Silence

Tue 16 - Sat 20 Apr 2024

Synopsis

“It was a great tragedy. We were friends one day and enemies the next. I will take these things to my grave.”

The 1947 partition of India saw millions uprooted and resulted in unspeakable violence. The partition resulted in the formation of three countries: India, West Pakistan and East Pakistan – now Pakistan and Bangladesh. It would also shape modern Britain. Witnesses to this brutal moment in history live among us, yet the stories of that time remain shrouded in silence.

SILENCE is a new play focused on communal storytelling – presenting a shared history inspired by the remarkable personal testimonies of people who lived through the last days of the British Raj. Commissioned to mark the 75th anniversary of partition, SILENCE is adapted from Kavita Puri’s acclaimed book Partition Voices: Untold British Stories and was originally co-produced with the Donmar Warehouse.

The production examined the legacy of this brutal moment in history. Abdul Shayek, former Artistic Director of Tara Theatre, directed the original production and had developed this version for touring at the time of his death in August 2023. Iqbal Khan, Artistic Director of the 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, and a friend and colleague of Abdul’s, will step in to direct the touring version.

SILENCE is adapted from the testimonies and stories of people who lived through Partition. It is based on Kavita Puri’s acclaimed book Partition Voices: Untold British Stories and written by Sonali Bhattacharyya, Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, Ishy Din and Alexandra Wood.

Original production directed and developed for tour by Abdul Shayek Directed by Iqbal Khan

From an original co-production by Tara Theatre and Donmar Warehouse. In association with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.

Age Recommendation: 15+

Running Time: 2 hours (including a 20-minute interval)

Show Warnings: This production features flashing lights, loud noises and strong language.

The play contains strong language and references to genocide, colonialism, population displacement, bodily harm, sexual violence, famine, suicide, prostitution, abduction, racism, religious violence – all in the context of the Partition of India and the legacy of Empire. Please note that the stories from this play are dramatisations of personal testimony. People may find this content triggering and distressing.

Tickets

DISCOUNTS*
£4 off on selected performances 16-26 yrs and/or Students (with a free 16-26 & Student Membership), and Curve Connect
£4 off on selected performances Under 18s school groups
£4 off on selected performances for Groups 10+
15% off for Members

ACCESS PERFORMANCES

British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted: Thu 18 Apr, 7.45pm
BSL Interpreter: Theatresign – Harjit Jagdev
Harjit will be interpreting from the right hand side of the stage, as you are facing it.

Captioned: Fri 19 Apr, 7.45pm
Captioner: Theatre Captioner Network – Stevie Burrows

Audio Described: Sat 20 Apr, 2.30pm with Touch Tour from 1pm.
Audio Describers: Talking Sense Audio Description – Nadine Beasley and Kate Taylor-Davies

For more information about our Access Performances, please click here.

Access performances at Curve are kindly sponsored by Hotel Brooklyn, Leicester and David Wilson Homes.

*Discounts are subject to availability and may be removed at any time. Only valid on certain performances - terms and conditions apply.

Credits & Acknowledgments

Silence is adapted from the testimonies and stories of people who lived through Partition.

Based on Kavita Puri’s acclaimed book Partition Voices: Untold British Stories and written by Sonali Bhattacharyya, Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, Ishy Din and Alexandra Wood.

Original production directed and developed for tour by Abdul ShayekDirected by Iqbal Khan

From an original co-production by Tara Theatre and Donmar WarehouseIn association with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch

Cast

Aaron Gill – Young Irfan / Tony / Noor’s Grandson / Sami
Alexandra D’Sa – Maya / Daughter
Asif Khan – Jasvir / Kulvinder / James
Bhasker Patel– Father / Irfan / Mukesh
Mamta Kaash– Pooja / Khadija / Noor
Tia Dutt– Mandeep / Jasmine / Zara

Creative Team

Original production directed and developed for tour by Abdul Shayek
Directed by Iqbal Khan
Set Design by Rachana Jadhav
Original Costume Design by Rose Revitt
Projection Design by Rachana Jadhav and Simeon Miller
Movement Direction by Seeta Patel
Lighting Design by Simeon Miller
Sound Design and Composition by Beth Duke
Casting by Polly Jerrold
Associate Direction by Olivia Millar-Ross
Associate Costume Design by Malena Arcucci

Production Team

Executive Producer of Silence Bella Rodrigues
Production Manager Chloe Stally-Gibson
Costume Supervisor Malena Arcucci
Company and Stage Manager April Johnston
Deputy Stage Manager Emily Davies
Assistant Stage Manager Florian Lim
Wardrobe Manager Sophia Raja
Production Video Engineer Grace Duff
Production LX Chris McDonnell
Sound and Video Technician Grace Duff
Tour Re-Lighter & LX Operator Chris McDonnell

Tara Theatre

Artistic Director Natasha Kathi-Chandra
Executive Director Helen Jeffreys
Head of Finance and Operations Lisa Kerridge
Senior Producer Neena Shea
Front of House and Building Manager Ellie Oke
Interim Head of Marketing Becca Pratt
Marketing Officer Frederick Zennor
Technical Manager Lisa Hood