a special screening of Shezad Dawood’s major new mixed-reality digital work Concert From Bangladesh to mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence.
In partnership with Chisenhale Gallery, Bold Tendencies are delighted to host a special screening of the new film Concert From Bangladesh by Shezad Dawood. The screening will be followed by a discussion between Dawood and Chisenhale Director Zoé Whitley in Bold Tendencies' Straw Auditorium; after the talk, music producer and DJ Provhat will perform in the outdoor bar. Book your free ticket here.
- 7-8pm Screening at PeckhamPlex
- 8:30-9:15pm Shezad Dawood and Zoé Whitley discussion in the Straw Auditorium at Bold Tendencies
- 9:15 - 11pm Provhat DJ set
About the film
Concert From Bangladesh is a mixed reality digital collaboration between UBIK Productions (London) and Samdani Art Foundation (Dhaka) supported by the British Council Digital Collaboration Fund. The organisations have commissioned acclaimed British-South Asian artist Shezad Dawood to create a virtual reality stage for a concert expanding on the 50 year legacy of Concert For Bangladesh: the original charity concert initiated by Ravi Shankar and George Harrison of Beatles' fame, in aid of the relief effort and refugee crisis during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.
Concert From Bangladesh takes audiences on an audio-visual journey through Bangladesh past and present, encompassing mystical Baul singers from rural Kushtia, experimental electronics and hip hop from the streets of Dhaka. It begins with renowned Baul singer Arif Baul accompanied by instrumental virtuosos Nazrul Islam, Saidur Rahman, and Sohel. This is followed by a piece composed by Enayet and Nishit Dey exploring the shared musical language between Nazrul sangeet, classical raga and 90s jungle by blending cutting edge electronic production and arrangements by Enayet, Provhat Rahman and Siaminium, with classical raga and Nazrul sangeet vocals by Meerashri Arshee and Moumita Haque, Bansuri flute by Jawaad Mustakim Al Muballig and sitar performance by Nishit Dey. We are led through the Concert's third and final act by the Bangladeshi hip hop duo Tabib Mahmud and 12-year-old Gully Boy Rana, whose socially engaged lyrics highlight some of the pressing issues the Concert aims to fundraise for. The concert album and ethically produced merchandise are available to purchase via Pioneer Works. All proceeds raised will be equally distributed between the performing musicians and Bangladeshi NGO Friendship, which provides healthcare for climate change refugees and promotes women’s rights in Bangladesh.
