“A good journalist doesn’t always play friendly – in fact, they mostly don’t”

Chunkyz Shisha Lounge is home away from home for Jihad, Rashid and Asif, a space where community whispers are heard, jokes are shared, and new hustles are born. When aspiring journalist Jihad wins the chance to make his own documentary, he sets out to give voice to his community and challenge the usual stereotypes that fill the airwaves. But in a media landscape that profits off fear, how far can one voice really go?

Blue Mist – Olivier Award-nominated play Blue Mist is a sharp, darkly funny story about truth, trust and ambition. Written by Mohamed-Zain Dada (Dizzy, Speed), directed by Milli Bhatia (Speed, seven methods of killing kylie jenner). On at Stratford East 10th-14th July.

Martin Willis, Programming Associate at Stratford East said: ‘I’m delighted to be announcing this mini season, my first for the theatre. The connection of Stratford East to its local South Asian community is a long and storied one, and it’s a joy to contribute to that lineage. The programme is a real range, with theatrical works showcasing both historical struggles (‘Kanpur: 1857’) and current adversity (‘Blue Mist’), traditional narrative dance fused with cabaret (‘Heeramandi’), and all-out bombastic Bollywood joy (‘Say Shava Shava’), there really is something for everybody.’

For tickets and further information please check out the venue website.