A Season of Bangla Drama returns to Tower Hamlets this November.

This month-long festival uses the powerful medium of theatre to celebrate Bangladeshi heritage in a creative and accessible way. There is a wide range of plays in the programme, many of which cross language barriers through the mediums of dance, music and physical theatre.

This year’s theme is ‘freedom of speech’ and self-identity’. This is prevalent as some productions look back though history with topics including the Bengal famine of 1943-44; one man’s journey in the context of the 1971 genocide in Bangladesh; and the story of migration in the 70s and 80s. Crucially, as 2022 marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Language Movement, this momentous subject is addressed in two plays.

Freedom of speech and self-identity is also present in the background of other plays which deal with hardship or suffering. These universal conditions are highlighted through social injustice, delicate mental health or the vulnerability of children.

On a lighter note, there is exuberant dance-theatre celebrating nature’s glory, the crossing of generational divides through Bengali folk music and reverence for a modern Bengali poet.

There is also a fringe programme of exhibitions, talks and more. Covid has reminded us that there is no substitute for live performance, and for physical connection so we hope you can take advantage of this and venture out to see some of what’s on offer. Please keep an eye on the listings pages for details of this exciting and complete programme.

There is also a fringe programme of exhibitions, talks and more. Covid has reminded us that there is no substitute for live performance, and for physical connection so we hope you can take advantage of this and venture out to see some of what’s on offer