A SHOW performed in a Bradford car park explores the lives of three Muslim men and their passion for cars.
Peaceophobia, which offers "an unapologetic response to rising Islamophobia", is about three Pakistani men growing up in the shadow of the Bradford riots, 9/11 and police harassment who find sanctuary in their cars.
Described as "part car meet-part theatre", the immersive theatrical experience will be performed in the Oastler Car Park by members of Bradford Modified Club, a car enthusiasts group in the city.
Peaceophobia was devised by members of Speakers Corner, a Bradford collective of women and teenage girls, who wanted to tell the story of young Muslim men and their experiences of Islamophobia. The collective has worked with theatre company Common Wealth, writer Zia Ahmed and Bradford Modified Club on the "uncompromising, thrilling theatrical experience".
Staged in an open-sided car park overlooking the city, the production features a Supra, a Golf and a classic Nova, bringing together cars and theatre with cinematic lighting and an original electronic sound score.
It is performed by Sohail Hussain, Mohammed Ali Yunis and Casper Ahmed, taking control of the narratives around their religion, their city, and their cars.
Iram Rehman of Speakers Corner said: “Islamophobia exists as much today as it ever has before, injustices are occurring every day both in the UK and globally. Peaceophobia began as a campaign two years ago to promote that Islam comes from peace, it is a personal project to us as co-creators and proud young Muslim women.
"We are part of a movement of young people who are using their voices to make a positive change and promote peace instead of being silenced.”
Performer Mo Ali Yunis added: “Bradford Modified Club promotes cars, culture and family - our cars are a piece of art and we’re passionate about challenging preconceptions.
"We’ve come together with Common Wealth to make a show which tackles Islamaphobia and celebrates the importance of car culture. We can’t wait for the audience to feel it with us.”
Peaceophobia is supported by Bradford 2025, Blueprint: Without Walls R&D Investment Fund, Co-Creating Change, Arts Council England, Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Pears Foundation and Fenton Arts.
The production will be performed at the Oastler Car Park in Bradford from September 10-19, followed by six performances in Manchester, from September 29.
* For tickets go to eventbrite.co.uk/e/peaceophobia-tickets-15594036282
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