The story of a man’s journey to Iran to discover his cultural heritage has two dates in Cumbria.
I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik is the creation of British-Iranian dance artist and storyteller Bobak Champion.
His free 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.
He brings the show to Whitehaven Library on Tuesday October 21 and Millom Library on Wednesday October 22.
Enjoy breakdancing and live saxophone performance, before splitting Kolompeh biscuits with the artists – washed down with traditional Persian tea.
The show is presented by Arts Out West with the 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 characters – from women defiantly running the first (and last) ever Tehran marathon, to cool kids of an underground breakdance battle.
Bobak, originally from Bristol but now based in Yorkshire, said: “I’m thrilled to take I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik to towns and rural locations across England and Wales. 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 Muslim 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.”
In each location of the tour Bobak will be joined by dancers from the community.
He added: “I’m so excited to perform with local dancers. I love the exchange of energy and creativity. They bring a fresh dimension to each show – no single performance is ever the same.”
Everyone is welcome. Ages 12-plus.
Tickets are free but must be booked in advance. Book Whitehaven Library tickets here and Millom Library tickets here.
