The Chosen Haram at The Lowry

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

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The Chosen Haram

Lowry, Salford
3 March 2022

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

The Chosen Haram at Homotopia Festival
Image courtesy of Glen McCarty.
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Exploring themes of sexuality, faith, addiction and human connection, The Chosen Haram tells the story of two queer men and their chance meeting through a dating app. What makes this ‘boy-meets-boy’ narrative so ethereal is the fact that the story is told through a combination of extraordinary physical theatre and gravity-defying circus.

Performed on two Chinese poles to a pumping soundtrack, The Chosen Haram features lead artist and performer Sadiq Ali and co-deviser and performer Hauk Pattison. Portraying the highs and lows of a relationship and the social and cultural barriers at play, the show is based on Ali’s personal experience and is also informed by interviews with members of the LGBTQ+ community who identify as (ex) Muslim.

‘Haram’ is an Arabic term and means something that is forbidden by Islam. A contemporary love story, The Chosen Haram charts their relationship from the initial meeting via a dating app through to the personal barriers they have to overcome to find happiness and fulfillment. The show aims to open conversations around some of the issues faced by LGBTQ+ (ex) Muslims and highlight the personal struggles faced by those whose upbringing contradicts their personal truths. Elevating and heartwarming, the show also looks to celebrate the resilience of the self.

Running for around an hour, this beautifully told two-hander examines the explosive meeting of religion and romance through spectacular and skilful choreography on the Chinese pole. Soaring, spinning, scrambling and sliding, two flexible, four-metre-high posts provide an impressive setting by which to explore the tensions and desires surrounding a young Muslim man torn between his faith and his sexuality.

Originally from Edinburgh, Sadiq Ali trained at the National Centre for Circus Arts in London and this is his first full-length piece of work. The performance has been well-received by both audiences and critics – garnering four-star reviews from both The Stage and The Guardian when it was performed recently at Scotland’s Manipulate Festival. Don’t miss out when it visits The Lowry this March.

What's on at Lowry

Where to go near The Chosen Haram at The Lowry

Manchester
Gallery
Irwell Sculpture Trail

The 33-mile trail, which follows the River Irwell from Salford Quays all the way to Bacup in Pennine Lancashire, has been around for over a decade, but it’s recently been restored and expanded.

Manchester
Shopping Centre
Lowry Outlet Mall

The Lowry Outlet Mall in The Quays district of Manchester sits opposite both The Lowry and MediaCityUK, Europe’s largest media hub and the home of BBC North.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Central Bay

Central Bay is a new waterfront dining and drinking destination at Quayside MediaCity, opening summer 2023.

MediaCityUK
Café or Coffee Shop
Blanconero

High-level Italian food in Salford Quays, with no less than seven different lasagnas to choose from.

The Quays
Restaurant
The Alchemist Mediacity

The latest offering from the UK-conquering Alchemist has an energetic vibe similar to others in this highly-regarded chain of restaurants.

Salford
Uswim
at Salford Quays

Jump into waters of dock 9 at Salford Quays with Uswim, they bring the benefits and freedom of open water swimming to the convenience of a central location.

Manchester
Restaurant
11 Central

11 Central is a new bar and microbrewery launched by local brewing legends SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO at the Central Bay site in Salford.

Ice Rink
Manchester
MCUK Ice Rink
at Media City

Embrace that most Christmassy of activities and get your skates on outside of the chaotic city centre this winter. The Ice Rink at Media City will be serving festive fun till January 5th.

Manchester
Shop
Booths Media City

The Booths branch at Media City, Salford Quays is much appreciated by TV, radio and media executives who work in the area.

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