A Season of Bangla Drama 2024

A Season of Bangla Drama is entering its 21st year. It provides a unique theatre experience for audiences across east London.

The theme is HOPE

The theme for 2024 is HOPE. We live in tumultuous times but no matter how dark things seem, there is always hope. Strive for better outcomes in the face of adversity. Never give up. Change is possible. Poverty, war, climate change and politics loom large on the world stage. We can use theatre to spread a message of hope on the small stage. We seek plays that help to shine a light on the power of goals, dreams and wider possibilities. This is a forum to embrace the importance of hope in all our lives, regardless of context.

Who can apply?

We welcome Expressions of Interest from individuals as well as organisations. Those from the wider community (not exclusively Bengali) can also apply. Playwrights and organisations can be local or national. Content should be relevant to an East London audience. It must be new writing, with debut performance at the 2024 festival.

We are looking for bold new voices. We are looking for stories that resonate with contemporary culture and society. We want to hear from first time writers, as well as established playwrights with new material. We want UK based Bengali stories.

Criteria for selection

Originality and innovation in the themes which should engage audiences in an imaginative and bold way.
Contemporary and relevant - sharing British/Asian experiences in the here and now in the UK
Asking searching and topical questions
Exploring the theme of HOPE from varying viewpoints or perspective
Only new writing will be considered. Plays must debut their performance at this year’s festival.
All plays must have 50% English language and 50% Bangla/or other languages
Priority will be given to productions involving children and young people
Priority will be given to Tower Hamlets based organisations and individuals
A 3-minute video segment of your play is required (YouTube/Vimeo link).
Plays must be written in Bangla/other languages and/or English.
Plays must not go over 60 minutes in length.

We are not accepting

We are not accepting Expressions of Interest from overseas companies.

Deadline for submission

Deadline for submission is Tuesday 26 March 2024 by 10am

Complete the expression of interest form