A theatrical play set in both Bangladesh and the UK is touring the North West in May 2026, titled ‘Ghoorni’ which means ‘Disastrous Cycle’. A dramatic narrative which connects with issues of climate justice, migration, heritage, identity and community. We aim to see how, with very limited resources, we can make this a Bangladeshi play with Climate Justice Impact that tackles the issues in a meaningful and action-generating way.
The play is the creation of AYNA Arts originally commissioned by Crossing Footprints in 2022. Crossing Footprints are again partnering with AYNA Arts as the Impact Producer for the tour, implementing an innovative set of strategies to enhance the ability of the play to generate real-world change. One element of this is a quick-read factsheet within the printed programme, which links (via a QR code) to a more detailed online factsheet about climate change.
SYNOPSIS OF THE PLAY:
Ghoorni is a play about two young people piecing together their family history. They discover how their grandfather came to the UK from Bangladesh in the 1970s after losing everything in a devastating cyclone that also played a significant role in the country’s history. The play highlights the climate injustice between Bangladesh and wealthier countries including the UK. Mr Ali left a country with low climate impact to work in a UK industry with high climate impact. It seems ironic that this impact is likely to damage his own home country. The play focuses on the serious issue of the climate crisis and its terrible effects on health and livelihoods across the globe. It also demonstrates the concern over these issues felt by the younger generation. Many are determined to bring about positive change. From this comes hope for the future.
