Owning Our Stories - guest Sid Akbar

Owning Our Stories - guest Sid AkbarJenn wilson"All stories have a universality to them, because everybody will find a way to connect through their own lived experience.”— Sid AkbarJenn Wilson is joined by guest Sid Akbar. Sid Akbar (he/they) is a queer South Asian actor, writer, and theatre-maker, and the founder of Damaka Arts — a company dedicated to explosive, unapologetic storytelling that centres queer people of colour and intersectional lived experience in the North of England.Episode OverviewIn this powerful and deeply human conversation, Sid opens up about the journey that shaped him — from navigating cultural expectations within a traditional Muslim family in Bradford, to surviving domestic violence, a forced marriage as a teenager, and the lifelong process of reconciling seemingly conflicting identities.Through theatre, Sid found both liberation and connection, using sci-fi influences and humour to transform trauma into an empowering creative force. This episode charts the development of his autobiographical show Besharam and the evolution of his perspective as an artist, activist, and storyteller creating space for queer South Asian voices.Join Our Mailing List HEREConnect with Sid Akbar [email protected] www.dhamakaarts.com Threads I Instagram | FacebookAbout Sid Akbar:Sid Akbar is a Bradford-born actor, writer and theatre maker creating bold, autobiographical work rooted in his experience as a queer person of colour from a Muslim background. His work explores identity, family, queerness and belonging, blending humour with emotional honesty. His solo show Besharam [shame-LESS] premiered in 2023, and his new show Khandan (Family) – The Shame Generation premieres 11–13 June 2026 at Bradford Arts Centre.Episode TakeawaySid’s story is a reminder that “irregularity” is often where truth, courage, and creativity live. By speaking his truth on stage, Sid breaks generational cycles of shame and silence — not only for himself, but for every audience member who sees a piece of themselves in his work. His commitment to authenticity, community, and compassionate storytelling shows what it means to take ownership of your narrative and build a life that feels like home.Further Resources: links to offers from Irregular that are relevant to the episodeIrregular EverythingThe Irregular MembershipMap My Month MethodMore about this episode:The origins of Damaka Arts and the meaning behind the nameGrowing up queer and South Asian in BradfordThe emotional process behind creating BesharamUsing sci-fi and Star Trek as a narrative frameThe universality of coming-out stories beyond queer experienceNavigating chosen family, biological family, and ADHDHow representation on stage changes livesSid’s upcoming show The Wrath of Kardaan (Bradford, June 2026)Season 2 Episode 11