'Eco Theatre' has formally launched in Rajshahi with the aim of bringing movements for agroecology, food sovereignty, and climate justice closer to the public through cultural practices. The initiative was inaugurated at a meeting titled 'Eco Theatre for Agroecology, Life-Nature, and Justice through Culture,' held at a restaurant in Rajshahi.
Organizers and Participants
The event was organized by the Barendra Youth Forum, a large alliance of environmental, youth, volunteer, social, and cultural organizations in the Barendra region, along with Green Coalition and the development research organization BARCIK. The meeting saw the participation of village and urban members of the Barendra Youth Forum, young organizers, cultural activists, and individuals involved in environmental and social movements.
Objectives and Future Plans
During the meeting, the objectives, action plan, and future cultural initiatives of 'Eco Theatre' were discussed in detail. Speakers emphasized that culture is a powerful medium to raise public awareness and social participation in the face of environmental destruction, river pollution, the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, agricultural crisis, and inequality in the food system.
Cultural Methods for Awareness
Through drama, songs, folk performances, stories, and creative artistic practices, messages about agroecology, food sovereignty, environmental protection, and climate justice will be conveyed to people across society in an accessible way. The event was presided over by Atiqur Rahman Atik, President of Barendra Youth Forum, and moderated by General Secretary Poly Rani.
Importance of Cultural Engagement
BARCIK researcher and anthropologist Shahidul Islam presented the concept of Eco Theatre, its global context, and the importance of culture in environmental and social movements. He noted that the crises of climate and agriculture are not only environmental but also part of social, cultural, and political realities. Therefore, to bring change to people's minds, thinking, and lifestyles, culture must be developed as one of the tools of the movement.
Community-Oriented Cultural Movement
Barendra Youth Forum President Atiqur Rahman Atik said that a people-oriented cultural movement will be built by dramatizing the life experiences, struggles, indigenous knowledge, and relationship with nature of farmers, women, youth, and local communities in the Barendra region. This initiative will not only raise awareness but also give new momentum to the movements for environmental conservation, strengthening local food systems, and building a just society.
Ongoing Cultural Campaigns
Participants at the meeting pledged to conduct regular Eco Theatre performances, trainings, workshops, and cultural campaigns in various villages, educational institutions, and urban areas of the Barendra region. They believe that by harnessing the power of culture, the movements for agroecology, food sovereignty, and climate justice will become broader and more people-centered.
