Diwali theatre show celebrates cultural diversity

Diversity is at the heart of a Diwali theatre show which aims to celebrate Indian culture over the past 15 years, said one of the event's organisers.

Watford Palace Theatre in Hertfordshire and Watford's Diwali volunteer committee have collaborated on a show which is a fusion of Kathak, a classical Indian dance, and Spanish Flamenco dancing.

Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world and each religion marks different historical events and stories.

Yogesh Joshi, a member of the volunteer committee, said that "diversity is a key point, [the show] has Indian culture at the base" and also brings different cultures together.

The show is called Kalasetu, which is a Sanskrit word that means building cultural bridges with music and dance.

It will explore how Kathak dancing, which originates from north India, influenced Spanish Flamenco dancing.

"Kathak and Flamenco dancing are cousins. The original roots of Flamenco dancing are definitely associated with Kathak," said Mr Joshi.

He said Kathak was created thousands of years ago as a way of telling a story through dance.

Indian people took the tradition to other parts of the world, including Spain, where it evolved into Flamenco dancing, he said.

He said: "[The show] is definitely very important to keep Indian culture alive."

However, he said that engaging young people from the South Asian community to take part or come along to the show could be a challenge, but one that keeps the committee growing.

"They will carry the torch for Indian culture alive, we are proud to be British Indian. I feel very proud to be able to do this," he added.

The event will be hosted by Subrang Arts, a South Asian organisation.

Lata Desai, the chairperson of Subrang Arts, spoke to the BBC and said: "It's a cross cultural programme, not just to resonate with Indian people.

"We are extremely excited and blown over by the response.

"We are in modern day Britain, I am a fan of sticking with our traditions but there is nothing wrong with understanding other cultures.

"I think it is very important for us to educate people on our traditions and our heritage."

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.