The Freedom & Independence Theatre Festival runs from 5-28 November 2021 and will comprise an intercultural programme marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladeshi independence. Activities will include 12 theatrical performances, exhibitions, curated talks and seminars.
It will facilitate a dynamic cultural exchange between youth, elders and marginalised groups across the UK Bangladeshi, Palestinian, Rohingya, Somali, Vietnamese and London’s East End communities, celebrating in diverse modes and media the themes of freedom and independence.
Queen Mary University of London has been a key partner on the festival since its inception with events happening on campus in our ArtsOne Building.
Some highlights include:
Freedom and Independence: People Speak by British Bangladeshi Poetry Collective A (bilingual) poetry-play event where audience members are invited to join BBPC poets on stage
Bengali History Walk by Swadhinata Trust A poet will be joining this year’s Banglatown walk to add a new dimension to this engaging, interactive slice of local history
Film: ‘A Very British History: British-Bangladeshis’ The film explores the migration history and experiences of the British Bangladeshi community
Future 001 Xuriyo by Numbi Arts Future 001 Xuriyo is an Afro-Futurist project that tries to imagine the possibilities of a Somali future
Use Your Words by Arts Without Borders Come along and hear how young writers have got creative and honed their craft using the themes of independence and freedom
Ummsiyah by Arts Without Borders This is a celebration of Palestinian arts and culture as well as the lived Palestinian experience
Sunday is Saree Day by Mohila Ongon This is a female only event to celebrate womanhood through sarees, heritage and Bangladeshi delicacies
When Madonna was Dying by BSK This play tells the story of the women activists in 1971 in the UK who were the forerunners in raising voices for freedom
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