Once in a song by DIS/MIS
The QM Centre for Creative Collaboration is excited to continue its long-standing partnership with A Season of Bangla Drama (SBD), the largest Bengali Diaspora performance festival in Europe. Now in its 21st year, SBD brings theatre, spoken word, art, and community engagement to East London, providing a platform for South Asian cultural expression. This collaboration underscores Queen Mary's commitment to supporting South Asian creativity and cultural storytelling across Tower Hamlets and beyond, offering accessible pathways into the arts for the community.
Kazi Rukhsana Begum, festival producer from Tower Hamlets Council states, “Season of Bangla Drama's partnership with Queen Mary University of London has been built over time, and is a meaningful engagement based on trust. This year, SBD has consolidated its 11-year relationship with the Drama Department at Queen Mary by bringing together a range of dramaturgical partnerships fostered through that collaboration. This has supported the festival to build the capacity of participating groups to identify their own artistic and developmental priorities, by conducting a series of co-designed CPD sessions where groups’ priorities, challenges and requirements are brought together. This has been vital in mapping the emerging identity of the SBD as a dynamic, evolving platform for celebration and debate and has also created the space to interrogate our future priorities as well as our present achievements.”
This year, we’re proud to highlight the contributions of our Assistant Producer alumni, who have honed their skills through our Assistant Producer Scheme and are now bringing that expertise to SBD. Sadia, one of our recent alumni, reflects on her experience working with SBD this season. In her role as an assistant producer, Sadia supports Kazi Ruksana Begum, Arts Development Officer at LBTH, with a range of tasks, from administrative duties to planning and day-to-day management of the festival’s events.
Drawing on skills gained from the Assistant Producer Scheme, Sadia shares, “The scheme has taught me many valuable skills that I was able to bring to this placement. I learned how to communicate effectively with the artists and the people who help run the event.” She has also learned to plan and manage the event’s schedule while “dealing with last-minute changes of the plan and adapting to that change on the spot.” Her work at SBD has provided opportunities to adapt quickly and represent her team with confidence and professionalism.
Looking ahead, Sadia expresses her excitement for “witnessing the power of theatre to bring people together and celebrate the rich heritage of East London’s communities.” She notes that working with a supportive and friendly team has been a highlight of her placement.
Through stories like Sadia's, we see how the Assistant Producer Scheme empowers emerging talent to take on real-world roles, where they contribute meaningfully to cultural projects that enrich our community. Her work with A Season of Bangla Drama exemplifies the commitment, adaptability, and collaborative spirit that we aim to foster in our alumni.
Upcoming Festival Highlights
Come, Wash Your Sins Away by Farha Bi
Join storyteller Farha, for an intimate and interactive performance, where they blur the lines between audience and performer, to share a moment of hope together.
Tickets and info
Once in a Song explores the conflict between generations and mental health struggles. It reveals the healing power of music which provides hope in times of turmoil.
Book your ticket
For the full SBD 2024 programme and booking links, visit A Season of Bangla Drama 2024. Join SBD in celebrating this remarkable festival and its contributions to the community through artistic innovation and engagement.