Surtal will always have its roots in the community, providing ever loved dance and music workshops within community centres, in local schools and working with hard-to-reach groups including womens' groups and youth services. Every year we do a special project which directly involves or is about the community we work in, approaching sensitive community issues from creative perspectives.
Aspiration Normanton (2009-2011) was a photographic and creative writing project looking at the lives and cultures of the often misunderstood area of Normanton. It debuted at the work of two new artists, and is now successfully touring throughout Derby and Derbyshire, taking the diverse cultures of Normanton into new rural spaces. Tour dates include:
No Time For Chaa (2010) - a commissioned community drama written and directed by young emerging writer-director, Sukhie Ghajminger. The play explored intergenerational issues and the mixed cultures of British society, and was performed by local community actors and actresses.
Gurh Nalo Ishq Mitha (2008) - Arts in Health drama, commissioned to Surtal by Derby City PCT. Local community actors and professional director tackled the issue of Type 2 Diabetes within the South Asian community though an entertaining bi-lingual play. It toured 5 venues thoughout Derby City and was highly reccommended by Diabetes UK.
"The play was excellent in raising awareness [of Type 2 Diabetes] with sensitivity and humor. It is a great example of how we can convert our strategic priorities into action in communities that need it most." - Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK
   
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