Partition was performed live last year to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the partition of India. Now, Nick Ahad’s powerful audio drama returns to Leeds Playhouse, culminating in a major tour of schools across Leeds.
As Muslim Saima and Sikh Ranjit prepare for their wedding, historical wounds and division hang over the couple’s union. By exploring the tensions of this present day union, Partition powerfully reflects on the divisive memory and painful legacy of India’s partition that still persist over 70 years on.
Written by Leeds writer and leading arts journalist Nick Ahad and directed by Stefan Escreet, the 2017 production was the Playhouse’s first collaboration with BBC Radio Leeds.
Nick Ahad said: “Of all my plays, Partition is one that gives me a huge amount of pride and joy. Joy because working on the play was a huge pleasure and pride because it was an opportunity to shed some light on what felt like a piece of history left in too much darkness for too long. With Partition, I knew I wanted to tell a story that would engage an audience while giving an insight into one of the most painful moments of the story of the Asian subcontinent and the relationship Britain has with India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.”
Leeds Playhouse Artistic Director James Brining adds: “Partition was met with such a positive response and I’m delighted we are able to continue to share this story even wider within the Leeds City Region. Nick’s work is hugely accessible and the retelling of this important social and political moment will be incredibly beneficial to the audiences and young people who will be watching.”
See our five-star review of last year’s performance of Partition here.
Partition is at Leeds Playhouse’s Pop-Up theatre from 6th to 10th November 2018. Book online at leedsplayhouse.org.uk or call the Box Office 0113 213 7700.
The production transfers to The Studio, Bradford Alhambra from 13th to 15th November. Book online at bradford-theatres.co.uk or call the Box Office 01274 432 000.
