The department of English American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) organized “Against All Odds”, a one-of-a-kind intradepartmental drama competition on 18 December 2024 in the auditorium of D-building. The event inaugurated with welcoming the freshers of Fall 2024-2025 who enrolled in the department of English. The event was graced by the Vice-Chancellor AIUB, Professor Dr. Saiful Islam; Pro Vice Chancellor of AIUB, Prof. Dr. Md. Abdur Rahman; and Prof. Dr. Tazul Islam, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. M Hamidul Haque, Head, Department of English delivered the welcome speech.
Then it was time to delve into the magical world of drama. The competition showcased five dramas from different genres directed by enthusiastic faculty members of the department of English and performed by the talented students of the department.
The audience was taken on an enchanting adventure through the outstanding performances of the classic comedy Arms and the Man adapted and directed by Shihad Saqib, Assistant Professor, Department of English; Agamemnon, the timeless Greek tragedy adapted and directed by Dipty Rahman, Lecturer, Department of English; one of the most cherished modern fantasies, Harry Porter, adapted and directed by Rukhsar Raiyan Modina, Lecturer, Department of English; the evergreen Shakespearean comedy As You Like It was directed by Dilshad Jahan Mumu, lecturer Department of English; and the adaptation of the 12 Angry Man, The Last Straw was adapted and directed by Sakib Abrar Tasnim, Lecturer, Department of English.
The auditorium was packed with enthusiastic spectators, who cheered and applauded throughout the event. Many expressed their admiration for the high quality of performance and the diversity of themes showcased. The competition not only entertained but also highlighted the students' ability to bring stories to life through the art of drama.
After much anticipation, Arms and the Man emerged as the champion of the competition, thanks to its brilliant direction, and dynamic acting of the performers. The Last Straw claimed the runner-up position. The event ended with the prize and certificate giving ceremony. The adjudication was done by Mohammed Niaz Majumdar, Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Media and Mass Communication; Dr. Md. Asif Kamal, Associate Professor, Department of English; Dr. Mafruha Ferdous, Associate Professor, Department of English, and Shibaji Mridha, Assistant Professor, Department of English.
The cultural committee of the department of English proactively organized the event under the leadership of Shihab Saqib and with the help of the enthusiastic student volunteers.