A Shakespearean Open Iftar

The Ramadan Tent Project hosted its 19th event of the year at Shakespeare’s Globe

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11 April 2023

Guests queue for the first ever Open Iftar at Shakespeare’s Globe. Photographed for Hyphen by Hanna-Katrina Jędrosz

The Ramadan Tent Project (RTP) marked a first in its 10-year history by holding the 19th Open Iftar of the year at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in London on 10 April. According to organisers, 700 people attended the event, which was hosted by Aaqil Ahmed, former head of religion and ethics at the BBC.

Also in attendance were Dr Farah Karim-Cooper, co-director of education and research at the Globe, and Amir Eden, chief executive of Living Bankside, a charity that represents low-income residents of south-east London.

The event featured a performance by WAW Creative Arts, the first arts and theatre school for Muslim children in London. Titled A Curious Journey Through the Golden Age, it showcased technological innovations and scientific ideas developed in the Muslim world and notable figures from history. Poetry was performed by the actor Azan Ahmed and the call to prayer was recited in Shakespearean English by Hassen Rasool.

“It was incredibly special to open up the space to everyone,” said Atika Dawood, festival coordinator of the RTP. “Shakespeare is for all. Our audiences was also able to engage with the space through the performance arts pieces that were programmed, making the event extra-special.”