Here at Lawrence Batley Theatre, we’re proud to be a welcoming place for our community.
This autumn, we’re celebrating local talent from South Asian women with powerful stories, vibrant dance and joyful events. From world-class performances to grassroots projects, we’re creating spaces where voices, heritage and local talent can flourish.
Women Leading the Creative Process
South Asian women artists are at the forefront of our autumn programme.
On Wed 15 October, we’re excited to have SEVENS, an electrifying triple bill of Indian classical dance choreographed by one of the UK’s leading choreographers Nina Rajarani MBE, take to the stage right here in Huddersfield!
SEVENS brings the grace of Bharatanatyam, the speed of Kathak and the thrill of live music together in one unforgettable evening. From playful and energetic to soulful and contemplative, SEVENS explores the sacred, and sometimes sinful, significance of the number seven and brings audiences on an emotion-filled and entertaining journey.
We’re also delighted to support Prathiba Batley as our current Artist in Development. Prathiba is a widely renowned Bharatanatyam dancer based in Yorkshire, acclaimed for her innovative approach to this classical South Indian dance form. In a special sharing earlier this month, Prathiba presented her work in progress in our Cellar Theatre and is also working alongside us to promote SEVENS.
“I have felt very welcomed by the Lawrence Batley Theatre community. They have embraced me, my quirkiness, and my ideology about making a traditional dance form address current issues with warmth and openness."
Prathiba continues:
"It is great to talk to someone who knows the community here and allow me to connect with them plus the support in terms of identifying resources, providing feedback, and offering physical and psychological space for practice and development has been extremely helpful.”
Representation and Visibility
Representation matters. South Asian women artists are producing exceptional work, yet still face real barriers to funding, training and leadership opportunities as highlighted in a 2019 mapping study by Arts Council England. In Yasmin Alibhai-Brown’s i article “The South Asian women in art who inspire me,” she explained that many South Asian women artists also have had to either pacify or challenge community and family traditionalists who see the arts, media and popular culture as wasteful or dangerous. Attitudes are changing, but slowly.
At Lawrence Batley Theatre, we’ve been actively creating spaces where stories and talent from South Asian artists can be celebrated and shared with audiences. We’ve welcomed productions such as Vitamin D, written by Saher Shah, and Meet Praveen, which shone a light on the often-hidden experience of the menopause for South Asian women. Both starred our Community Ambassador Madiha Ansari Khan, a multi-talented actress and singer.
Madiha also founded Song Geet, Yorkshire’s first South Asian women’s choir, a journey which we were proud to support from the very beginning. Madiha says:
“As artists, our journey is about finding spaces where our voices, heritage, and artistry are truly celebrated. Working with Lawrence Batley Theatre has been deeply empowering - they’ve offered not only opportunities, but genuine support and collaboration."
"Through their vision, I’ve been able to share work that bridges cultures and brings people together. Lawrence Batley Theatre doesn’t just talk about diversity; they live it, platforming artists from many backgrounds and ensuring our stories are part of the wider cultural conversation."
Madiha continues:
"For me, this work is about more than performance; it’s about belonging. With Lawrence Batley Theatre, that sense of belonging feels real and deeply rooted.”
Creating Spaces for Community
Alongside performances on our stages, we’re building community in our building. On Fri 14 November our Cellar Theatre transforms into a safe and celebratory space for our Bhangra Night: Ladies Only. Featuring a female DJ and live Dhol drummer, the night offers a mix of contemporary and classic Bhangra dance floor bangers with some R’n’B and Hip Hop thrown in too. For those wanting to polish their moves first, our Bhangra and Ghiddha dance classes are a fun and friendly way to get into the rhythm.
Championing Inclusivity
Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. We’re proud to support artists from many backgrounds and different disciplines, ensuring South Asian women’s voices are part of the wider cultural conversation in Huddersfield and beyond. Lawrence Batley Theatre's CEO, Becky Dash, says:
“At Lawrence Batley Theatre, we are proud to champion the creativity of South Asian women artists whose work enriches and inspires our communities. With performances like SEVENS and our celebratory Bhangra Night, we are showcasing powerful stories, vibrant movement and cultural diversity to the heart of Huddersfield."
"Inclusivity is at the core of our artistic vision, and we are thrilled to present work that reflects the talent, energy and heritage of South Asian women on our stage.”
A Home for South Asian Women’s Creativity
This autumn at Lawrence Batley Theatre, see South Asian women artists leading, creating and celebrating together. Join us for:
