Beyond Pride Celebrations, ‘Samaaj’ Focuses on Healing, Memory and Belonging

Beyond Pride Celebrations, ‘Samaaj’ Focuses on Healing, Memory and Belonging

 Reported by Sanchita chatterjee Kolkata, June 19, 2026: Kolkata witnessed an evening of powerful storytelling and emotional reflection as Prantakatha presented Samaaj, a Pride Month dance-theatre production that explored themes of memory, loss, resilience, healing, and belonging through queer lived experiences. Held at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC), the event transformed personal narratives into a compelling artistic dialogue on identity, acceptance, and human connection.

The programme was attended by several distinguished guests, including Mr. Bernard Lynch, Australian Consulate-General in Kolkata; Dr. Santosh Giri, Director of Kolkata Rista; noted filmmaker Ms. Sudeshna Roy; LGBTQ activist and food consultant Ms. Rukshana Kapadia; and Ms. Suneha Saha, Co-Founder of Ammolite Ideators and LGBTQ activist. Their presence highlighted the growing importance of platforms that encourage inclusion, representation, and understanding.

Speaking on the occasion, the Australian Consulate-General praised Prantakatha for creating a safe and inclusive space where LGBTQIA+ youth from Kolkata and Mumbai could connect through art, storytelling, and shared experiences. He commended the organisation for fostering meaningful dialogue, celebrating diverse identities, and promoting greater visibility and acceptance within society.

Far more than a stage performance, Samaaj offered an intimate and deeply moving experience that examined the emotional realities of queer lives. Through a unique blend of dance, theatre, and personal storytelling, the production encouraged audiences to engage with themes that were both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Prantakatha Director Bappaditya Mukherjee said, “Samaaj was conceived as a space where stories of pain, resilience, and healing could be shared with honesty and dignity. Through art, we sought to create conversations that encourage empathy and remind audiences that every journey towards belonging deserves to be seen and heard.”