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AN INTRODUCTION BY SADIQ ALI

“This show is a part of my life experience and the researched experience of others, both queer Muslims and ex-Muslims. Growing up I had the realisation that my sexuality didn’t connect with what I was being taught about my faith and the world around me. This left me as a young queer person confused and full of self-loathing and shame. To deal with those feelings I had to numb the world around me and then found myself shrouded in addiction. This story is not uncommon and many queer people experience elements of it.

I split this story into two characters and bring them and their issues together to find unity. Through these identities I can explore and present internal issues through the relationship that we see in this work. There is not often a representation of these issues on our stages. Queer intimacy within circus is almost non-existent. There seems to be a wave of change happening in this right now and I am pleased to be able to use my experience and my life to enable that representation for others.”

Produced by Turtle Key Arts

Creative Team
Lead Artist and Performer - Sadiq Ali
Performer and creative input - Hauk Pattison
Circus Movement Consultant - Conor Neall
Dramaturgy - Rishi Trikha
Sound Designers - Guy Veale
Original Compositions - Kester Hynds
Lighting Design - Jamie Heseltine
Technical Manager - Bryn Jones

Costume - Cleo McCabe
Mentor - Al Seed
Supported by - Flora Herberich
Assistant Producer - Vee Smith

 

Something that is “Haram” is forbidden by Islam.

The Chosen Haram tells the story of two queer men, their chance meeting through a dating app and the social, cultural and personal barriers they desire to overcome. It is told through exquisite Chinese pole, visual and physical theatre, and set to a pumping soundtrack.

Fresh from opening MANIPULATE Festival 2022 before transferring to the acclaimed London International Mime Festival in London, The Chosen Haram returns to Sadiq Ali’s hometown of Edinburgh to be presented at Summerhall, as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase 2022. His first full-length production, artist and performer Ali’s show explores themes of faith, sexuality, addiction and human connection through movement and Chinese Pole based circus-skills.

The Chosen Haram is based on a combination of lead artist Ali’s’s personal experience, as well as interviews with members of the LGBTQ+ community who identify as (ex) Muslim. The show is an exploration into the personal struggles faced by many people whose upbringing contradicts their personal truths, and how this can lead to self-destructive behaviour. It celebrates two queer men seeking happiness and personal fulmillment, their resiliance, and the resilience of all LGBTQ+ Muslims, and those no longer practicing the faith.

 

The Chosen Haram is funded by Arts Council England and Creative Scotland. Supported by Jacksons Lane, Assembly Roxy Lab, Dancebase, Summerhall, London Met and Journeys in Design.

 

A YEAR IN THE LIFE

A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF TURTLE KEY ARTS, A FILM ABOUT ALL THE WORK WE DID IN 2021-2022.

YEARINLIFE

WHO WE ARE...

A SHORT FILM ABOUT TURTLE KEY ARTS, WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO.

Who we are
 

Turtle Key Arts

In 2022 TURTLE KEY ARTS reached an audience of 20,150 collaborating with 452 artists and involved over 2100 participants.