Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Writer-director Annum Salman delivers relatable stage drama

Annum Salman has written and directed the innovative drama that challenges deep-seated traditions and aims to inspire social change. 

Writer-director Annum Salman delivers relatable stage drama

NEW theatre play Ghar Ghar looks at the high drama that exists in a south Asian wedding, along with complex issues like sexism, dowry pressures, personal struggles, body image, abuse and identity.  

Annum Salman has written and directed the innovative drama that challenges deep-seated traditions and aims to inspire social change.  


Eastern Eye caught up with the British writer-director to find out more about her play ahead of its premiere at this year’s Camden Fringe Festival next Thursday (22) and Friday (23). The cool creative also revealed her future hopes for the show and what she thinks makes for great theatre.

Lead inset ghar ghar Photo A still from Ghar Ghar.

What were the experiences first connected you to creativity? 

I’m privileged to come from a family passionate about the arts. I remember being as young as four years old, wanting to be an artist and tagging along with my father to exhibitions. That creativity eventually turned towards writing and has always been a part of my professional career as well.  

What inspired you to write Ghar Ghar? 

I’ve attended too many weddings in the last two years, including my own. I wanted to tell a story that highlights the stress ‘behind the scenes’ and how strained relationships can exacerbate it. I can’t recall a recent wedding where the bride was genuinely happy leading up to the event. People see the glamour, but it’s only the close ones who know the reality of the events leading up to the big day.  

Tell us about the play. 

Ghar Ghar is an authentic representation of family dynamics and how south Asian families often avoid confrontation. The story follows Maya, who was pushed away to London, as she returns home to Karachi for her sister’s wedding, carrying a lot of trauma. She must deal with a blunt sister, a mother who turns a blind eye to everything, an ignorant brother, and a lurking villain. There will be conflicts and the acceptance of heavy truths, all while a chaotic desi wedding is taking place. 

Who are you hoping this show connects with? 

I believe Ghar Ghar will resonate with anyone who has ever looked at their family and wondered, ‘why are we like this?’ which we all do from time to time, despite the love. But it will connect most with anyone from the diaspora and those living away from home. 

What has it been like directing it? 

Often challenging, but a great learning experience. I want to ensure I’m doing justice to myself as a writer, while also being flexible, as the art deserves. 

How important was it for you to assemble a strong cast? 

I laid the foundation; the cast had to be the structure. It was extremely important that my cast not only had some experience but also understood where the characters are coming from. We have a great mix of experiences, but most importantly, they’ve started feeling like a family. 

What is your own favourite moment in the show?  

An emotional conversation between the sisters, where Maya sees how her departure and silence affected Sanam. I love that transparency and how ccomplicated life is. One person’s self-love can be another’s version of selfishness. 

How do you feel ahead of the premiere? 

I’ve become increasingly confident that I’m being true to this story. I have a wonderful team working with me, and the closer we get, the more it proves just how supportive and talented everyone is.  

What are your hopes for this show? 

To secure funding. I want to make this a longer-running show and tour with it. I’d also love to expand on the themes and make it a two-hour performance to give some underlying topics more emphasis.  

What, according to you, makes for great theatre? 

A story that makes me want to have more conversations. Whether it makes me laugh, cry, or leaves me feeling unsettled, good theatre needs to continue a conversation that was ignited on stage.  

Why should we watch Ghar Ghar? 

It’s new writing that doesn’t pigeonhole south Asians. It’s a story first and about race second. It can be any home. It’s raw, it’s messy, it’s not black and white, and it’s not perfect, much like life.  

Ghar Ghar is being staged at The Rosemary Branch (Pub Theatre) in London as part of Camden Fringe next Thursday (22) and Friday (23). www.camdenfringe.com and Instagram: @ghar_ghartheplay and @Writeroholic. 

More For You

Syed Abid Ali

Abid Ali made his Test debut in December 1967 against Australia in Adelaide, taking 6/55 in the first innings—his best bowling figures in Test cricket. (Photo: BCCI)

Former India allrounder Syed Abid Ali passes away at 83

FORMER India allrounder Syed Abid Ali died on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was 83.

Abid Ali, who was known for his all-round abilities and sharp fielding, passed away in the United States. He was part of a distinguished group of Hyderabad cricketers that included MAK Pataudi, ML Jaisimha, and Abbas Ali Baig.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kim Kardashian Didn’t Know Ambanis Before Accepting Invite

The Kardashian sisters stunned in traditional Indian attire at the Ambani-Merchant wedding celebrations

Instagram/Kardashiansfan

Kim Kardashian didn’t know the Ambanis before saying yes to their ‘Wild’ 50-pound wedding invite

Kim Kardashian and her sister Khloé Kardashian recently opened up about their whirlwind trip to India in July 2024. The two reality stars were among the global celebrities who attended the grand wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. In the latest episode of The Kardashians, Kim admitted that she didn’t personally know the Ambani family before attending the wedding. In fact, the decision to go was made pretty casually.

During the episode, Kim shared that her connection to the Ambanis came through Lorraine Schwartz, a close friend and well-known jeweller. Schwartz designs jewellery for the Ambanis and was attending the wedding herself. She mentioned to Kim that the family was interested in inviting the Kardashian sisters to the event. “Lorraine said they’d love to have us there. We thought, why not? And we just went for it,” Kim explained.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ben Stokes considered to lead England’s white-ball teams after Buttler’s exit

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes considered to lead England’s white-ball teams after Buttler’s exit

Eastern Eye

ENGLAND cricket chiefs are considering Test captain Ben Stokes as a potential leader for the struggling white-ball teams following Jos Buttler’s resignation.

Rob Key, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) managing director for men’s cricket, confirmed last week that “nothing’s off the table” when it comes to finding Buttler’s replacement for both the 50-over and Twenty20 sides.

Keep ReadingShow less
Southport stabbings: Terrorism watchdog rejects definition change

FILE PHOTO: Riot police hold back protesters near a burning police vehicle in Southport, England (Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Southport stabbings: Terrorism watchdog rejects definition change

TERRORISM watchdog has rejected calls to redefine terrorism following last summer's tragic Southport murders, while recommending a new offence to tackle those intent on mass killings without clear ideological motives.

Jonathan Hall KC, the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, published his highly anticipated report on Thursday (13), concluding that the existing definition of terrorism should remain unchanged despite growing concerns about violent attackers with unclear motives.

Keep ReadingShow less
Deliveroo posts first annual profit after 12 years

A Deliveroo rider near Victoria station in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Deliveroo posts first annual profit after 12 years

FOOD DELIVERY app Deliveroo announced on Thursday (13) its first annual profit as orders and revenue rose, while the 12-year old company sees further growth despite exiting Hong Kong.

The milestone follows sizeable full-year losses owing to high investment costs since American Will Shu founded the company in 2013 and made Deliveroo's first delivery in London.

Keep ReadingShow less