"Without them, this work wouldn’t exist."
Camdenwalla is a new play that explores how London’s Bengali community protected itself during a wave of racist violence.
Set inside Camden People’s Theatre, the very building where the real events unfolded, the play runs from June 17 to July 4.
The production revisits the work of the Camden Monitoring Project, a community-led organisation founded to document racist attacks in North London and help Bengali workers get home safely.
Set across one night in 1994, the play follows Muhammad (Bhasker Patel), a first-generation Bangladeshi immigrant volunteering overnight for the organisation.
Alongside him is Alima (Nusrath Tapadar), a British-Bangladeshi teenager reluctantly pulled into his world.
As emergency calls increase throughout the night, the pair confront generational tensions, differing ideas of activism and the pressures placed on communities forced to organise for their own safety.
The Camden Monitoring Project emerged during a period marked by racist violence and high-profile murders, including Altab Ali, Richard Everitt and Stephen Lawrence.
At the time, many incidents involving racist harassment and violence were dismissed or underreported by authorities. Volunteers at the organisation answered emergency calls, recorded testimonies and arranged transport home for Bengali restaurant workers facing abuse after late-night shifts.
Camdenwalla explores migration, identity, inherited responsibility and the often unseen labour behind Britain’s multicultural communities. It also highlights the grassroots support networks that operated beyond official recognition.
The Camden Monitoring Project was founded by community activist Nasim Ali, who later became the UK’s first Bangladeshi and Muslim mayor.
Writer Jonny Khan said: “I’m incredibly proud to share a story that brings together the rich history of the local community and the legacy of the building now home to Camden People’s Theatre.
“It has been a real privilege to meet and interview members of the community, listening to their lived experiences and the stories that have shaped this area.
“This show is an ode to our parents and grandparents – their resilience, sacrifice and determination laid the groundwork for everything we’re able to create today. Without them, this work wouldn’t exist.
“It’s also a call to the next generation: the children of immigrants who have inherited these histories.
“This is our moment to take the reins, to honour what came before us, and to shape what comes next.”
Alongside the play, Camden People’s Theatre is working with Drummond Street Traders and Euston BID to host a festival celebrating Camden’s Bengali history and culture.
Kaya Stanley-Money, Executive Director of Camden People’s Theatre, added:
“When we first heard about the history of CPT’s building, the social organising and resistance that took place here, we knew it was a story that needed to be told.
“Inspired by true stories from the residents of the area, Camdenwalla is a powerful celebration of the incredible community spirit and resilience that continues to define the neighbourhood of Euston/Regent’s Park.
“We’re so excited to be co-producing this show with Jonny and working with the team to platform this brand new play about the inspiring social history of our area, alongside a festival celebration of the Drummond Street and Bengali communities. ‘”
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