Summer 1947 and 16 million people are on the move between India and the newly-formed Pakistan. Amid the violent political upheaval young Pali’s fingers slip from his father’s hand, and his destiny changes forever.

Taken in by a Muslim family, he is given a new name, a new faith and a new life. But when his real father returns to claim him, Pali must decide who he is: the Hindu boy he was born to be, the Muslim boy he has become, or simply a child of the divide.

“A wonderful and mature play that uses the story of one child to explore the tragedy of many thousands…it’s a rare show with equal appeal to kids and adults, heart and head”

Lyn Gardner, Guardian

Child of the Divide premiered at Polka in 2006 in a co-production with Tamasha, where it was named that year’s No 1 show for children and families by Time Out. It was revived by Webplay in 2007 and toured New York and Los Angeles and the playtext is widely read.

This thrilling new touring production will tour the UK in autumn 2017 marking the launch of Bhuchar Boulevard. Exact dates and venues will be announced shortly.

An emotionally-charged story of family, identity and belonging; marking the 70th anniversary of the partition of India.

Child of the Divide is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. 

Child of the Divide Production Photos

Child of the Divide -Rehearsal Photos

UK Tour 2017

Z-Arts, Manchester

19th – 20th October

Burnley Youth Theatre

21st October

The Boo, Rossendale

22nd October

The Edge, Chorlton

24th October

Hat Factory, Luton

27th October

Mind the Gap, Studios Bradford 

3 - 4 November 

          Tara Arts, London

7th – 11th November

Broadway Theatre, Letchworth

14th November

An Lanntair, Stornoway

17th November

RESOURCE PACK

Our educational pack is  a free downloadable PDF resource for teachers, students, researchers or anyone interested in discovering more about our production Child of the Divide.

To download our educational pack please here HERE.

REVIEWS

“all one can do is thank our lucky stars for theatre like Child of the Divide and the hope it brings about the importance of love and understanding”  ★★★★   -  Carol Woddis

“.... this is a very powerful and heartfelt play dealing with highly emotive and potentially distressing subject matter. It's written and performed intelligently, sensitively, fairly and informatively leaving members of the audience (children and adults alike) with many things to ponder after seeing it.” -MumsnetMerton

“Child of the Divide had it all: laughter; love; sadness; and complex, interesting characters.” -  Burnley Express

“Sudha Buchar's tale of partitioning in India, and a child's struggle when he is separated from his family as they flee was a very emotional start to the Big Imaginations Festival. It was also some of the most impressive acting I've ever seen”.   - Thebrickcastle.com

"Child of the Divide is a charming, thought-provoking, family-friendly play which is well worth seeing." -  Funoon.co.uk

"A powerful play with a powerful story that should never be forgotten and retold to generations to come ... go and see it now!" -  TheatreBooksandMovies.com

“Imaginative and educational slice of history seen through the eyes of a child”   - ★★★  The Stage

"Child of the Divide uses an intimate struggle to portray the tragedy of millions, exploring themes of identity, politics, and acceptance".  - ★★★★ Culturewhisper.com

"Child of the Divide is a vivid picture of intolerance of religious difference set against human kindness, of the problems of being caught up in a different culture." -  British Theatre Guide

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