Writer and Director: Sadiq Ali
Growing up within the expectations of a religion is tough, especially when it contradicts everything that feels right, everything in opposition to your personal truth. Islam has a word for all that is forbidden under its law: Haram.
Two men meet on a dating app. One’s a bit of a slacker, one’s a devout Muslim, but there’s an immediate attraction and a powerful desire that moves quickly into an intense sexual relationship, sometimes gentle and affectionate, sometimes forceful and fetishistic. As the two get in physically and emotionally deeper, the conflict the Muslim man feels turns to self-destruction.
This hour-long performance is packed with tenderness, humour, drama and passion. And all without a word spoken. Because this is circus, performed on and around two Chinese poles at the centre of the stage. Sadiq Ali and Hauk Pattison perform spectacular acrobatics on the two full stage height vertical poles, demonstrating extraordinary physical control and seemingly effortless balletic moves. As they move together, swirling, climbing and falling, they create a sense of sexual intimacy, dominance and control, and sheer physical fun.
As things get wilder, the gulf between fetish and faith, hedonism and haram, start to show. When the drugs get the better of them and the fun turns to heartache The Chosen Haram is as powerful and affecting as drama can be.
Sharp design and lighting ensure the show visually punches above its weight. The opening scene, in which Ali emerges from PVC wrappings – part gimp suit, part chrysalis – sets the tone visually and promises the next hour will be something special. Jamie Heseltine’s lighting transports us from nightclub to mosque, highlighting the physical movement and creating magic out of the simple materials (cling film, silky plastics, shredded paper), which the performers use to create wonderfully evocative visuals. Costumes by Al Seed – from the beautiful long white robe in the opening scene to the fetish club wear – work brilliantly with the story.
This is a beautifully conceived and executed piece of physical theatre that uses the performer’s circus and dance skills in a unique way, creating a rich and poignant story. As part of Pride in Trafford it also opens an important dilemma about the challenges that LGBQT+ people in religious (and any less liberal) communities face.
Reviewed on 17 May 2023
