West Yorkshire Playhouse and BBC Radio Leeds have collaborated to present Partition, a unique radio broadcast and live performance marking the 70th anniversary of the division of India and creation of Pakistan.
This specially commissioned radio play, written by Leeds writer and established arts journalist Nick Ahad, explores the devastating legacy of a religious division which cost around a million lives. Enacted from the perspective of a modern day couple, Partition explores how the history of the Indian subcontinent continues to tear families apart many years after the events of 1947. As Muslim Saima and Sikh Ranjit prepare for their wedding hate threatens to destroy their union. Will love or hate prevail?
West Yorkshire Playhouse Artistic Director James Brining said: “We are thrilled to be working with BBC Radio Leeds to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Partition. It’s fantastic for two leading West Yorkshire organisations to collaborate by staging this production marking such an important chapter in the political and social history of the lives of many of the region’s citizens.
BBC Radio Leeds Editor Sanjiv Buttoo adds: “Partition is very much an important landmark for our South Asian communities, and the memories of 70 years ago are still fresh for the current generation of British Indian and British Pakistani families. Historically this world event saw the largest ever movement of mankind, so we commissioned this play to give an insight of how it still affects our lives in a profound way.”
Directed by Stefan Escreet, Artistic Director of Ragged Edge Productions, the cast includes Leeds-based Balvinder Sopal and Dominic Gately, Bradford-based Mez Galaria and Manchester-based Darren Kuppan.
Partition will be broadcast on BBC Radio Leeds at midnight on 14th and 15th August, marking the exact time when the British partitioned India 70 years ago. It will then be performed live in the Playhouse’s Courtyard Theatre from 8th September. Book online at wyp.org.uk or call the Box Office on 0113 213 77 00.
