Autumn Season Sep-Nov 2019
Children Playing God
Copies of this programme are available in large print
0121 446 3260 sampad.org.uk
Welcome to our Autumn 2019 season programme This Autumn Season is jam-packed full of exciting events and incredibly talented, local and international, artists. With fourteen events, and many art forms to choose from, we are sure you will find something to enjoy! This year we welcome back TWO magnificent festivals in October: Birmingham Weekender and BEDLAM Arts and Mental Health Festival. During Birmingham Weekender, Digbeth will be taken over by some of the most thrilling artists from around the UK and from around the world. From dance, to music to visual arts and street theatre, there will be something for everyone!
Piali Ray OBE, Director
As proud partners of BEDLAM Arts and Mental Health Festival we are delighted to be presenting a brand new theatre commission No Bond So Strong. Working with voices and personal stories of South Asian women, this moving show investigates the impact on new mothers’ mental health whilst also celebrating in the joy of becoming a parent. We continue to support and champion exciting new talent such as Anaya Bolar, Shyam Dattani, Sonia Chandaria Tillu and Subhash Viman, all of whom will present new work this season. Do join us for our dynamic Autumn season where we hope to surprise and inspire you as summer draws to a close.
Look out for this symbol for Sakshi: Sampad’s promise to deliver four years of events and workshops telling the stories of women.
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Celebration
Save the Date! In 2020 Sampad celebrates its 30th Anniversary. Keep your eyes peeled for exciting news and information about how we are going to celebrate this momentous occasion. For nearly 30 years Sampad has connected people and communities with South Asian and British Asian arts and heritage playing a cutting-edge role in the creative economy. We present high-quality dance, music and theatre productions, events and workshops in education, community and outreach settings, and professional development for artists, cultural leaders and young people. Sampad believe in the power of arts and heritage to impact widely on all communities – breaking down barriers, raising important issues, amplifying unheard voices and bringing people from all walks of life together.
Photos by Caroline Davis, Steve Eggelton, Clive Haynes, Heather Maclaurin and Craig Oddy
To find out more, please get in touch or join our mailing list via our website. Sampad c/o Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, Birmingham B12 9QH Telephone: +44 (0)121 446 3260 Email: info@sampad.org.uk Website: www.sampad.org.uk @sampad_arts /sampad.arts sampadarts sampadbirmingham 0121 446 3260 | sampad.org.uk 3
Music
Photo: Mudkiss Photography
Cinema
Thursday 19 September, 7.30pm
Children Playing God
Includes a post-show discussion with Skinder Hundal, CEO New Art Exchange A documentary film by Ashok Vish, follows the lives of five boys (aged 8-14 years old) during their rehearsal period for the monthlong Ramlila performance based on the epic poem, Ramayana. During the festival, the boys are considered to be living gods, and are worshipped by the people of the community. This extraordinary documentary invites us to explore the gap between reality and fiction, highlighting the ordinary aspects of being kids, as they temporarily enter the realm of the divine. Hindi with English subtitles. Film Duration 30 mins
Saturday 21 September, 12pm
Mid-day Mantra with Aziz Ibrahim
With the successful revival of Sampad’s Mid-day Mantra last year, we are delighted to be presenting world-class musician Aziz Ibrahim for the Autumn Season. An influential British Pakistani guitarist, singer and songwriter, Aziz’s impressive portfolio spans from working with rock, soul and pop artists (including Stone Roses and Paul Weller) to composing South Asian symphonies. Set in Centrala’s atmospheric venue, Aziz will take you on a unique British South Asian journey based on his family’s migration through The Partition of India and on to their working class experiences in Manchester.
Venue Hexagon Theatre, Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH
Venue
Tickets £6 (£5 Conc)
Tickets
To book 0121 446 3232 www.macbirmingham.co.uk Presented by Sampad in partnership with New Art Exchange.
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Centrala, Unit 4, Minerva Works, 158 Fazeley Street, Birmingham, B5 5RT £5 To book www.sampad.org.uk Aziz will be performing work that is supported by Arts Council England.
Music & film
Kefaya. Photo: Alex Kozobolis
Saturday 5 October, Afternoon & Evening
Birmingham Weekender in Digbeth The sound of vibrant contemporary South Asian and world music will fill Digbeth as Kefaya, alongside percussionist Bernhard Schimpelsberger, offer short pop-up solos and duets for visitors throughout the day in Digbeth venues. Later in the afternoon Bernhard Schimpelsberger will perform live at Eastside Projects, responding to mesmeric images emanating from India, reflecting the journeys and pathways of diverse cultures, all of which form an important part of Birmingham as it is today. The evening will be kicked off with a live set at Eastside Projects with the unique sound that is Kefaya. This international music collective of artists from across the globe is led by guitarist Giuliano Modarelli and keyboard player, Al MacSween. A festival favourite, voted Best Newcomer at Songlines Music Awards 2017.
Bernhard Schimpelsberger. Photo: Rehmat Rayatt 2014
“One of the hottest acts on this summer’s festival circuit”
Free event!
Financial Times (Kefaya)
“He plays the drumkit in a style true to that of a tabla virtuoso”
Confluence (Bernhard Schimpelsberger)
Venue Eastside Projects, 86 Heath Mill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B9 4AR Tickets No need to book Further information www.sampad.org.uk www.birminghamweekender.com @Bhamweekender
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Theatre
Thursday 3 October & Friday 4 October, 7pm
No Bond So Strong
A life-affirming show about motherhood and holding family together when you find yourself unravelling. A mother, a relative, a doctor; three voices come together to paint an intimate portrait of the hopeful experiences and the hopeless feelings of being a new parent. No Bond So Strong is a show about revelling in the joys of parenthood but at the same time summoning every bit of energy not to fall apart for fear of losing it all. Written by Olivia Winteringham. Produced by Sampad. Age restriction: 12+ Venue Foyle Studio, Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Tickets ÂŁ10 (ÂŁ8 concession) To book 0121 446 3232 www.macbirmingham.co.uk
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Commissioned by Sampad for BEDLAM Arts and Mental Health Festival. Supported by The John Feeney Charitable Trust and The Saintbury Trust. Created with the support of BSMHFT, Birmingham MIND and Acacia Family Support. Sampad would like to thank the many women, families and medical staff who shared their stories with us for this production. This show will also tour to community settings during the BEDLAM Arts & Mental Health Festival.
Cinema
Discussion
Free event! Sunday 6 October, 5pm
Bridge (12A)
Includes Q&A with Director Amit Ranjan Biswas An inspirational and multi award-winning film, Bridge is a heart-warming story of the chance meeting of two suicidal strangers on a Bridge over the River Ganges. Their meeting initially brings great challenges but eventually, ‘healing’ and wholeness to both lives. A ‘Bridge’ of trust and bonding brings transformative changes as they regain a sense of meaning and belonging to life. Bengali with English subtitles. Venue
Saturday 12 October, 3pm
Chai and Chat In conversation with Nafeesa Hamid
Chai and Chat is part of a series of informal, yet inspiring, discussion sessions where women come together to chat about a range of topics with artists. We invite you to an afternoon of open conversation with the hugely talented Nafeesa Hamid, a Birmingham-based spoken word poet and playwright. Over a cup of delicious Chai, Nafeesa will be discussing mental health in the context of her own experiences, especially as a BME woman.
Cinema, Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH
Age restriction: 14+
Tickets To book
Highfield Hall Community Centre, 127-129 Highfield Road, Hall Green, Birmingham, B28 0HS
0121 446 3232 www.macbirmingham.co.uk
Free, booking essential
£9.25 (£8.35 conc)
Venue
Tickets To book www.sampad.org.uk
Presented by MAC and Sampad in partnership with Birmingham Indian Film Festival for BEDLAM Arts and Mental Health Festival.
Chai and Chat is an initiative for people who identify as women to create a safe environment to share ideas. Produced by Sampad as part of BEDLAM Arts and Mental Health Festival.
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Dance
Tuesday 15 October, 7.30pm
Subhash Viman Classical Encounters & Metamorphic
PREMIERE
Cutting-edge British choreographer and dancer Subhash Viman presents his brand new work Classical Encounters. In this visually striking work Subhash performs three choreographic footprints from Birmingham, Bangalore and New York with artistic direction from award winning choreographer, Gary Clarke, lighting design by Hector Murray and music by Shammi Pithia. Metamorphic explores the idea that global access to travel and significant technological advances have redefined ideas of home, belonging and an individual’s place in the wider, multicultural world. Venue Theatre, Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Tickets £12 (£10 concession) Limited Early Bird offer! To book 0121 446 3232 www.macbirmingham.co.uk
Supported by Sampad, DanceXchange, Peepul Enterprise and Arts Council England.
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Photo: Mickael Marso Riviere
Photo: Sally Harper
Workshop
Free event!
Half Term Activity
Thursday 31 October, 11am-3pm
Paper Puppets workshop at The Barber Institute Do something different this half-term! Set in the spectacular Barber Institute of Fine Arts, enjoy a fun-filled arts and crafts workshop creating your very own miniature puppet. Based on the beautifully intricate Mughal paintings and manuscripts, you will be using wonderful materials and brightly coloured fabrics to bring your puppet to life! Suitable for ages 3+ Venue Barber Institute of Fine Arts (Foyer), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TS To book No need to book, drop in Further information www.sampad.org.uk www.barber.org.uk
Discussion
Free event! Saturday 9 November, 3pm
Chai & Chat with Lakshnie HettihewaYoung
In this informal discussion session, emerging writer Lakshnie HettihewaYoung, will be talking about her creative journey which started with Kali Theatre’s Discovery Programme in 2018. This remarkable opportunity led to Lakshnie presenting her first play Amma’s Girls at Birmingham Rep. So, ambitious writers and budding creatives, come along for a hot cup of chai and be inspired by the conversation. Age restriction 12+ Venue Belgrade Theatre Belgrade Square, Corporation Street, Coventry, CV1 1GS Tickets Free, booking essential To book 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk Chai and Chat is an initiative for people who identify as women to create a safe environment to share ideas.
This workshop is led by Sharper Arts in partnership with Sampad.
Produced by Sampad In partnership with Belgrade Theatre.
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Dance Saturday 30 November, 8pm
Sona Lisa Dance Company: Breaking Ground
PREMIERE
What does it mean to be multicultural? How do we experience the world through the lens of our accumulated cultural baggage? As more layers get added to this baggage, does it get harder to find ourselves within it all? This brand new dance work, commissioned by Sampad, is a classical and contemporary kathak story of migration and identity, set to a stunning score written by Shammi Pithia. It follows the journey of Artistic Director and performer, Sonia Chandaria Tillu’s family, tracing her grandmother’s move from her homeland of Gujarat to the fertile lands of Kenya, and culminates with Sonia’s own journey to the UK. Venue Foyle Studio, Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Tickets £10 (£8 concession) To book 0121 446 3232 www.macbirmingham.co.uk
A new commission by Sampad. Supported by Arts Council England & British Council.
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Photo: Simon Richardson
Celebrations
Spirit of Diwali with India Institute
Free event!
Rangoli workshop
Don’t miss out on this family friendly Rangoli workshop at The Barber Institute of Fine Arts. The University of Birmingham’s India Institute invites you to come and celebrate Diwali with light and colour. Learn how to create a beautiful Rangoli design with intricate patterns and stunningly bright colours. Venue Barber Institute of Fine Arts (Foyer), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TS To book
Diwali on the Square 2019 Bring light to Birmingham this Diwali!
Further information www.barber.org.uk www.sampad.org.uk
FREE Diwali Performance
Free event!
Saturday 19 October, 11am-4pm
No need to book, drop in
Thursday 17 October, 12pm
Photo: Kate Green Photography
Wednesday 16 October, 12pm-4pm
Free event!
Join India Institute for a spectacular afternoon of music and dance, celebrating Diwali in the University of Birmingham’s Elgar Concert Hall. You’re in for a real treat of energetic Bhangra dance and Dhol drumming, spellbinding Kathak and stunning duets, as well as a mesmerising trio of Tabla players. Venue Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT
The West Midlands Combined Authority are once again joining forces with the Consulate General of India and the Mayor of Birmingham to hold a spectacular event to celebrate the Festival of Light on Birmingham’s Victoria Square. The day will be filled with joyous celebrations with live performances, dancing, singing and delicious food stalls. Venue Victoria Square, Birmingham To book No need to book Further information www.wmca.org.uk
Tickets Free, booking essential To book 0121 414 4414 www.thebramall.co.uk Further information www.thebramall.co.uk www.sampad.org.uk
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Diary of Events SEPTEMBER 19
Children Playing God Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park
21 Mid-day Mantra: Aziz Ibrahim Centrala, Minerva Works, 158 Fazeley Street
7.30pm
£6 (£5)
12pm £5
OCTOBER 3 & 4 No Bond So Strong Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park
7pm
£10 (£8)
5
Birmingham Weekender in Digbeth Eastside Projects, 86 Heath Mill Lane
Afternoon/ FREE Evening
6
Bridge (12A) Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park
5pm
12
Chai and Chat: Nafeesa Hamid Highfield Hall Community Centre, Hall Green
3pm FREE
15
Subhash Viman: Classical Encounters & Metamorphic 7.30pm Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park
£12 (£8)
16
Rangoli Workshop Barber Institute, University of Birmingham
12pm-4pm
FREE
17
Diwali Performance Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham
12pm
FREE
19
Diwali on the Square 2019 11am-4pm Victoria Square, Birmingham
31
Paper Puppets Workshop Barber Institute, University of Birmingham
£9.25 (£8.35)
FREE
11am-3pm FREE
NOVEMBER 9
Chai and Chat: Lakshnie Hettihewa-Young Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
3pm FREE
30
Sona Lisa Dance Company: Breaking Ground Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park
8pm
£10 (£8)
Information in this brochure is correct at time of printing. Changes may occasionally be necessary. Amendments or additional information can be found on the Sampad website and will be announced via our social media channels.
Funders, supporters and partners
Sampad is a registered charity no. 1088995. Company no. 4146042.