previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2024
Heartwarming video of Muslim dads goes viral on TikTok
Review by Steve Cooke
A workshop aimed at encouraging Muslim men to explore their artistic side has gone viral on TikTok. The clip posted online shows a room full of Muslim dads diligently working on their own pieces of art.
The video is titled ‘the most wholesome three days’. As it starts the caption ‘POV: Hosting workshops for Muslim men to explore their creative side’ flashes across the screen with a pop song as a backing track.
Hundreds of people have responded to the video with comments like “All I do on this app is cry.”, "Why am I crying?", “Where do I sign my dad in?” and even lengthy messages like: “So great for them to slow down and regulate emotions and explore themselves and their gifts. Needed for their souls in this crazy world of ours.”
The video was posted on the TikTok account, ‘lifeindetail’ which is run by local artist Zahirah Hafiz. Zahirah led the viral workshop in Rochdale.
The 29-year-old from Burnage said the video resonates with people because it shows a different side to Muslim men.
“Running the workshop was really wholesome because as everybody was working there was conversation around the table about toxic masculinity", she told the M.E.N.
“They talked about there not being spaces and opportunities for men to be in tune with their creative side.
“It’s something that’s been needed for a long time. There are so many opportunities for Muslim women because there’s not that much of a stigma."
“I just think that the conversation around men being in tune with their emotions is a topic that’s not encouraged enough. One of the dads that was there said he had been so distracted with the hustle and bustle of life it was something that he really needed and appreciated.
“I’m hoping the knock-on effect from this is people getting their dads involved and kind of normalise it.”
One of the participants for the workshop was retired Zahir Siddique, a 72-year-old from Rochdale. He heard about the workshop from his wife, who had seen it mentioned in a Whatsapp group. She thought it would be of interest to him due to his love for Islamic art.
“I enjoyed it a lot,” He told the M.E.N. “The video puts this mindset into people that learning isn’t just for the young, it’s for adults as well.
“It was very therapeutic, and it was very spiritual to me because of the numerology and the link to Islamic art. I’ve always tried to enable and empower young women.
“This kind of work can be male dominated, but this was an eye opener for me to see people like Zahirah.”
The group was 'therapeutic' for Zahir
The workshop was part of an initiative by Rochdale based artists network, Culture Co-Op. The programme began as a space for Muslim men who were interested in Islamic art.
Held every Saturday from 12-4pm at Richard Studios in Rochdale city centre, the group was treated to an Arabic calligraphy masterclass with artist Razwan Ul Haq and then woodwork and Islamic geometry classes by Zahirah.
The group is currently having a small break, but organisers Shazia Bibi and Bushra Sultana plan to set up more in the future.
Shazia Bibi told the M.E.N: "The inspiration behind the workshop was to provide a space for Muslim men to hone their craft. They are professionals, fathers, brothers, grandfathers - all who came together for the past months to learn and create Islamic Art.
"We are hoping to achieve a space of learning and connection for the group of men. A space where we reignite artistic men to hone into their craft and be part of a community who support each other.
"It is not easy to work in Imperialist structures so the response from around the world makes me feel as a producer the importance of creating work and opportunities that transcends borders. It is the response which feels significant and relevant in our current challenging times.
"We also received Islamophobic comments whilst producing this project, but we saw the importance of holding the space and the result of resonation is in the Tik Tok video."
A bumper month at TLC
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
October 02: Louis Taylor soprano and Jonathan Ellis piano - Louise has performed over 30 lead roles on stage, plus solos in oratorio and also fronted a dance band. A journalist by trade, she recently retired after 11 years as editor of Cheshire Life. She sang a varied range of songs by Faure and Franck, G & S, and Rodgers & Hart, Kern and Gershwin. In addition to accompanying, Jonathan played the first movement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and Debussy’s Clair de lune, making this a true double recital.
October 09: John Sabar piano - grew up between South-East Asia and the UK. He gained a diploma in sixth form, graduated with a first from York and then a master’s from the RNCM. He excelled with Nos 1 & 4 of Schubert’s Impromptus Opus 90, Haydn’s Sonata in F, No 23, four Biblical pieces by Tedesco and the Sonatine by Ravel. John has a genuine and engaging rapport with his audience in his introductions as well as his playing.
October 16: Margaret Ferguson soprano & Jonathan Ellis piano - these two top-line artistes are regular performers and always welcome. Today Margaret sang Mozart, Rutter, Schubert, Brahms, Liszt and Rodgers & Hammerstein beautifully. Jonathan partnered his second recital this month in great style, including Mascagni’s Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana in the middle.
October 23: Oldham Community Choir was formed in 1985. Ten years later Edward Rigg took over as director. Today he accompanied at the piano (pictured rear left), with Jonathan Gibson as the conductor (pictured to Edward’s left). Singing in a choir at a concert helps general health and wellbeing with the fun and satisfaction of entertaining others. A notable example of this was this mixed voice choir who made their annual visit with an attractive programme from sacred settings to stage and screen. As Jonathan introduced their finale songs, ‘Let us take the Chattanooga Choo Choo to the traditional spiritual ‘Oh, when the Saints,’ the audience applause showed that they were right on track for a return ticket!
October 30: A trio from the RNCM - Charlotte Thomson soprano, from Carlisle, well-versed in cathedral singing and roles at college and Mila Johannsen mezzo with beginnings in the Hamburg State Opera Children’s Choir, were both expertly accompanied by pianist Minyu Shi, originally from Changzhou in China, who also played a Haydn piano sonata. Solo songs by Purcell, Handel, Brahms, Clara Schumann, Gershwin, and Lerner & Loewe plus duets by Mozart, Brahms, and an exquisite Barcarolle of Offenbach, were all delivered in a professional and engaging manner. With charming introductions shared between them, the whole recital was an excellent production from a trio of rising stars.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30 pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 13 November 2024
Rochdale Antiques Society - Victorian paintings in the British Museums - Gena Warburton
Victorian Paintings in British Museums.
Visitors are very welcome at our meetings, just turn up on the night. There is no limit on the number of meetings that visitors can attend.
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month.
Meetings run from September to May.
Visitors charge - £5
Phone: Society Secretary, Ann Lord 01706 844026
7.30pm
St Vincent's Community Centre, Caldershaw Road, Norden OL12 7QL
(Sat Nav: OL12 7QR)
Wednesday 13 November 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have The Kell Wind Trio (Alastair Roberts flute, Geoffrey Smith clarinet and Ian Harvey bassoon).
The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020… during the pandemic!
Running every Wednesday, Music at Lunchtime is a weekly live classical music concert series that has been going since the 1960s. The sessions were initially run at the old Rochdale Art Gallery by the local authority, but since May 2001 have been run by volunteer-enthusiasts and artistic director, Dr Joe Dawson.
£6
Phone: Dr Joe Dawson 01706 648872
Doors open 12noon, concert starts 12.30pm - 1.30pm
St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane/St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1DZ
Wednesday 13 November 2024
Free Drama Workshops
Two Shires Drama is kicking off free drama workshops.
Ever been told you should give acting a try? Or maybe you're just someone who loves fiction and drama? Whether you've always wanted to be on stage or you’re just curious, this is your chance!
No pressure, no experience needed—just come along, have fun, and see where it takes you. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the stage.
Let’s make this unforgettable!
Our workshops offer:
Theatre games.
Drama skills.
Acting exercises that aim to build confidence, self-esteem and friendships.
These session are suitable for ages 16+ and run weekly.
Free
Phone: Jules Howliston 07909 505461
6pm
Caring and Sharing Community Hub, 78 Yorkshire Street, Town centre, Rochdale OL16 1JU
Wednesday 13 November 2024
Art Group
Interested in art?
Why not come along and meet like-minded individuals, meeting each week to paint, draw, watch demos, etc.
Bring along your own artwork and join us. We are a very friendly group .
We are beginners up to very experienced artists who enjoy the sociability of meeting up and helping each other.
All abilities welcome.
Weekly programme of topics and events.
£1.00 weekly subs
Phone: Veronica Swinden 01706 640567
Visit; http://rochdaleartists.com
10.45am to 12.45pm
Castleton Library and Community Centre, 604 Manchester Road, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 3AF
Thursday 14 November 2024
Syke Arts & Crafts morning
All are welcome to our Arts and Crafts weekly sessions.
We have lots of Crafty materials for you to be creative with.
£3.50
10am - 12pm
Syke Community Base, 206 Syke Road, Rochdale OL12 9TF
Thursday 14 November 2024
Women In Touch Community Dance Group
We are a group of like-minded women who love to dance.
We welcome anyone who is interested in self-expression through creative movement in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Our free session are held most Thursday.
Please ring or text to check that each sessions is running as sometimes we might not have access to the hall.
Free
Phone: Jen Lowe 07739 836848 / 07593276278
7pm - 9pm
St George’s Church Hall, Bury Road, Rochdale OL11 4EB
Friday 15 November 2024
Mick Miller live in Rochdale - Ace lips Events
Compere Steve Rimmer and Support from Pete Otway for Mick Miller Live in Rochdale.
In 1976, Mick applied to go on the popular TV talent show, New Faces. He was accepted and won his heat.
As a direct result, he was signed up for a national tour supporting Chuck Berry.
Other tours followed, and in 1977 he was offered his first summer season in Morecombe. The Rest is History.
1978 saw him appear for the summer season at Blackpool’s South Pier. The show was very well received, and he was invited back the following year.
It was during this season that TV producer, Johnny Hamp first saw Mick work. He loved what he saw and immediately offered Mick a regular spot on “The Comedians” TV show.
He appeared alongside such household names as Roy Walker, Stan Boardman and Jim Bowen.
He loved every minute of it and is still close friends with many of the team.
£18
Phone: Richard Attwood 07720 849866
8pm
The Old Court Room, Above the Flying Horse, The Flying Horse, Packer Street, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1NJ
Friday 15 November 2024
Endless Love – A Tribute to Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
Starring a sensational cast, incredible vocals and a stellar live band, Endless Love celebrates the two legendary artistes Diana Ross and Lionel Richie.
The show is packed with Motown classics and timeless smash hits such as I’m Coming Out, Dancing On The Ceiling, Upside Down, Say You Say Me, Chain Reaction, All Night Long, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Hello, Can’t Hurry Love and many more classics.
Featuring authentic live arrangements taken from both Lionel’s and Diana’s original touring shows, Endless Love is an electrifying, joyful and emotional rollercoaster guaranteed to get you singing along and on your feet!
This wonderfully produced show brilliantly captures the glitz, glamour and sentiment of soaring love songs with audiences rocking out to 80s classics and gettin’ down to outright dancefloor fillers. You already know the words… so, singing voices at the ready and dancing shoes on, grab your tickets and let’s party All Night Long!
From £27.50
7:30pm Doors open: 7.00pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Thursday 14 November 2024 - Saturday 16 November 2024
Visit Fireground Museum
Join us at Fireground this week to discover Greater Manchester's firefighting story.
Fire museum attractions are on show inside the museum including our collection of historic firefighting artefacts from the 18th century to present day, plus home-made refreshments in the new Fireground Café, and souvenirs from our fantastic new gift shop! We have a wide choice ranging from toddler to collector.
Under 4s are free, Children (aged 4-15) and Concessions £5, Adults £7 and Family (4 people) £20.
Phone: Fireground 01706 341219
Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Fireground, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11 1DN
Saturday 16 November 2024
One Night of Billy Joel: The Piano Man
The ultimate celebration concert to one of the most iconic and best-selling artists of all time.
In this brand-new touring theatre show Robert Schmuck (Billy The Kid) and his amazing seven-piece band perform breath-taking musical arrangements of multi-million selling songs such as:
My Life.
Uptown Girl.
River Of Dreams.
Tell Her About It.
Still Rock ‘n’ Roll To Me.
An Innocent Man.
Movin’ Out.
Just The Way You Are.
We Didn’t Start The Fire.
Piano Man.
The Longest Time and many, many more, it’s a non-stop hits show.
From £24.50
7:30pm Doors open: 7.00pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Saturday 16 November 2024
Bi-Lingual Storytime
Come and listen to stories read in English and other languages such as Urdu, Arabic, French and Slovakian.
Afterwards, join in with crafts related to the story.
Alternating Thursdays and Saturdays.
Free and suitable for children 5 and under and their grown-ups.
Free
Phone: Tracey Tomlinson 07356 182030
10.30am to 12pm
Rochdale Library, Number 1 Riverside, Smith Street, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Saturday 16 November 2024
Christmas table top sale
Join us for an exciting Christmas table top sale to raise funds for people in Rochdale affected by domestic abuse. You'll find unique gifts at reasonable prices, a magical atmosphere, and a festive spirit.
Phone: Suzana Janusko 01706 345111
11am - 2pm
Rochdale Connections Trust, 60 Drake Street, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1PA
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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