Welcome message
Welcome to A Season of Bangla Drama 2025. We are delighted that this high calibre theatre festival is back in Tower Hamlets this November.
For its 22nd year, it has the very fitting theme of ‘kindness’ at its heart. In times of tumult and uncertainty, we can all benefit from simple acts of kindness, whether on an individual or an international level.
Contributors have interpreted this theme in many ways, and the diverse programme includes 12 theatre productions which tackle migration, women’s struggles, universal struggles and friendship.
Three different production companies provide dramatised collections of short stories. These reveal how kindness helps connect us and lays bare the power of oral histories.
Individual experiences are shared, and there is the opportunity for immersion and participation.
Stories are both poignant and heartwarming and can affect us in profound and personal ways.
Some of the stories focus on migration and the difficulty of finding an identity in a foreign land. The migration sub-theme is also explored in the true tale of a jute farmer who becomes a lascar, and the journeys of the Dalit Partition refugees. This search for belonging is divulged through live performance, storytelling and film.
Suffering is a human condition and must be treated with empathy. Satire and comedy give a lighter touch to some issues but remind us that those struggling with poverty, unemployment and addiction still need compassion.
Challenges specifically faced by women are aired and range from post-partum depression to harsh judgement in a patriarchal society, to the difficulties of menopause.
All of these different narratives drive home the importance of kindness, not just towards others, but towards oneself.
On a more upbeat note, two plays revolve around the enduring bond between reunited childhood friends, and how fate intervened to rescue a couple from a difficult wedding and provide a harmonious, happy marriage ceremony.
Alongside the theatrical productions is a bustling fringe programme including exhibitions, open mic nights, creative workshops, investigative panel discussions, and walks. Most of these are free of charge. There are opportunities to learn about traditional musical artforms, write and listen to poetry, and make your own visual art or performance piece.
As ever, there is something for everyone, including young people, parents and carers, and women only.
A Season of Bangla Drama is unique to our vibrant British Bengali – and wider - community and provides a platform for writers and performers old and new. I hope you can and take advantage of this wonderful series of performances, events and activities. Unwind, be kind, discover new stories and make connections.
See full details of this year's exciting programme.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets
Councillor Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation