A heartfelt story of one man’s journey to Iran to discover his cultural heritage is told in Bradford and Leeds this week.
I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik is the creation of British-Iranian dance artist and storyteller Bobak Champion.
The show comes to Bradford Arts Centre on Thursday May 21 and Leeds Slung Low at the Warehouse on Saturday May 23. Leeds is a homecoming show of sorts as Bobak lived in the city for many years.
I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik tours at a time when Iran is at war with USA and Israel. Recent audience members of Iranian heritage described attending this show as ‘theatre therapy’.
Audiences are treated to spoken word meets dance, live music and clowning. It’s an intimate spectacle of identity, where being British, Iranian, and a Hip-Hop head collide. Enjoy breakdancing and a live saxophone performance and traditional Persian tea.
Join Bobak on his journey of self-discovery as he meets a whole cast of weird and wonderful characters – from women defiantly running the first (and last) ever Tehran marathon, to stumbling into an underground breakdance battle.
Bobak said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to bring I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik back to West Yorkshire. This show tries to humanise people. If you are Iranian, Middle-Eastern or Iranian you do the same things as other people – drink tea and hang-out. The show invites audiences to get to know another culture – one which they may have misconceptions of.”
Bobak added: “These are horrific times for people in Iran. Even before the bombs people were dying at the hands of the regime. I do see my show as a coming together – like a rallying point. There may be tears but there will be laughs too…”
Recent audience feedback of I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik: “It was a magic night of theatre. Myself and two of our wonderful Iranian group members went along to see Bobak’s – I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik – a hip-hop love letter to his Iranian heritage and all its complexities….
“TBH we all started the evening a little tired and worn out, struggling with life and the heaviness of the current situation in Iran, we nearly didn’t get there. But we all dragged each other out the house and by the end of the show our Iranian ladies turned with renewed smiles on their faces, with souls lifted and the burden of the current situation in Iran a little less heavy. With their own love letters to Iran shining through. Tonight was theatre therapy – thank-you.”
When I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik was performed at Edinburgh Fringe The Guardian gave it four stars: “A show so warmhearted that it is impossible not to enjoy.”
After the show, enjoy a chat with the artists as traditional Persian tea and date biscuits called Kolompeh are served. Everyone is welcome. Ages 12+.
I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik: Bradford Arts Centre – Thursday 21 May, 7.30pm. TICKETS HERE.
I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik: Slung Low at The Warehouse in Holbeck, Leeds, LS11 9RQ – Saturday 23 May, 7.30pm. TICKETS HERE
