Why English? *****

Britain first colonised the Indian sub-continent in the 18^th century, with partition and independence only coming after World War II.

India is home to hundreds of languages, 22 of which are constitutionally recognised as official languages. One of the enduring legacies of British rule is the continued prominence of English.

Politically, there have been repeated attempts to establish Hindi as the sole official language, but these met strong resistance from non-Hindi-speaking states. English was therefore retained as an official language, helping to navigate a deeply multilingual and politically sensitive landscape.

The Indian legal system has English embedded at its core. In hospitals, clinical documentation, professional communication, and medical training are widely conducted in English. Many prominent newspapers are published in English. English is the primary language of instruction for higher education; English proficiency is widely viewed as the single biggest factor for economic mobility and global career opportunities.

So, it seems that we might know the answer to Vibhinna Ramdev’s question: Why English?

But the question - and answers - are nuanced, as is her show,

India has sought to reclaim its linguistic identity in the post-colonial era. We now say Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai rather than Bombay, Calcutta and Madras. So why should it still be necessary to speak the language imposed upon its people, with all its implicit colonial connotations?

Ramdev opens the door to her upbringing and Bangalore life, illuminating why English was – and remains - de rigeur, especially for an actor.

But then a pivot.

Ramdev’s forebears were oppressed by the British, but colonial oppression has given way to other forms of constraint, particularly for women. She explores questions of identity, class and expectation, grappling with the contradictions between societal convention and artistic expression. Class division remains very much alive, and Ramdev confronts the discomfort of privilege guilt. We don’t even get to the caste system…

Ramdev is a talented, bold and unflinching performer. She weaves storytelling, audience participation, dance, physical theatre and humour into a smorgasbord of visual delight.

Her set is beautifully constructed, with strands of muslin suspended from above. They become a canvas for movement and transformation: at one point, two strands become people. Perhaps the most memorable use of the material comes at the very beginning, when Ramdev becomes physically entangled and entrapped, foreshadowing the exploration of the world she is about to reveal.

Ramdev would not be allowed to perform this specific version of Why English? in India – even in 2026. There remain battles to fight.

And that, ultimately, is what makes the question Why English? so compelling. It is not simply a question about language. It is a question about history, identity, privilege, power and the complicated ways in which the past continues to shape the present.

Assembly George Square until 16^th August.