Curve has announced the world-première Made at Curve production of Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual, coming to Leicester from 26th September – 6th October 2018. The production is adapted for the stage by Curve Associate Artist, Dougal Irvine from the 2012 book by Riaz Khan. The immersive experience will be directed by Curve’s Artistic Director, Nikolai Foster.
Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual tells Riaz Khan’s colourful account of growing up as the son of strict Pakistani parents in the multi-cultural city of Leicester. Riaz finds refuge from the pressures at home to stay true to his cultural roots, when he becomes involved in the football ‘casual’ culture, and joins Leicester’s infamous ‘firm’ of football hooligans, the ‘Baby Squad’.
Decked out in the latest designer gear and ready for a brawl with the rival firm on match day, Riaz and his friends unwittingly create a multi-cultural gang advocating racial tolerance, where the only labels that matter are on the clothes. But as the years go by and the casualties of football firms around the country mount up, Riaz soon discovers the true price of belonging to a subculture of violence.
Set in the 1980s, Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual explores the development of the hybrid youth culture of the time, which developed within a shocking culture of violence.
Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director, Nikolai Foster said: “In our tenth birthday year, we’re delighted to be producing this incredible new play by Curve Associate Artist Dougal Irvine, which places our city and heritage centre stage.
“Leicester is renowned for its wonderful multi-culturalism and of course, its record-breaking football team. Riaz’s story offers a spirited and unique insight into a niche slice of Leicester life in the 1980s.
“Ultimately this is a coming of age story of redemption and acceptance. We’re looking forward to transporting our audiences to the streets of Leicester and the terraces of the iconic Filbert Street ground in this immersive and energetic Made at Curve drama.
Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual is at Leicester Curve 26th September – 6th October 2018.
