Open Your Minds with new play

The Rotherham theatre group last performed it in 2008 to sold out audiences, telling a story that covers the 1980s steel strike and the National Front march in Rotherham in 1976. Steve Rogers, who co-wrote the play with Taiba Yasseen, said: “It was a time of ‘Paki-bashing’ and schools which were part of the problem and not the solution for a new wave of immigrant young people.

“The play is at times hard-hitting and does not shy away from the fact that racism can exist on both sides.”

Faultlines is based on the real stories of that second generation, who came in the 70s to Rotherham with their families.

The play dramatises what it was like to settle in a new country, go to school and make home in a very different culture.

For many, the 1970s wasn’t a comfortable time to be Asian in Rotherham.

Kashmiri family life, Eid and arranged marriages is the backdrop to the ruthless reality of the time, as is the reaction of white neighbours, teachers and workmates to the new arrivals.

It is a story which has a direct relevance to today and the shifting ethnic landscape of Britain.

Performance details are:

May 21: 7pm, Old Market Gallery, Corporation Street, Rotherham, S60 1AN.

May 23: 7pm, Carlisle Business Centre, Manningham, Bradford, BD8 8DB.

May 28: 7pm, Hudawi Centre, Huddersfield, HD1 6BG.

May 30: 7pm, Arooj Shadi Hall, Attercliffe, Sheffield, S4 7WZ.

Tickets are £8 (£6 concessions) from 07541475159 or by e-mail to [email protected]

Further details: Steve Rogers on 07770 984704, [email protected] or Taiba Yasseen 07854 634646, [email protected]