Queer Pakistani Playwright Unpacks Generational Shame

Playwright Sid Akbar is dedicated to telling stories that reflect the lives of queer people of color, addressing the lack of representation he experienced growing up.

Akbar, a queer man from a Pakistani family in Bradford, found his upbringing challenging due to community complexities and unspoken issues surrounding identity. He felt a conflict between familial expectations and his own self-discovery.

His company, Dhamaka Arts, aims to celebrate intersectionality in the UK. Akbar's new autobiographical show, "Khandan (Family) - The Shame Generation," running from June 11-13 at Bradford Arts Centre, follows his 2023 debut "Besharam," which recounted his coming-out story.

"Khandan" tackles themes of family duty and shame, which Akbar describes as a powerful force that led him to feel like he was living multiple lives. He seeks to unpack this shame, identifying its roots in generational trauma from family, society, religion, and culture.

Akbar now resides in Manchester with his partner but maintains a strong connection to Bradford. He views his return to the city as a way of owning the space and processing past experiences, noting positive changes for young queer individuals there.

Co-creator Jenny Wilson collaborated with Akbar to incorporate sci-fi elements, specifically drawing inspiration from Star Trek. This allows for a playful and imaginative exploration of shame as the "final frontier," using the genre's camp and hopeful outlook to discuss difficult subjects.