Women's life stories told on the stage

Photo: Garry Lake

SHOBNA GULATI

SOUTH Asian women from Oldham have helped contribute towards a new theatre show featuring fearless and funny stories from women.

"Mother Tongues from Farther Lands" is a spoken word theatre show that has collated moving and entertaining stories addressing the gender imbalance in South Asian communities.

Through a series of lively regional workshops, including in the borough, comedian and writer Sajeela Kershi has "fused" professional performers together in the upcoming show.

These include Oldham actress Shobna Gulati, of Coronation Street and Dinnerladies fame, Shobu Kapoor, from EastEnders, and journalist Shyama Perera.

Southbank Centre's Alchemy commissioned Sajeela to develop this new performance, in partnership with Alchemy national partners, including Oldham Coliseum.

Project

Sajeela said: "I'm extremely excited the Southbank have asked me to work on this project. I wanted to connect professional performers with non-performers to create a piece of work were the lives of both women could co-exist on the stage and off it.

"We are all cut from the same South Asian cloth, if you like. However, depending on opportunities afforded us, our commitments or our life choices we have all taken different paths. I was extremely lucky my wonderful producer Dawinder Bansal has experience in this area and luckily had connections with women's groups around the country.

"My first workshop was in Oldham, so I have genuine affection for the women there. It really was an honour to have worked with them and I really hope those who shared their aspirations with me to become a writer, performer, set designer or enter any area of the arts or elsewhere will feel inspired to do so.

Shobna added: "It's been a wonderful opportunity to work within a female-led team of diverse artists where we can engage with, recognise and celebrate the contributions of women from our communities from all backgrounds; with a view to share our experiences of our life journeys, finding a collective joy, freedom to release and solace."

"Mother Tongues in Farther Lands" will show at Oldham Coliseum on Thursday, May 11, from 7.30pm. For more information visit www.coliseum.org.uk.

Kevin Shaw, chief executive and artistic director of Oldham Coliseum Theatre, said: "Oldham Coliseum Theatre is thrilled to be working with Southbank Centre, Black Country Touring and Cast as Alchemy returns for its second tour."