Archive

Elements

Bioscope, A Cinema with Solo Performance
  • Manage No, Sortation, Country, Writer ,Date, Copyright
    Manage No EE00001950
    Country Bangladesh
    ICH Domain Oral traditions and representations Performing Arts
    Address
    Throughout the country
Description Disclaimer : ‘Bioscope, A Cinema with Solo Performance’ is not an element officially designated by the government of Bangladesh and thus tentatively named by ichLinks secretariat to introduce the cultural expression with the name indicated above. We welcome your valuable comments and feedback about ‘Bioscope, A Cinema with Solo Performance’ and its information presented on this page. A bioscope is a box made of either wood or corrugated board in which one can load movie films, paintings, and still photographs on twin rotors. The twin rotors are made capable of rotating from the top with the help of a steering handle. Slides are fixed onto a cloth that functions as a screen. The cloth is attached to two sides of the box and hung on the handle. When the handle is turned, the slides appear in the screen one after the other to viewers that watch them through lenses in the bioscope. Bioscopes help to travel through the rural areas of Bangladesh and enjoy its old traditions anytime and anywhere. Bioscopes used to be a popular form of entertainment for rural residents before the radio, television, and computers were introduced to Bangladesh. Everyone enjoyed looking through bioscopes regardless of age. When a bioscope man showed images accompanied by stories, people felt as though they were watching movies. Bioscopes had social and cultural implications in the lives of those living in the rural areas. Gathering around a bioscope operator, people shared their joys and sorrows, building close relationships and confidence among one another. However, due to the development of modern technology as well as the arrival of new means of communication, bioscopes are now on the verge of extinction.
Social and cultural significance Bioscopes are not as popular as they used to be due to the advent of new entertainment media. Nowadays, young people seldom know of bioscopes and bioscope operators. The decline of the bioscope has affected the livelihoods of many bioscope operators in Bangladesh. People from the younger generations rarely seek out careers as bioscope operators. However, BARCIK employs the bioscope as a tool to promote social cohesion. In this regard, BARCIK organizes bioscope shows to raise awareness among community members about the importance of bioscope and to encourage mutual respect. Senior citizens get a chance to actually communicate with younger generations while the youth get to understand older generations from an actual experience. The use of bioscope nurtures an environment for communication between generations, ultimately making communities viable and sustainable.
Transmission method The bioscope has cultural and social implications for those living in both rural and urban areas, especially for senior citizens. It grew to an important tangible and intangible heritage for those in rural areas over time. Some say that bioscopes used to be the only source of entertainment in the past. Almost every elderly in the rural areas is very familiar with bioscopes and has happy childhood memories associated with them. Back then, it was easy to see a bioscope operator wearing a colorful costume, narrating stories, and playing the flute and organ to draw viewers to his show. Many people of all ages would follow through the narrow streets of the village. As soon as the bioscope operator walked in, a festive atmosphere would appear in the town. Viewers bought tickets and stood in a queue waiting for their turn. Everyone kept their eyes wide open and looked through the bioscope with surprise. And then they shared their delight with their families and friends. As such, bioscopes were a big part of the local culture. Through the stories of bioscope operators, people learned about the history, culture, tradition, and heritage of Bangladesh. Young children would gain more than just a show. It was through the bioscope that people had the opportunity to know more of their culture and heritage.

Information source

Materials related to

Photos