Acclaimed writer Abda Khan has secured funding through the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants to continue and expand her innovative project, ‘Tappay Tales.’
This artistic endeavour, which initially took root in Birmingham in 2022, delves into the rich tapestry of Pakistani/South Asian culture and heritage through the exploration of old folk and wedding songs.
Abda Khan’s latest venture, ‘Tappay Tales 2,’ extends the project’s reach to two new cities, including Bradford, promising an exciting cultural journey. Commencing on 9 October, in collaboration with Kala Sangam, Abda will facilitate six free weekly creative writing workshops for participants hailing from the Bradford South Asian community.
These workshops will delve into the origins and meanings of traditional verses, aiming to inspire fresh, contemporary works that bridge the gap between the old and the new, all while exploring themes such as culture, heritage, and identity.
Image: Maryam Wahid
The culmination of ‘Tappay Tales 2’ promises a grand and culturally immersive experience. A very special live performance hosted at Kala Sangam will feature a harmonious blend of the old and new.
Audiences can expect to witness the enchanting renditions of old songs, as well as the unveiling of new creative works produced by the enthusiastic participants.
The event will also feature performances of poetry by Sharena Lee Satti, specially commissioned for this project. Adding to the evening’s allure, a play penned by Abda Khan herself, titled ‘Rani aur Amee,’ will grace the stage. This captivating play stars the talented Ravneet Sehra and Jaya Khazai.
Speaking on Tappay Tales 2, Abda Khan said: “Building on Tappay Tales Birmingham, I am bringing the project to two new cities, including Bradford. The sharing of old folk songs in workshops with participants from British South Asian communities will explore the origins and meanings of the songs to inspire new creative writing about the themes that emerge relating to the participants’ culture & heritage, past and present. ”
National Lottery Project Grants, facilitated by the Arts Council, stands as an open-access programme supporting a multitude of arts, museums, and library projects. It serves as a testament to the impact of National Lottery investments, enabling countless individual artists, community initiatives, and cultural organizations to thrive.
‘Tappay Tales 2’ promises to be a compelling exploration of culture, heritage, and identity, taking the essence of South Asian traditions and translating them into modern expressions, ultimately enriching the vibrant cultural tapestry of Bradford and beyond.
Abda Khan’s creative vision, in conjunction with the support of the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants, continues to illuminate and celebrate the diversity and artistic brilliance within the South Asian community in the UK.
