The first in a series of pre-festival events is ‘Himmat’ (Courage) will take place next month.
It is a new play, written by Jefny Ashcroft and directed by Eshmit Kaur. This true story celebrates the Turban Victory of 1969 when Sikh bus drivers successfully campaigned to persuade Wolverhampton Transport Committee to allow them to wear beards and turbans.
A six-strong cast of professionals will tell the tale of this dramatic struggle using humour and physical theatre as well as some very serious moments.
To help the cast tell this Arts Council funded story, Jefny and Eshmit are looking for memorabilia to act as props. If you have ever had a bus driver in your family maybe you have old caps or badges, or even a ticket machine? If you can lend anything please email Jefny at drama@jefny.org.uk.
Councillor Harman Banger, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “We are very excited to see the return of Wolverhampton Literature Festival as last year’s saw thousands of people attend.
“Himmat’ will be the first in a series of pre-festival events which will showcase the triumph and achievement of the Sikh community back in 1969, as well as looking at the diaspora of people to Wolverhampton.
“I hope everyone will join us in what is shaping up to be another fantastic festival for the city in 2020.”
Performances will be in the Georgian Room at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street, from Thursday 26 September to Sunday 29 September. Shows (lasting roughly an hour) will be Thursday (1pm to 2pm), Friday (7pm to 8pm), Saturday (1pm to 2pm and (7pm to 8pm) and Sunday (1pm to 2pm). Tickets will be available in early September through EVENTBRITE, priced at £3 and £2 (pensioners/benefits). The play is suitable for 14 year olds plus.
More information on the 2020 Literature Festival will be announced shortly. If you would like to keep up to date with announcements like us on Facebook and Twitter @WolvesLitFest and on Instagram follow wolvesartsandculture.
