Through stories, laughter, music and dance, the sari is the star this summer, with Sampad and Midlands Arts Centre.
Today we’re announcing our programme of events at Midlands Arts Centre for their Sari Season, running alongside touring exhibition The Offbeat Sari. With our Sari Stories, summer school workshops, an immersive dance performance and more, there’s something in our programme for all ages and artforms. Read on to hear more about how you can be involved.
Sari Stories Exhibition
Following a popular callout for stories and memories, The Sari Stories Exhibition opens on Saturday 24th May in the Midlands Arts Centre’s Community Gallery. Co-curated by Gugan Gill and Sampad, this free exhibition shares joyful and moving reflections on the sari, submitted through an open call.
From climbing mountains and running marathons in saris, to hand crafted saris passed down through family, to expressions of gender and queer identity explored through the beautiful material, this exhibition weaves together a rich collection of stories. Learn more here.
Midsummer Masti: 6 Weddings 9 Songs and 50 Saris
Feel the love at a joyful evening of dance, music and festivities where a colourful mix of wedding sari traditions and dances collide – from Gujarati to Marathi, Sylheti to Punjabi and more.
Midsummer Masti is an immersive performance that will showcase varied wedding traditions and dances. No wedding is complete without a party and our DJ will be on hand to get everyone involved in our grand finale. Dress code – bling, bold and glam!
You can join the party at Midsummer Masti on Sunday 3rd August, 7pm in MAC Outdoor Theatre. Arrive early to get involved in free family-friendly garland-making workshops, from 5.30pm.
Tickets available now at £11.95, or £7.95 for under 16s.
Midsummer Masti Summer School for Ages 7-12
Ahead of our weekend performance, Sampad are running a 2-day Summer School on Thursday 31st July and Friday 1st August. Children aged 7-12 can take part in fun filled workshops with Indian craft activities and dance sessions led by talented Sampad artists. The Summer School concludes with a special performance at Midsummer Masti itself. Tickets on sale soon, watch this space!
Chai and Chat: My Marathon Sari
Alongside the Sari Stories Exhibition, we’re hosting a special Chai and Chat with Poppy Jaman OBE. Having recently completed the Brighton Marathon dressed in a sari, we’re so excited to welcome her to Birmingham. Poppy will be discussing the inspiration she draws from saris, and stories she has heard from women across the UK.
Chai and Chat is a discussion series created by Sampad. It aims to empower women and girls by providing an inspiring and informal platform for their voices to be heard. Tickets on sale now.