Besharam [shame-LESS] – Tour

Written and performed by Sid Akbar, Besharam [shame-LESS] is a bold and heartfelt solo theatre show exploring queerness, shame, family and identity through the lens of a queer British Pakistani experience.

Premiering in Bradford at Kala Sangam in 2023 to packed holodeck sessions and enthusiastic audience response, the production marked the launch of Dhamaka Arts and the beginning of Sid Akbar’s ongoing trilogy of work exploring shame, belonging and queer survival.

Blending humour, vulnerability, campness and autobiographical storytelling, Besharam [shame-LESS] follows Sid as he navigates the complexities of coming out, cultural expectation, faith, family pressure and the search for self-acceptance. The show resonated deeply with audiences for its honesty, warmth and ability to speak to experiences often unseen on UK stages.

Developed with support from Bradford Producing Hub, Arts Council England, Theatre in the Mill and Kala Sangam, the production helped establish Sid Akbar as an exciting new voice in queer northern theatre and opened conversations around intersectional queer South Asian representation in the arts.

The production is now tour-ready and available for venues, festivals and theatre programmes interested in presenting bold, intersectional queer work rooted in lived experience and community storytelling.

If you would like to bring Besharam [shame-LESS] to your venue, please download the tour pack below for further information.