Key Points:
- Tower Hamlets Council has been awarded £75,361 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a unique research project titled Narratives of Time.
- The project aims to document, archive, and share the history of Bangla drama in East London from 1963 to 2013.
- It will explore the role of Bengali drama in preserving cultural identity and its evolution amidst social and economic challenges.
- The project includes oral history recording, script collection, and archival research with community participation.
- Community members will be trained as “theatrical heritage researchers” to conduct interviews, document stories, and engage in social media outreach.
- The initiative will culminate in exhibitions, digital resources, and a final celebration at the Brady Arts Centre as part of A Season of Bangla Drama 2026.
- Councillor Kamrul Hussain emphasised the socio-political and cultural influences shaping Bangla drama in the East End.
£75,361 Awarded to Preserve East London’s Bangla Drama Heritage
Tower Hamlets Council has received £75,361 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to lead an ambitious research project, Narratives of Time, focused on preserving and celebrating the rich history of Bangla drama in East London.
The initiative, supported by National Lottery players, aims to document the development of Bangla Natok (Bengali drama) between 1963 and 2013, capturing the evolution of a cultural tradition that has played a pivotal role in connecting the Bengali immigrant community to their heritage.
What Will the Narratives of Time Project Achieve?
The project will trace the origins of Bangla drama in London, exploring how a small group of Bengali migrants kept the art form alive despite challenges such as racism, unemployment, and the decline of local industries. The research will delve into the socio-political factors influencing the growth of Bengali theatre, from its early roots in the 1960s to its prominence during Bangladesh’s 1971 independence movement and subsequent development in the 1980s and 1990s.
Councillor Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said:
“Bengali drama in the East End did not develop in isolation. It is associated with factors such as interactions with mainstream theatre, socio-political influences from Bangladesh and elsewhere, and the multi-faceted heritage and changing landscape of East London.
“We are excited to be part of the Narratives of Time project, which will help unveil the rich history of how a small group of people kept Bengali drama alive when they first migrated to London, and helped it grow over several decades.”
How Will the Project Engage the Community?
A central aspect of the initiative involves recruiting and training community members as “theatrical heritage researchers.” Participants will learn oral history techniques, theatre-making skills, and archival research methods. They will collaborate with institutions such as Tower Hamlets Local History and Archives, Queen Mary University Drama Department, and London Metropolitan Archives to gather contextual material.
The researchers will interview playwrights, actors, producers, and directors, and collect Bengali and English drama scripts, along with promotional materials. Their findings will be shared through blogs and a structured social media programme, ensuring wider public engagement throughout the project.
What Are the Project’s Planned Outcomes?
The Narratives of Time project will culminate in:
- Exhibitions showcasing the collected materials and oral histories.
- Digital resources to preserve and share the findings with future generations.
- A final drama performance celebrating the heritage of Bangla drama in East London.
The initiative will close with a public celebration at the Brady Arts Centre in November 2026, coinciding with A Season of Bangla Drama, an annual festival launched by Tower Hamlets Council in 2003 to promote Bengali theatre.
Who Are the Partners Behind the Initiative?
The project is being delivered in partnership with Arts Without Borders, an organisation dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and creative expression.
The council invites local residents and drama enthusiasts to join the effort, either as researchers or participants, to ensure the heritage of Bangla drama continues to inspire future generations.
