Threads is a new development programme supporting the South-Asian community to try new activities and develop skills in theatre and performance.
Threads is a series of workshops and lunch events for South Asian artists.
Our workshops explore storytelling through multiple aspects of performance including movement, voice, character, design and more. No prior experience is needed, and each workshop begins with tea and snacks.
Lunch with… is Bijli’s new series of events, part of our Threads programme for South Asian artists. Join us for lunch and a chat with a theatre artist. You’ll find out how they got started, and what they love and find challenging about their job. Lunch and a hot drink is included and you’ll have a chance to ask questions and also get to know everyone round the table.
You can sign up for our next workshops and events below. Stay tuned for more dates when they are released. Workshops are 16+ and free to attend.
If you cannot attend the workshop or an event after booking please let us know so we can give the slot to someone else. Places are limited and we want to ensure as many people as possible can take advantage of these opportunities.
CURRENT WORKSHOPS
Storytelling Through Miniatures: Using Small Objects to Tell Big Stories
Alex Bird leads a workshop all about the miniature worlds within our own. A chance to play, explore and create using the smallest of things to tackle universal subjects.
Date and time: Thursday 28th May, 6.45pm-8.30pm
Storytelling Through Language – Body, Voice and Words
Join Tawona Sithole for a workshop exploring storytelling through body, voice and language. Based on the Ngano storytelling tradition of Zimbabwe.
Date and time: Thursday 11th June, 6.45pm-8.30pm
CURRENT EVENTS
More 'Lunch With...' dates coming soon.
PAST WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
Storytelling Through Acting: Developing Character
Join Manjot Sumal for an introduction to exploring character with acting exercises and a scene to act out.
Date and time: Thursday 6th November 2025, 6.45pm-8.30pm
Storytelling: Creating New Stories to Perform
Shilpa T-Hyland explores different ways to start telling a story through working together with creative tasks.
Date and time: Thursday 20th November 2025, 6.45pm-8.30pm
Storytelling Through Acting: Play as a Creative Tool
Oat Jenner uses games and imaginative activities to harness the power of playfulness for performance making.
Date and time: Thursday 27th November 2025, 6.45pm-8.30pm
Storytelling Through Language: Body, Voice and Words
Join Tawona Sithole for a workshop exploring storytelling through body, voice and language. Based on the Ngano storytelling tradition of Zimbabwe.
Date and time: Thursday 22nd January 2026, 6.45pm-8.30pm
Storytelling Through Writing: Developing A Writing Voice & Characters
Find out more about your voice as a writer through exploring the characters and stories you are drawn to and your unique perspective with Raisah Ahmed.
Date and time: Thursday 5th February 2026, 6.45pm-8.30pm
Storytelling through Writing True Stories: Exploring Emotional Truth
Mariem Omari explores using ‘true stories’ in different forms of writing, from how to choose a starting point to shaping the material.
Date and time: Thursday 19th February, 6.45pm-8.30pm
Lunch with... Taqi Nazeer
Join us for lunch with actor and writer Taqi Nazeer at the Glad Cafe, with a Q&A hosted by Bijli Co-Artistic Director, Shilpa T-Hyland.
Location: The Glad Cafe CIC
Date and time: 25th March, 1pm - 2.15pm
Storytelling Through Movement
Join Mele Broomes for a movement session combining active, passive, and restorative movement, with space to explore and interpret movement in ways that suit your own body.
Date and time: Thursday 2nd April, 6.45pm-8.30pm
Lunch with... Blythe Jandoo
Join us for lunch with actor Blythe Jandoo at the Glad Cafe, with a Q&A hosted by Bijli Co-Artistic Director, Shilpa T-Hyland.
Location: The Glad Cafe CIC
Date and time: 22nd April, 1pm - 2.15pm
Storytelling Through Design
Claire Halleran explores the role of designing set and costume for theatre. A chance to understand how you can start on the creative process with research ideas, exploring models and some hands-on creative exploration.
Date and time: Thursday 16th April, 6.45pm-8.30pm
