Photo: Courtesy
Chaklader Mustafa Al Mashud, widely known as Mashud Sumon, has been actively involved in stage drama since 2000. In addition to his work as a theater artist, he is also a theater and film director, currently serving as a Cultural Officer at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (National Academy of Fine and Performing Arts).
Mashud Sumon and ‘Kanjush’
Following Bangladesh’s independence, the theater movement witnessed renewed vitality. Loko Natyadal, founded in the 1980s, became a prominent troupe. One of its most successful productions is The Miser (Kanjush), originally written by Molière.
Since 1987, numerous actors have performed the same roles in this play, but it is widely acknowledged that Sumon’s portrayal of Badiuzzaman stands out. According to director of the play, multiple actors have tackled the role of Badiuzzaman, yet Sumon’s performances remain unmatched.
In recognition of his outstanding work, Sumon received an ‘Honorary award’ during the 500th show in 2006, ‘Best Actor Award’ during the 600th show in 2012, and ‘Outstanding Actor Award’ during the 700th show in 2017. He has appeared in over 250 of the 471 performances since he joined the production, showcasing Kanjush to more than 50 districts and at various national and international festivals.
As a result of these successful showings, Loko Natyadal performers have received the highest remuneration in Bangladesh’s theater scene. Aside from its regular performances, the troupe also participates in numerous domestic and international events as well as corporate showcases, using the revenue to pay honoraria to its actors. Sumon, as a senior performer and a lead actor in Kanjush, receives the highest honorarium within the troupe and country as well.
Leadership and Organizational Role
Beyond his onstage work, Sumon has played an active part in Loko Natyadal’s organizational activities, serving as coordinator for many years. He has also held significant roles at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, first as an Assistant Director (Film) and later as a Cultural Officer, overseeing film, acrobatics, and traditional folk drama ‘Jatra’.
In film, Sumon’s responsibilities have included organizing nationwide festivals such as the Bangladesh Film Festival, Bangladesh Short and Documentary Film Festival, and other similar events and festival. He has served as chief coordinator as well as a member of the jury committee.
Moreover, he has coordinated a range of national and international events, including the Asian Theatre Summit (twice) and SAARC Cultural Festival on Traditional Folk Dance & Handicrafts Exhibition 2017. In recognition of his coordination work for important programs, SAARC Director Mr. Wasanthe Kotuwella honored him with a honorary crest and certificate.
Mentorship and Training
Mashud Sumon is an important executive member of the People’s Theatre Association (PTA), which spearheads the children’s and adolescent theatre movement in Bangladesh. He has performed with the PTA’s sub-group, People’s Repertory Theatre, in productions for children, notably Raastar Chhele (Street Boy) and Dakghor (The Post Office).
In addition, he continues to provide theatre training to children and adolescents across various districts and sub-districts throughout the country. He has also served multiple times as a coordinator, as well as a judge for the ‘Solo Acting’ competition and other responsibilities at Bangladesh’s largest National Children’s Theatre Festival, fulfilling these roles with unwavering dedication.
As a PTA trainer and a Loko Natyadal actor, Sumon has also performed jury duties at numerous school, college, and cultural competitions, Festivals and workshops. Notable examples include the “Shilpakala Competition 2024 (Dhaka District),” 1st National Cultural Fest 2023 organized by Birshreshtha Munshi Abdur Rouf College, and “Shorot Tomar Aruno Aloy” workshop organized by Baithak.
In 2021 and 2023, he twice judged the “Drama and Acting” section at the final stage of the Inter-College Sports, Cultural, and Debate Competition & Festival, featuring participants from nearly two thousand colleges across 64 districts of National University and many more.
Acting in Other Activities
Over his 25-year acting career, Sumon has appeared in about 15 stage plays—such as Hamlet, The Tale of Lilabati, and Nocturnal Wanderer—accumulating over 550 stage appearances. He has also acted in full-length Bangla films like Ek Cup Cha, short films including Naree and Nodai, several television commercials, and on various other TV platforms. His dedication to acting and the arts has earned him numerous accolades and recognition both at home and abroad.
He has traveled to countries including the USA, Canada, France, Monaco, China, Singapore, and India, performing in theatrical and cultural programs—thereby representing Bangladesh’s artistic heritage on the international stage. May his artistic journey continue to flourish, further establishing Bangladeshi culture both nationally and internationally.
Messenger/Tareq
