Two West Midlands dates for hip-hop show which offers peace and Persian tea
An hilarious and heartfelt story of one man’s journey to Iran to discover his cultural heritage is coming to Smethwick and Wolverhampton.
I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik is the creation of British-Iranian dance artist and storyteller Bobak Champion.
The show arrives at Thimblemill Library, Smethwick on Saturday, February 21, before heading to Wolverhampton Arts Centre three days later on Tuesday, February 24.
This stunning show sees spoken word meet dance and live music meet 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.
The Midlands shows are presented by Black Country Touring and Rural Touring Dance Initiative - a national project supporting dance artists and rural promoters to make great dance events happen in rural spaces.
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.
Midlands dates:
I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik - Saturday, February 21, 7.30pm at Thimblemill Library, Thimblemill Road, Smethwick, B67 5RJ. Tickets here
I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik - Tuesday, February 24, 7.30pm at Wolverhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, WV1 4AN. Tickets here.
Bobak said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to take I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik to towns across England this spring. But it’s no escaping that the tour takes place at a time when Islamophobia is a real problem.
“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.”
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.”
In each location of the tour Bobak will be joined by dancers from the community.
He added: “I’m so excited to perform with dancers from the community at most of the shows. I love the exchange of energy and creativity. They bring a fresh dimension to the piece.”
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+.
