Gypsy and Traveller young people part of a new performance project in Bradford, working alongside award-winning artists
Have you got your tickets yet?
Come and see Ossiri and the Bala Mengro at Bradford Deaf Centre October 27th.
Celebrate Gypsy and Traveller cultures with a magical show based on the book by award-winning Romany author Richard O’Neill. Young people at Leeds GATE have been part of it, make sure yours are too! The show is free and perfect to entertain kids (and adults) of all ages.
Ossiri and the Bala Mengro, produced by Bradford-based creative arts organisation Spin Arts, is a new family friendly dance and music show inspired by the book of the same name, written by award-winning Romany Gypsy storyteller and author Richard O’Neill and Katharine Quarmby, and performed by Irish/contemporary dancer and musician Keira Martin.
This production tells the tale of a young Traveller girl, Ossiri, whose family worked hard as ‘Tattin Folki’, or rag-and bone people who recycled old scrap metal.
Ossiri had a big dream: she desperately wanted to be a musician. But as her dreams began to fade, an unlikely fan gives Ossiri the confidence to keep going.
It is a magical and mesmerising story using folk dance and music, encouraging acceptance and celebration of others cultures.
Young people that attend youth groups at Leeds GATE from both the Romany Gypsy and Irish Traveller communities have been part of the development of the show, sharing their stories, experiences, learning dance and music, and recording their voices that appear as part of the show.
A show all about celebrating culture and history
Director & Creative Producer at Spin Arts, Sarah Shead, says:
‘It’s been fantastic to spend time with these incredible young people. Everyone has a story to tell, but far too often Gypsy and Traveller stories are either overlooked or twisted into a narrative that continues to ignite racism and prejudices. We hope that by shining a light on the positive stories, we can contribute to changing the discourse, increasing empathy & understanding, but most importantly, capturing these young people’s hearts and minds to develop the confidence to share their rich heritage and lifestyles more widely.
This is the first of many collaborations to come, with plans in the making for Leeds 2023 and Bradford 2025’.
Telling stories and cultural pride are so important to all people, just as they are to Gypsy and Traveller communities. Some of the young members of our organisation can use this platform to share cultural pride with others, and to learn about other cultures too, that are all part of the fabric of Bradford.
It’s fantastic to work with artists and producers like Spin Arts, Richard O’Neill and Keira Martin to bring this cultural exchange to life.
The performance is free, and part of Intercultured Festival running for 10 days across Bradford. From the 19th – 29th October, different shows and activities explore and celebrate culture, belonging and community. Other events include poetry in Pahari, the native language of Pakistani people, Desi family fun day and Arabic calligraphy.
Tickets for Ossiri and the Bala Mengro on October 27th and all other events can be bought here: Intercultured Festival 2022 | Eventbrite
Please reserve your free ticket and come along to enjoy the show.
The performance will also be shown to 300 school children from the area in private showings across November, thanks to support from Bradford Council, Leeds 2023, Leeds Dance Partnership and Arts Council England.
A workshop will also be held on 25th October at the Thornbury Centre in Bradford from 3pm, for young members to do storytelling, dance and music.
If any other young people would like to come along, or you know someone in your family that would like to be part of it, please contact Kathleenanne, Senior Youth Worker on 0113 240 2444.