Sid Akbar

Sid Akbar is best known for his acting work on Film, TV, Theatre and Radio. Though, over recent years Sid has moved to making his own social, political and Queer Work. As a Queer Person of Colour, Sid’s work explores the need to take up space, be bold, and push boundaries, exploring themes of intersectionality through his own life experience. Their work is autobiographical, comical and thought-provoking.

“I want my viewers to open their minds and hopefully leave a performance with a better understanding of the themes in the work I make. For example in my most recent show, I shed light on what it’s like to come from a Muslim Pakistani background as a Queer Person within a tight-knit community and address the endless possibilities and outcomes for anyone who faces intersectionality, and what it means for them to achieve, grow and celebrate who they are. Having an open honest dialogue with the audience allows them to engage with the work a lot more and this is done through a number of ways including community showings, Q&A’s and engaging with audiences digitally online.”

Sid has recently toured their coming out solo show Besharam [shame-LESS] in 2023-24 which premiered at Kala Sangam, Bradford in June 2023 and was supported by Bradford Producing Hub’s Make Work grant.

“I particularly enjoy working as a solo artist which gives me the opportunity to utilise my voice. My artistic voice is something I have been working on for a number of years, and it is Brown Loud Gay and Proud! My work incorporates new technologies, music and comedy and I like to work within intimate spaces, as I like to feel a sense of togetherness and community with my audience and create a safe space of care and consent but also queer joy.”

Sid is building their new company, Dhamaka Arts, focussing on creating unique and colourful performances that celebrate the lives of queer people of colour in the UK. 

“Empowered has certainly given me a platform to build from. I am currently working on finding more opportunities but the continued support from BPH such as the wrap-around support is amazing.  Helping me move forward with creating the tour as well as establishing my own arts organisation.”

You can read more about Dhamaka Arts at dhamakaarts.com and follow on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.