In Urdu, Sir Pe Talwar means ‘sword above my head’. It refers to living under constant threat, going day to day as if there were a sword waiting to drop down on you.
Fiza’s story begins in Lahore, as the child of a conservative and very violent father. Born with a love of dance, Fiza (Fresh Air) hides her talents from her family and those around her. A free-spirited girl, Fiza’s life takes a turn when she is 17 and is pushed into a forced marriage.
Sir Pe Talwar follows Fiza from Pakistan to the UK, via two false marriages – one arranged, one conned – asylum, detention in Yarlswood, to Manchester and finally the right to remain. We witness abuse from her father, her husbands, her community and others, till finally Fiza can be free, can be herself, can live without a sword above her head, can dance. Tonight, we see that dance, and celebrate that freedom.
Direction and Choreography: Magdalen Bartlett
Performed by: Fiza
“This vibrant production of Sir Pe Talwar (the literal meaning of which is ‘sword above my head’) poignantly delivers an extraordinary story through a fusion of music and dance… Robust and poignant.” – A Younger Theatre