Peaceophobia at Oastler Shopping Centre

Location: Oastler Market Car Park (Westgate Multi-storey)

Co-created by Common Wealth, Speakers Corner and Bradford Modified Club, written by Zia Ahmed. Presented as part of BD: Festival by Bradford Council and Bradford 2025.

If ‘Islam’ comes from ‘peace’, how can you fear peace? Peaceophobia is an unapologetic response to rising Islamophobia around the world. Part car-meet, part theatre, the show explores how you find peace in a world that tells you who you are.

Growing up in the shadow of the Bradford Riots, 9/11 and police harassment, cars and faith are a sanctuary, an escape, an expression for three Muslim Pakistani men.

Staged in a carpark with a Supra, a Golf and a classic Nova, Peaceophobia brings together cars and theatre with cinematic lighting and an original electronic sound score.

The show is accompanied by Sisterhood, an exhibition celebrating femininity, pride and collective strength, as told through a series of photographs by the empowering women of Speakers Corner.

Language: Mild swearing

Content: Created from the lived experiences of the Co-Creators, the show includes depictions of Islamophobia; Racism; Institutionalised Racism (Airport Checks, Police Encounters)

Production Guidance: Loud Music and Sounds; Moving Vehicles; Flashing Lights; Confetti; Smoke