June 2025 is a special month: it marks Pravasi Din, the annual day of reflection on the Hindustani migration history, the identity it shaped, and the lasting impact this history has on the Netherlands today. Together with the makers of Her (s)tories, Writers Unlimited presents a special Pravasi Din edition of the performance — featuring not only the theatre piece itself, but also a specially curated literary-culinary pre-programme. As part of this prelude, moderator and trainer Sarita Bajnath will lead a conversation about food and heritage with culinary writer Raghenie Bhawanie and spoken word artist Gauri Malhoe.

Her (s)tories is a tribute to the women in Hindustani migration history. The legacy of colonial indentured labour and its continued influence today remains largely invisible in Dutch society — even though it’s a part of our shared national history. The stories of the women within this history are even more hidden.This performance brings their stories to light through contemporary voices — pioneers, feminists, and fighters — making space for the talents of the Hindustani community to be seen.

On stage, the stories come alive through multi-artistic storytelling: spoken word, performance, poetry, dance, music, and visual art. The performance is conceived and narrated by writer and theatre maker Shantie Singh.Featured talents include: Angel Aruna (vocals), Nazrina Rodjan (visual art & set design), Rubaina ‘Rubi Love’ Bhikhie (spoken word), Tanja Jadnanansing (recitation) and Zhunaysha Gajadhar (recitation & Sarnami linguistics).

Sarita Bajnath is a moderator, trainer, and presenter of the book talk show Leesoffensief, broadcast on AT5. A passionate advocate for books and storytelling as tools for shifting perspectives, she also runs her own business training international organisations and companies on privilege, intersectionality, inclusion, and safety.

Gauri Malhoe is a Rotterdam-based maker and performer. She writes vivid character portraits and brings them to life through lyrical rhymes. A young storyteller, she romanticises life without ignoring its harsh realities. Her poetry reflects her community — at once inspiring and confrontational.

Raghenie Bhawanie is a culinary journalist, columnist, and cookbook author. She grew up in a Hindustani family where the Surinamese kitchen - shaped by influences from India, Asia, Africa, and China - played a central role. This background forms the foundation of her work. In 2024, she made her debut with the highly praised cookbook Madame Jeanette, featuring over a hundred surprisingly accessible Surinamese dishes with a kick. She is a regular guest on Villa VdB on Radio 1 and writes as a journalist and columnist for Het Parool, where she also published the essay The Roots of Roti. In addition to her work as a writer and recipe developer, Raghenie is active as a program maker. She sees food as a powerful tool for storytelling and building bridges.

Her (s)tories, A Literary-Culinary Narrative: pre-programme to the theatre with: Sarita Bajnath, Raghenie Bhawanie, and Gauri Malhoe
Thursday 5 June, 18:30 – 19:30
Theater aan het Spui, The Hague, foyer