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.
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”
“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”
“You have helped every single lady at the venue today”
“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!”