South Asian culture will be showcased in a four-week series of events including dance performances, live music, comedy and family activities.
Presented by the New Vic theatre and the Appetite arts programme, Sensasian coincides with South Asian Heritage month and promises to offer something for all ages.
Running from Monday, 30 June to Saturday, 26 July, It has been created in collaboration with the South Asian communities of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic Bollywood film Sholay and featuring mesmerising dance performances choreographed to the film’s legendary soundtrack, Yeh Dosti: Celebrating 50 Years of Sholaybrings to life the energy, drama, and romance that made Sholay a timeless classic. It will transport audiences into the heart of Bollywood’s golden era when it takes to the New Vic stage on Friday, 25 July.
On Saturday, 26 July, The Ladies of Laughter will provide a night of stand-up comedy for audiences of all backgrounds. It will feature Shazia Mirza (BBC, ITV, CH4), Tey Dhutia (BBC AN), Annette Fagon (BBC Local Radio & Radio 1Xtra) and Noreen Kahn (BBC AN, BBC 1, BBC Radio 5 Live).
Also that day, there will be a free family fun day from 12pm until 5pm featuring acrobatic displays, henna painting, live musical performance, a family quiz show, poetry, block printing workshops and more.
And throughout Sensasian, artist and educator Nilupa Yasmin’s exhibition Grow Me a Waterlilyand Shekah, in collaboration with Grain Projects, will be on display. Drawing on her own identity through gender, religion and British Bangladeshi culture, Nilupa Yasmin’s socially engaged work utilises digitally printed fabric, weaving and photography as a craft and form of self-expression.
Appetite Director Rachel Adams said: “Appetite and the New Vic are thrilled to bring Sensasian back for a second year, celebrating the richness of South Asian culture.
“The festival is becoming a much-loved fixture in both the Appetite and New Vic programmes, reflecting the deep relationships we’ve built across different South Asian communities since The Settling and Punjab to the Potteries.
“It’s vital that we continue to meet the growing demand for South Asian artists to have a visible, vibrant platform here in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.”
Click here for more information, including how to book.
