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Ninad Samaddar. The Tempest Kolkata

Bringing Flute Theatre to India with The Urban Theatre Project has been a five-year dream, and seeing it come alive in 2025 has been deeply moving. In the context of the world we’re living in today, this work feels not just relevant, but essential—especially within neighbourhood and community spaces across the city.

Ninad Samaddar. Artistic Director TUTP

The Tempest Kolkata with Ninad

KOLKATA PHOTO ONE

We ran the project from the 3rd to the 17th of December 2025, and during that time the need for the work revealed itself every single day. What emerged was more than a programme; it became a home. A space where children could play freely with other children, and where parents felt safe enough to step back, breathe, and connect with like-minded adults—without judgement.

This work benefits everyone it touches: the children, the parents, the actors, and the spaces and communities in which it takes place. It fills a gap that so many of us didn’t even realise needed filling. It truly feels like the need of the hour.

I can’t wait to welcome them back.

Ninad Samaddar

Thanks to the

India Autism Centre

for their support

The Tempest, making the angry face, Kolkata

India
India photo

Over the week in Kolkata we performed with students from the following centres. Each one was a privilege and a pleasure. The expertise, care and love we were met with was unforgettable. We will be back in 2026.

Riddhi Society

Akshar

Marga Wellness Centre

dwish

Bikashayan

WeCan

The Tempest Kolkata

"It was a superb experience for all of us. Something very new and exciting. A picture perfect example of acceptance and Inclusion in the truest sense of the term. A very therapeutic session leading us to some light and ray of hope for all of us."

Debanjali Ghosh WeCan Learning Resource Institute, Kolkata

"The session included structured greeting strategies that helped the children feel welcomed and emotionally prepared. The facilitators effectively engaged the children in acting through movement and encouraged them to use simple sentences by imitating the facilitators and peers. The use of music and live musical instruments played a significant role in calming the children and improving their focus. The rhythmic sounds and interactive music creation helped regulate emotions and created a soothing, supportive environment. Overall, the session was highly beneficial for all children with special needs. It supported engagement, imitation, communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction in a joyful and inclusive manner."

Buddhadev Chakrabortty DWish Institute for Special Needs

Two performers share a joyful moment during a Shakespeare workshop in India, capturing connection, support, and creativity while working with autistic artists.

"I am Neena Goel from WeCan, Kolkata. A big thank you for the priceless experience you gave to my kids. They cannot stop talking about it. You were magical."

View our full gallery of photos from Kolkata here

View Gallery

India 2025

A diverse group of performers energetically engage in a live Flute Theatre performance, using expressive gestures and movement on a dimly lit stage. The actors wear casual, comfortable clothing in natural tones, creating an inclusive and accessible environment tailored for autistic individuals. This performance, inspired by Shakespeare and adapted using the Hunter Heartbeat Method, highlights Flute Theatre’s commitment to neurodiverse storytelling. Audience members can be seen watching with interest in the background. Flute Theatre also offers training and courses for actors, educators, applied theatre students, and families to support autism-friendly performance practices.

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