What Our Clients Say

Dr Mark Pietroni, Executive Director, LAMB Project

"LAMB and BCM have worked together for over 8 years. During that time BCM has produced and performed dramas for LAMB addressing a number of health and development issues. More recently BCM has trained LAMB staff to write, produce and perform dramas ourselves. BCM works in a way that challenges people’s worldview and makes them think about the root causes of problems. Their work is always done with integrity and professionalism. If you are looking for new ways to communicate then try BCM."

Craig A. Meisner, CIMMYT Agronomist
Country Liaison Officer for CIMMYT Bangladesh
Adjunct Professor with Cornell University

"Calcium deficiency induced rickets—sounds wicked!  And it is - for it is prevalent in 9% of children under 15 in SE Bangladesh where it literally disables tens of thousands of children—and all due to lack of calcium in their diets!  Modern medicine would prescribe calcium tablets to these children and let it go at that—but when working with whole communities whose food production and consumption systems have failed them, that is not good enough.  Thus the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center contacted Bengal Creative Media and empowered them to use live drama, music, and made-for-TV DVDs to illustrate how the community children got rickets and how, using FOOD, i.e. high calcium food, they could eliminate it very fast.  Hundreds of thousands have listened and watched and while we are waiting for the scientific evaluation of the methodology, sound observations show us that many families have adjusted their food purchase and intake toward more calcium-rich foods.  Rickets appears to be subsiding.  Drama and music are the balm of our lives and the effective use of drama to bring information to effect change has been proven to be sound.   However, the quality of drama is closely correlated with how well the information is disseminated.  BCM has ensured that the highest quality script, actors/actresses, and choreography in their work for us.  These live dramas live on because BCM trained and empowered these actors/actresses after they have left.  This is continuing now for 2 years.  Change is evident and while the cost up front for such quality may be high, the effectiveness to evolve change proves it to be cost effective in the long run.  I strongly recommend BCM to anyone who wishes high quality to effect change through drama and music."

John Marsden, Food for the Hungry Country Director

[Development projects in Bangladesh are being transformed due to a brand new training video launched by Food for the Hungry (FHI). The video, called Rupantor meaning “Transformations”, is a Bengali drama specially designed by FHI/Ba to portray the charity’s vision and values in a culturally relevant way.]

John Marsden, Director of FHI Bangladesh said: “Although I had seen drama touch people’s lives when I watched the Riding Lights Theatre Company perform in York, I was amazed at the impact the video has had on our staff. We have seen our staff members grow in confidence, grasp the vision of FHI in a fresh way, and as a result our projects are becoming even more successful. Now we’re rushing to respond to all the requests for copies of the video to show to their family, friends and neighbours!”

Rupantor was made in conjunction with Bengal Creative Media.  Following the success of Rupantor, FHI Bangladesh is continuing to work with Bengal Creative Media to make a series of videos to teach project participants, community leaders and staff more about moral/ethical values, and is also researching the possibility of turning them into a TV series.

Jim Dressner, SIM Area Director

"I remember some of the first BCM dramas performed for crowds in rural areas in the late 90s: audiences were enthusiastic and captivated, not only due to the quality of the production, but also due to the clear depiction of real problems and their root causes.  I have seen BCM grow in its ability to portray positive solutions for these problems and encourage the social changes that can bring about lasting change.  BCM has a solid track record of effectively communicating development information through the winsome means of music, drama, and videos.  At the same time, it is also committed to communicating a worldview that values each person and encourages personal responsibility to work toward improving oneself, one’s family & one’s community.  If this is what you think Bangladesh needs, then BCM will be an effective partner for your work."

Andrew Potsko, Student Researcher/Intern, Theater for Development

"In the two weeks I stayed in Brahmanbaria for BCM’s Theater for Development, I was completely impressed. In such a short amount of time, they were able to discover and mature local talent that drew their audiences in with lively music and dynamic dramas.

I remember watching the team share for the first time at the train station and within a few minutes, hundreds of people stopped to see what was going on. Ahasan, the TFD facilitator, leaned over toward me and said, “Watch this.” The audience became so captivated by the program that they began yelling at the actor portraying the corrupt official and routing for the disadvantaged couple.

It was amazing and it demonstrated BCM’s professionalism. Their staff is of the highest caliber, their material is powerfully engaging, and the values they promoted on stage were present throughout the entire training process."

Nancy Tenbroek, CRWRC

"Bengal Creative Media is a unique organization that uses creative approaches for development.  BCM specialties of live theatre and Theatre for Development have been extremely beneficial to our partner organizations working in several areas of Bangladesh.  Staff and community members have been trained in live theatre to present valuable lessons in health and values encompassing child survival and maternal health.  BCM also excels in script writing and have helped us in developing key health messages in the communities.  We strongly recommend BCM in helping organizations to build their capacity to communicate desired necessary concepts and principles through the creative arts.  It is a highly effective medium."