of literary and theatrical works.

* '''''Jibon O Rajnaitik Bastobota''''' (2019), based on a work by Shahidul Zahir and directed by Syed Jamil Ahmed, addresses themes related to the Bangladesh Liberation War.{{cite news |title='Jibon O Rajnaitik Bastobota' in review |work=The Daily Star |date=25 March 2019 |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/arts-entertainment/theatre/news/jibon-o-rajnaitik-bastobota-review-1720222}}

* '''''4.48 Montrash''''' (2020), a Bengali adaptation of Sarah Kane’s ''4.48 Psychosis'', was directed by Syed Jamil Ahmed and staged during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |title=Montrash to re-premiere on Jan 5 |work=New Age |date=2 January 2023 |url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/190630/montrash-to-have-re-premiere-on-jan-5}}{{cite news |title=Spardha to stage ‘4.48 Montrash’ at Mahila Samity from Jan 5 to 13 |work=UNB |date=5 January 2023 |url=https://unb.com.bd/category/Lifestyle/spardha-to-stage-448-montrash-at-mahila-samity-from-jan-5-to-13/107705}}

* '''''Bismaykor Sob Kichu''''' (2021), adapted from Duncan Macmillan’s ''Every Brilliant Thing'', was staged in small-scale venues including private homes in multiple cities.{{cite news |title=Spardha premieres Bismaykar Sabkichhu |work=New Age |date=5 November 2021 |url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/153801/spardha-premieres-bismaykar-sabkichhu}}

* '''''Ami Birangona Bolchhi''''' (2023), adapted from Nilima Ibrahim's work on the experiences of birangona women following the Bangladesh Liberation War, was directed by Syed Jamil Ahmed. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}


* '''''Tabuo Jege Uthi''''' (2024), directed by Mohsina Akhter, is a movement-based performance exploring themes related to women's experiences.{{cite news |title='Tobuo Jege Uthi': Commodification of women in a patriarchal world |work=The Daily Star |date=9 September 2025}}

The group has also produced children's theatre works, including adaptations of Rabindranath Tagore’s ''Totakahini''.{{cite news |title=Spardha Atelier monche ‘Ghun-poka’ O ‘Totakahini’ |work=bdnews24.com |date=1 December 2025 |url=https://bangla.bdnews24.com/glitz/8e142e9db76a}}

== Reception ==
Spardha ITC’s productions have been reviewed in Bangladeshi media, where they have been discussed in relation to social, political, and cultural themes addressed through performance.

== International activities ==
The collective participated in the 14th International Theatre Festival of Kerala in 2024, where it presented ''4.48 Montrash''.{{cite news |title=Spardha presents '4.48 Mantras' at Kerala International Theatre Festival |work=Dhaka Tribune |date=3 February 2024 |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/showtime/338534/spardha-independent-theatre-collective-presents}}

The production ''Tabuo Jege Uthi'' was selected for the WOW – Women of the World programme supported by the British Council Bangladesh.{{cite web |title=Meet our grant recipients for WOW – Women of the World |publisher=British Council Bangladesh |year=2026 |url=https://www.britishcouncil.org.bd/en/programmes/arts/wow-women-world/grant-recipients}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}