#saa-uk

SLEEPING BEAUTY :: SOUTH ASIAN ARTS UK :: KICKSTARTER

Yes people! Kathak + Bharanatyam + Disney’s Sleeping Beauty! I’m so bloody excited to see this wonderful performance that the hardworking team and students at SAA-uk are working on performing very soon - but they need your support to make it happen! 

The dance and storytelling will be enhanced by the use of shadow puppetry, and recorded music inspired by India. The show will take place at the prestigious West Yorkshire Playhouse in the heart of Leeds, open for the public to come and enjoy. The performers will range from as young as 4 years old to adults and will be guided by professional dance teachers Santosh Menon and Aditi Sen.

The performance is such a wonderful way to bring everyone together, across all ages, to explore dance, art and creativity, and the fact that so much of the cast are made up of young, talented girls and women is amazing! 

Watch the video above to catch Seetal talking about this great project and to get a glimpse of what the cast and team have been working on so far! 

Make a donation if you can - I have! There are some great rewards too if you pledge and they reach their target, so get sharing & let’s make magic happen :)

Muktiar came to Leeds from Singapore in 1964. She has five children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild and is very proud of them all. The friendship and support that often go hand in hand with joining a social group are very important to her. As she told us:

This group is important to my life. In 2001 I had a stroke, my arm is like rubber, and I have thyroids. So I like Yoga. I do Kirtan (singing) every Sunday and Wednesday, a long time ago I learned Kirtan. Boliyan is in my life.

Some of the women who have attended our art therapy sessions during the Khushi project find that creative writing provides an outlet for feelings and experiences. Kouser has shared some of her poetry with us and now shares this with you:

Long gone are the days when I had to look over my shoulders Every time I turned a corner. Fear in my eyes and heart pounding thinking is he watching, is he behind me. Fear of returning back to the cell, the place where people call it my home. It wasn't home it was a room. With four walls . Where I spend my days and night Looking for a way out But fear took over every time I made a move. Finally the day came when courage took over the fear The fear in my eyes turned into happiness and relief. Long gone are the days when I had to look over my shoulders.