Diplomatic Desk:
With the aim of strengthening cultural exchange and artistic ties between Bangladesh and Italy, a contemporary dance adaptation of the renowned Italian opera ‘The Barber of Seville’ was staged in Dhaka. Through this performance, the Italian dance troupe ‘Artemis Danza’ presented a fresh interpretation of the timeless masterpiece by the world-famous composer Gioachino Rossini. After their engagement in Dhaka, the troupe is now set to bring their performance to Chattogram.
The special dance performance took place on Thursday (November 12, 2026) at the National Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital. Led by the acclaimed Italian choreographer Monica Casadei, ‘Artemis Danza’ delivered an exceptional cultural experience, blending the music of traditional Italian opera with modern dance styles.
The event extended beyond a mere dance performance; it also provided an opportunity for young Bangladeshi dancers to exchange experiences with international artists. Fifteen students from three Dhaka-based dance institutions—‘Avatar’, ‘Kathakiya’, and ‘Nrityanandan’—participated in a special masterclass conducted by the artists of ‘Artemis Danza’. Subsequently, they joined the Italian performers on stage during the main production.
By combining diverse modes of expression, dynamic choreography, and Rossini’s memorable music, the performance created a unique bridge between Italy’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary artistic practice. This initiative has also opened up possibilities for further collaboration and creative engagement between the artistic and cultural communities of the two nations.
This cultural initiative was supported by the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), and the regional administration of Emilia-Romagna. The organizers have expressed their special gratitude to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh for facilitating the event at the National Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Yasmin Begum, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, was present at the event and highlighted its significance through her inspiring remarks.
