This practice-based research project addressed initiatives supporting increased cultural and educational equality of opportunities, socio-economic development, and climate justice in Bangladesh. Dr. Miranda Matthews and Dr. Aminul Hoque MBE from Goldsmiths Educational Studies collaborated with Dr. Sudip Chakroborty, Director of the Global South organization TheatrEX, to investigate how performing arts practice and learning can facilitate reparative interventions for more sustainable local and global environments.

 

The project, "Theatre for Climate Justice Education in Bangladesh," met the British Academy's ODA (Overseas Development Assistance) criteria by addressing the social, cultural, environmental, and economic needs of Bangladesh as a Least Developed Country. TheatrEX was the ideal ODAF project partner, as they were keen to develop inspirational climate change-related theatre. Goldsmiths supported TheatrEX in planning, delivering, and evaluating three educational workshops aimed at creating a sustainable legacy in Bangladesh, where stark socio-economic and gender inequalities in continuing education and escalating climate-related issues persist. The workshops provided a platform for vocalizing responses to environmental disruption, rapid industrialization, and struggles for democratic human rights. The ODAF funding enabled TheatrEX to conduct three workshops in Bangladesh, specifically in Nabiganj, Sylhet, and Dhaka. These locations were chosen for their potential to challenge "cultures of silence" (Freire, 2014) and have a high socio-economic impact.

 

Furthermore, Sudip, along with two other theatre fellows, visited London to develop practice-based learning exchanges between economically interdependent Bangladeshi-UK communities. A film showcasing theatre practitioners in action was also produced as part of the project.