BEDLAM 2026: Can We Talk?

A new play by Rochi Rampal about a teenager turning to AI for emotional support, presented by Sampad as part of the BEDLAM Arts & Mental Health Symposium.

Can We Talk? is a theatre production set within a British South Asian family, exploring what happens when a teenager begins turning to artificial intelligence for emotional support instead of the people around them. Written by Rochi Rampal and directed by Bhavik Parmar, it was developed through consultation with young people, parents, headteachers and mental health professionals. Each performance is followed by a post-show discussion, and the play forms part of the BEDLAM Arts & Mental Health Symposium, a partnership between Sampad, Birmingham Rep and Midlands Arts Centre.