julia samuels
Photos: Sonia Khalid
A unique performance event created by writer/performer Hafsah Aneela Bashir.
Set within a dholki night, amidst the joyous, communal singing of traditional folk songs, drumming and clapping...Hafsah interweaves a story.
Based on real life experiences of marriage, divorce and mental health, her storytelling is witty, captivating, and moving.
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Originally commissioned by Manchester Independents, supported by the Royal Exchange, mental health charity Awakening Minds and SICK! Festival, the show was further developed in 2024/5, supported by Rafia Hussain Productions, Manchester International Festival/Aviva Studios and Home/Push Festival.
Writer/Performer: Hafsah Aneela Bashir
Director/Dramaturg: Julia Samuels
Designer: Katie Scott
Composer/Musician: Arun Ghosh
Musician: Kash Singh
Soundscape: Kirstie Henderson & Workshop Participants
Work-in-Progress shared at Ukranian Community Centre Rochdale (Sept 2023)
& Push Festival, Home, Manchester (Jan 2025)
Audience Feedback
“You left people happy, sad, in love, out of love...full of hope”
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“I know this play is going global as its relatable content was not only embedded in culture, but so true to all who watched in awe and anticipation”
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“You have helped every single lady at the venue today”​
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“The way you have given ALL the generations of Pakistani women a platform, a voice and the power to be felt! I will never forget every moment, every word. I heard my gran, my aunt my daughter! Thank you!”