Selim Al Deen Muktamanch

Selim Al Deen Muktamanch (commonly known as Muktamanch) is an ancient Greek styled Theatre in Jahangirnagar University. The open air stage is located on the slope of a mound to the east of the university's Student-Teacher Center, and to the south of the cafeteria.^[1] It is the first open air theatre in South Asia built in the style of Ancient Greece amphitheatre.^[2] Initially known as the cultural shrine of the university, it was long referred to simply as 'Mukt Manch', after which it was officially named posthumously in honor of its master planner, Salim Al Deen.^[2][3] Muktamanch made its debut in 1980 by staging the play Shakuntala.^[4]

The students of the Department of Drama and Dramatics at Jahangirnagar University required a dedicated performance stage to complement their theoretical and practical education with professional, hands-on experience in theatre production. In parallel, theatrical enthusiasm was growing beyond the academic program, with students from various departments forming independent drama groups and engaging in diverse theatrical pursuits.^[2]

To accommodate both the academic needs and the vibrant theatrical culture emerging on campus, a plan was conceived to establish a purpose-built, professional-grade stage. The initiative for the construction was spearheaded by Selim Al Deen, the founding chairperson of the Department of Drama and Dramatics.^[2]

The design and site selection for the stage were heavily influenced by the topographical resemblance between Jahangirnagar’s undulating landscape and the rugged terrains of ancient Greece. This aesthetic and environmental synergy inspired the conceptual framework of the project. In addition to Selim Al Deen, several prominent figures contributed to the planning and development of the theatre. Among them were cultural luminaries such as Mustafa Monwar, Nasir Uddin Yusuf Bachchu, and Zillur Rahman Siddiqui. Their collective vision was to create a performance space modeled after the open-air amphitheatre of ancient Greece—structures renowned for their architectural harmony with nature and their enduring cultural legacy. The architectural design of the theatre was entrusted to filmmaker and architect Alamgir Kabir, whose vision brought the project to life, blending classical inspiration with contextual relevance.^[2]

The open-air stage at Jahangirnagar University is the first structure in Bangladesh^[1]—and indeed in South Asia—constructed in the architectural style of ancient Greek open-air theatres.^[2][4] In ancient Greece, such theatres were typically built by carving into uneven valleys, creating a sloped area where the main stage, or orchestra, was positioned, and spectator seating was arranged along the natural incline of the surrounding hills. Similarly, the open stage at Jahangirnagar was constructed on lower ground with three open sides in front of the central stage, inspired by the design of the ancient Greek theatre at Epidaurus.^[5] This architectural approach mirrors the Greek method of integrating theatre spaces into the natural landscape.

• The Student-Teacher Centre in the background.
• One side of gallery from ground
• Entrance from cafeteria

The entire structure, including the tiered seating carved into the natural slope, is constructed using red ceramic brick masonry. Adhering to the principles of acoustics and optical wave propagation,^[6][7] the architectural design ensures that performances on stage are both audibly and visually accessible from every point in the audience seating—without the aid of artificial sound amplification or lighting systems.^[2] An iron framework is installed above the central stage platform to facilitate the suspension of fabric coverings and lighting equipment as required.^[1] The audience seating consists of 14 ascending tiers, accommodating up to 1,500 spectators simultaneously, thus exemplifying both functional efficiency and classical aesthetic inspiration.^[2]

Although theatrical performances are most commonly staged here, Muktamanch at Jahangirnagar University serves as the central venue for nearly all cultural activities on campus.^[1] Annually, approximately 250 events are organized here, including national debate competitions,^[8] departmental reunions, graduation ceremonies, concerts, theatre festivals, and celebrations such as University Day. It stands as a vibrant hub for artistic and communal expression within the university.^[1]

The first university-based theatre troupe in Bangladesh, Jahangirnagar Theatre, inaugurated Muktmanch in the early dawn of 1980 with a performance of Shakuntala, drawing inspiration from the theatrical traditions of ancient Greece. Renowned actors such as Shahiduzzaman Selim, Faruque Ahamed, and Subhasish Bhowmik began their theatrical journeys by performing in this landmark debut production.^[2]

In 1991, during a concert at the open stage, band Different Touch began performing their celebrated song “Sraboner Meghgulo Joro Holo Akashe”—only for rain to begin falling moments after the opening lines. Remarkably, the same phenomenon repeated during another performance of the song at the venue in 1992, adding to the mystique and cultural memory of the open stage.^[9]

23°52′44″N 90°16′15″E / 23.8787718°N 90.2707999°E / 23.8787718; 90.2707999