Tongue Tied, & Twisted (2016)
Indian tales with a contemporary twist.Tongue Tied & Twisted blasts Indian storytelling into the 21st century combining the talents of UK music producer PKCtheFirst on stage with international performer Peter Chand.
A co-production with Black Country Touring and Peter Chand supported by Creative Black Country and Heritage Lottery Fund.
“How many of the sisters will the wild jackals spare…what becomes of the foolish man who thought he was dead…..and what is the haunting message that a dove sings across time and space…”
Experience two distinctive artists bringing a fresh UK twist on traditional tales collected from Punjabi elders. This show celebrates the art of live storytelling fusing a unique blend of Urban Hip Hop and classical South Asian sounds. Together, they presents a unique audience experience across cultures for both young and old.
“Peter transports the listener into his world with remarkable energy and great expression… His cheeky smile, wry humour, and rich voice are a winning combination… I was spellbound”
Kim Normanton, BBC Radio 4
This partnership with South Asian storyteller Peter Chand will be based on stories gathered from South Asian elders. During autumn 2015 Peter will meet and talk with various groups of South Asian elders, and using stories from his repertoire will create a dialogue, which in turn will lead to the participants sharing the folk stories that they used to hear when they were young.
Since 2006 Peter has been travelling to the Punjab to collect stories from family members. Many of the techniques he has learnt in this process will also be applied to this project – from using particular techniques to encourage people to share their old folktales, to finding themes that connect the stories in a vibrant and original way.
Peter and DJ / Music Producer Pavan will work with BCT Artistic Director, Steve Johnstone to shape and weave these stories into Tongue Tied & Twisted, a new work born from traditional tales. The stories collected will also be preserved for future generations via an online archive through funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
Photos above by Dee Patel and taken at several groups during research including: Wolverhampton Elder Asian and Disabled Group, ASRA Centre Yoga Group, SAFSS Carers Group, Tettenhall Ladies Asian Group, & St Chad’s Asian Women’s Group.