A unique stage play inspired by the real life story of Khuddadad Khan, the first South Asian soldier to be awarded a Victoria Cross opens in theatres this month.

'Wipers' written by Ishy Din opens on 14 April, with previews from 8 April, running until 23 April.

This startling new piece of work honours the contribution of the million South Asian soldiers who fought alongside British soldiers during the First World War. 

Wipers is set in October 1914 when the British forces, bolstered by huge numbers of volunteer soldiers from across the Empire, have suffered huge casualties at Ypres, in one of the first bloody battles of The Great War. 

As a sole survivor on the battlefield holds off the advancing enemy troops, a group of South Asian and British soldiers seek refuge in an abandoned barn. Over the course of a single night, this group of men must confront their fears and find a way to come together if they are to survive.

Chris Stafford, Chief Executive and Nikolai Foster, Artistic Director of Curve, said, “We continue to celebrate diversity and share stories from many different perspectives in Ishy Din's profoundly moving new play, Wipers. 

"The play celebrates the extraordinary contribution of South Asian soldiers during the Great War and we are proud to present it during this centenary. 

"Our director, Suba Das has assembled a tremendous company of actors and we are also delighted to welcome designer Isla Shaw back to Curve.”

Jassa Ahluwalia plays Thomas. Waleed Akhtar plays Ayub and Sartaj Garewal plays A.D. 
Simon Rivers plays Sadiq and Suba Das directs. 

DETAILS

Curve, Leicester
8-23 April 2016 
Box office: www.curveonline.co.uk
Twitter: @CurveLeicester
Press night: 14 April at 2.30pm
Mon-Sat evening 7.45pm, Thurs & Sat matinees 2.30pm
Ticket prices £18 – £12, concessions available

Watford Palace Theatre
27 April-7 May 2016
Box office: 01923 225671
Twitter: @watfordpalace 
Ticket prices £11.50-£23.50, concessions available
Mon-Sat evening 7.30pm, Wed & Sat matinees 2.30pm

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
12-21 May 2016 
Box office: 024 7655 3055
Twitter: @BelgradeTheatre
Tickets prices £9.50 - £16.25, concessions available
Mon-Sat evening 8.00pm, Wed & Sat matinees 2.15pm