Aspiring Leicester playwrights share new stories at Curve in Neighbour-Hubs Writers Showcase sponsored by Howes Percival

Aspiring Leicester playwrights will share new stories at a Writers Showcase at Curve on Saturday 8 February.

The five budding writers – Hashim Hassan, Imani Ahiroroteyi Wenham, Luqman Osman, Matt Middleton and Parisha P. – come from areas covered by Curve’s Neighbour-Hubs programme and were selected to take part following an open call-out.

Over the past four months, each writer has received support from experienced Midlands-based playwrights and dramaturgs, including Polka Playwriting Award-winner Sarah Middleton, 2017 Alfred Fagon Award winner Mufaro Mukabika and New Perspectives 24/25 Associate programme member Omar Khan. At the showcase event, the Neighbour-Hubs writers’ plays will be staged as rehearsed readings with professional cast members and directed by Curve Resident Creative Hannah Stone, who has also provided dramaturgical support to the cohort of writers.

The actors involved in the rehearsed reading showcases are Tashaka Baumer, Bhawna Bhawsar, Mya Fox Scott, Rob Green, AK Golding, Andrew Joshi, Natalyia Roni, Yasmin Parekh and Suraj Shah.

Imani Ahiroroteyi Wenham, who runs story-telling platform Apittame Arts and has written SANKOFIA’S LOVE as part of the programme, said:

“I first heard about the scheme through Curve’s Creative Programmes Assistant, Tamika Gore. I had previously been part of the Black History Scratch Night, and she suggested I apply.

“Through this scheme, I have grown more confident in my writing and learned to let go of perfection. I am now more honest in my work and in the version of myself I currently am as a creative. It might make me cringe in the future, but through these sessions, I’ve learned to trust the process.

“It feels incredible to see my work staged and shared with others—not just sitting in a folder, waiting to be “good enough.” Sharing it is both terrifying and exhilarating, but ultimately, it feels right.” 

The Neighbour-Hubs Writers programme and showcase is sponsored by leading law firm Howes Percival. Justine Flack, Partner at Howes Percival said:

“We are so proud to support Curve’s Neighbour-Hubs Writers’ Programme. This incredible initiative provides a unique platform to discover voices and stories that may not otherwise be heard, and we are thrilled to play a part in nurturing the next generation of storytellers.”

Curve’s Neighbour-Hubs programme was launched in 2021 as a response to the health, economic and social disparities in five communities in Leicester that were exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, including Highfields, St. Matthews, Braunstone, Saffron, Evington and New Parks. The long-term community engagement project sees the theatre strengthen relationships with community members in their own spaces, with activities for elders, work with local schools, support for young people with learning disabilities and development opportunities for local artists.

Curve’s Neighbour-Hubs Writers Showcases will take place at 2pm and 7pm on Saturday 8 February. To find out more and book, visit www.curveonline.co.uk, call 0116 242 3595 or visit Curve’s Box Office in-person.

Lead image: Writer Parisha P. – Photography by Jonathan Pryke