A week of events to mark the start of South Asian Heritage month will take to the stage at the New Vic from 9 – 13 July as a mix of comedy, dance, magic acts and family activities form Sensasian. A joint initiative between Appetite and the New Vic, and created in collaboration with the South Asian communities of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, Sensasian has been designed to offer something for all ages to enjoy.
The week of events begin on Tuesday 9 July as Sukh Ojla, as seen on BBC2’s Big Asian Stand Up, and Desi Central take to the stage with sharp observational comedy that’s guaranteed to have audiences laughing out loud.
On Wednesday 10 July Sonia Sabri Company will perform the soul-stirring and energetic Roshni. Roshni – from the Persian word meaning light or brilliance –is a captivating medley of kathak dance and live music driven by the bold rhythms of Tabla percussion, influenced by the traditions of Northern India but reimagined through a global lens.
Award-winning magician and former Britain’s Got Talent finalist Ben Hart will then present Jadoo on Friday 12 July. Drawn from his own heritage and experience of travelling India to discover lost magic, this mind-popping show rich with wicked humour sees Ben shed his usual sleight-of-hand trickery in favour of stunning displays of mysticism and extra-sensory power.
Rounding off the celebrations, Appetite and the New Vic invite families to the theatre on Saturday 13 July for an afternoon of free, fun activities for all the family including performances of Choogh Choogh, an interactive show inspired by the joys of travelling India by train; music from Amrit Kaur and dance workshops for all ages to get involved with.
Appetite Director Gemma Thomas said: “Following on from the work we did for Punjab to the Potteries last year, we talked to our collaborators from the South Asian communities and asked what they’d like to happen next. Sensasian is the programme created out of those conversations and events have been specially selected by 26 community members. Taking place at the New Vic there is a mix of things to experience: Comedy, Dance, Magic and a free family day to shine a light on great work from performers with South Asian heritage. Sensasian is a celebration for the artists and the community who helped shape it, and everyone is invited.”
South Asian Heritage Month officially begins on Thursday 18 July and runs until Saturday 17 August.
Sensasian will take place at the New Vic from Tuesday 9 July to Saturday 13 July 2024. For more information and to book tickets, visit newvictheatre.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01782 717962.