Fresco Training

LIVE NOW: Bangladesh Feminist Oral History Project: Episode 8 – Dr. Nasrin Khandoker

We are excited to present Episode 8 of the Bangladesh Feminist Oral History Project, an initiative by the Bangladesh Feminist Archives that documents and amplifies the voices of Bangladeshi feminists across generations.

Watch the episode: https://bdfeministarchives.org/2025/05/02/bangladesh-feminist-oral-history-project-episode-8-dr-nasrin-khandoker/

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Nasrin Khandoker, a feminist anthropologist, writer, and educator whose work spans gender, sexuality, migration, embodiment, affect, and postcolonial critique.

Dr. Khandoker received her PhD in Anthropology from Maynooth University, Ireland, and currently works as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the CyberSocial project, where she explores feminist digital activism and online gender-based violence in South Asia. She has also served as an Associate Professor at Jahangirnagar University and is widely published in both academic and public spheres.

This conversation explores how feminist scholarship can push boundaries, challenge power, and make space for stories that often go unheard.

Topics Discussed:
-Nasrin’s journey through feminist anthropology and academia
-Transnational perspectives on migration, gender, and power
-The role of emotion, body, and affect in feminist theory
-Digital feminism, online violence, and resistance through research
-Reflections on writing, teaching, and feminist responsibility

About the Project:
The Bangladesh Feminist Oral History Project preserves the stories of feminists who have shaped and continue to shape our social, intellectual, and political worlds.

Join the Conversation:
Tell us what resonated with you in the comments. Share this episode to help amplify feminist voices and preserve our collective histories.

We express strong solidarity with Assistant Professor Nadira Yasmin of Narsingdi Government College, who is facing systematic harassment, defamation, and threats from extremist groups for her work on women’s rights and empowerment.

As a dedicated educator and founder of Nari Angan, Nadira has created spaces for young women to build confidence and community within challenging social and cultural contexts. The recent attacks by Tanzimul Madarisil Qawmia, Khelafat Majlis, and Hefazat-e-Islam, along with widespread online abuse, are not isolated incidents; they are part of a broader pattern to silence women’s leadership and dismantle feminist organizing.

We condemn the state’s silence and the college administration’s failure to act. Their inaction in the face of public threats, misogynistic propaganda, and psychological violence amounts to complicity.

We demand:
-Immediate protection for Nadira Yasmin.
-Legal action against those responsible for threats and online harassment.
-A clear commitment from authorities to defend academic freedom and feminist work in educational spaces.

This is not just about one woman; it’s about our collective right to speak, resist, and exist without fear.

Bangladesh Feminist Archives
May 23, 2025

Very proud of this bunch of people! Our second year BA Acting CDT students - They performed Loveplay by Moira Bufinni, with huge heart and commitment on Thursday. I was the proud director! We made it with very few resources (no budget), but a great collaborative team! Thanks to all involved ❤️

Teaching and directing is an exciting job, not without its challenges. The culture and well-being of a group includes nurturing a sense of belonging for all, acknowledging and respecting differences, making space for diverse views, and building a relationship of community - based on humanistic values.

I believe my job is to create the conditions for students to thrive and grow. If we create a nourishing environment (like sunshine, water & co2 for plants), students will forge their own way forwards, upwards and beyond!

I am very privileged to do this work. I am in awe as I witness their growth and development. May you continue to grow with heart & resilience.. Strive to improve our world.. and flourish! 💛🌱🪴🌼🫛

To quote bell hooks (writer, philosopher, feminist academic & visionary): “The classroom continues to be a place where paradise can be realized, a place of passion and possibility, a place where spirit matters, where all that we learn and know leads us into greater connection, into greater understanding of life lived in community.” (From Teaching Community, by bell hooks)

I recently found these photos, saved on an old CD-Rom - amazed I cld open it!

Throwback to a Fresco commissioned play for two of South Africa’s National Arts Festivals, Makhanda and Aardklop, 2009.

I had the privilege of workshopping, co-writing and directing this award-winning ensemble to create this work, inspired by legendary writer (and acclaimed Booker Prize Winner), Sir Ben Okri’s novel ‘The Famished Road’. It was a big project and took a few intense months to create. Sadly, we only got to do a limited number of shows as Okri’s literary agent decided to raise the Rights fee mid-process. Gutted, we were forced to put the project on hold until we could find more finances or a big producer for the work. Still, those few shows received a wonderful response from the audiences and reviewers who got to see it.
I would love one day to bring it back to life, and to honour the spirit, talent and brilliance of the great ensemble of artists who created it.

Designed by: Lisa Younger
Directed by:
Helen Iskander
Devised and performed by:
Mncedisi Shabangu,
Sibulele Gcilitshana,
Tinah Mnumzana,
Lindiwe Matshikiza,
Zoey Lapinsky,
Alfred Kunutso, Mongi Mthombeni,
Helen Iskander,
James Cuningham
And the formidable Themba Ntuli as Azaro, spirit child.

RIP Mncedisi Shabangu. We miss you and remember you always 💫💙

“You’re Spring to me, all things to me, don’t you know you’re life itself? Like a leaf clings to a tree, oh my darling cling to me, for we’re creatures of the wind, and wild is the wind…” comes the intoxicating voice of Nina Simone (‘Wild is the Wind’). Pictured: The incredibly talented Attandwa Kani and Sylvaine Strike in Black & Blue (2015) - The story of a man whose beautiful, gentle presence and kindness heals a widow’s bruised and battered heart until she is whole again. Devised, written and directed by a collaboration of artists (Fortune Cookie and Fresco Theatre companies). Photo: Snapped (snatched) by 🙏🏽💫

Incredible experience to visit the mother ship in Paris and connect with some of my amazing Lecoqian family!

Jigsaw reassembles today at Edinburgh Fringe as part of Assembly Festival's digital season.
Playing live today and 29 August at 4pm SA time / 3pm UK time, with daily screenings at various times in-between.
A 2-piece play performed live and clicking into place with a crew of 5 in 5 different cities.
https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/jigsaw-online