Khandan (family) – The Shame Generation!
Currently in development, Khandan (Family) – The Shame Generation (previously working title The Wrath of Khandan (Family) – The Shame Strikes Back!) is an interstellar journey into the heart of what it means to be part of a family. Building on the success of Besharam [shame-LESS], Sid Akbar invites audiences on a thrilling rollercoaster ride that boldly goes where no theatre piece has gone before. With its unique fusion of sci-fi spectacle, heartfelt storytelling, and cultural authenticity, this new production celebrates family in all its complexities, contradictions, and infinite possibilities.
Rehearsals for the show are now underway, with an exciting creative team and collaborators coming together to help shape the next stage of development. The process so far has been vibrant, ambitious, emotionally charged, and deeply collaborative, as the company explores how sci-fi, humour, queerness, and cultural storytelling can collide on stage in unexpected and powerful ways.
Through the lens of key celebrations like Eid, Christmas, and Pride, Sid delves into the deep roots of family connections. The show navigates the gravitational pull of tradition, the light-years travelled to form Queer Chosen Families, and the universal quest to be accepted and loved for who we truly are. With nods to Starfleet ideals of unity and the shared journeys of boldly forging new paths, Khandan (Family) – The Shame Generation explores the battles we fight for belonging and the joys of finding a crew who embraces us unconditionally.
Expect a galaxy of emotions, from laugh-out-loud moments to tender, tear-jerking reflections. This is a story that celebrates the strength and resilience of love across generations and the courage to redefine what family means. Combining humour, sci-fi imagination, and raw emotional depth, Khandan (Family) – The Shame Generation is a cultural and cosmic odyssey that promises to leave audiences exhilarated, uplifted, and starry-eyed.
Khandan (Family) – The Shame Generation will premiere from 11th–13th June 2026 at Bradford Arts Centre. Tickets are now available and can be booked here: https://bdartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/events/khandan-shame-generation/
Keep scanners full and stay tuned for further updates as this exciting new production continues to evolve
First look at rehearsals over at Kala Sangam Bradford with Associate Artist Jenn Wilson (Irregular Arts)
Noor – The Return of Shame (working title)
Currently in pre-development, Noor: The Return of Shame is set to be the electrifying final chapter in Sid Akbar’s autobiographical trilogy, following Besharam [shame-LESS] and The Wrath of Khandan – The Shame Strikes Back. This new show will dive deep into the intersection of queerness, spirituality, and shame, exploring the personal and emotional journey of finding light amidst the darkness of self-doubt and societal pressures.
As with the previous shows, Noor: The Return of Shame will evolve organically throughout its creative process, bringing fresh and powerful perspectives to the themes of identity, culture, and faith. It promises to be an intimate, raw, and cathartic exploration of what it means to break free from shame and embrace one’s true self.
Get ready for a thrilling ride as Sid brings his bold, heartfelt storytelling to the stage once again—this time, taking audiences on a journey towards self-acceptance, spiritual growth, and a whole new kind of liberation.
In My Head, In My Heart (working title)
Head, Heart, Harmony
Currently in pre- development, In My Head, In My Heart is a deeply personal and emotional exploration of the challenges faced by Sid Akbar as a queer Pakistani navigating ADHD and cultural expectations. The show delves into the complexity of reconciling a neurodivergent mind with the pressures of a traditional, faith-based family and community. With humor and vulnerability, the performance unpacks the internal struggle of being misunderstood, dealing with cultural invalidation, and the journey toward self-acceptance. Themes of queerness, neurodivergence, and belonging are explored with depth and authenticity, offering a powerful narrative about finding space to embrace one’s true identity.
Brown Skin, White Sheets (working title)
Skin, Sheets, and Stories Untold
Currently in pre-development, Brown Skin, White Sheets confronts the complexities of intimacy, sex, and desire through Sid Akbar’s experiences as a brown queer man navigating relationships with white partners. In this compelling, candid performance, Sid explores themes of fetishization, racial dynamics in sex, and the often complicated intersection of kink and identity. The show is an intimate look at the intricacies of desire and self-worth within interracial relationships, where cultural and racial identity plays a powerful role in shaping intimacy. With humor, vulnerability, and sharp insight, Sid shares his journey of understanding his own desires, challenges stereotypes, and seeks empowerment through the messy, beautiful, and sometimes painful realities of love and attraction.