Divided we fall drama aims to dispel myths (From Asian Image)

Divided we fall drama aims to dispel myths

4:00pm Monday 8th February 2010

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Students from Preston star opposite TV celebrities in a new drama exploring issues surrounding extremism.

‘Divided We Fall’ on 103.2 Preston FM is a new radio drama serial that looks at tissues of extremism and how young people can get sucked into it.

The cast is led by Vincent Ebrahim (The Kumars at No 42) and Mina Anwar (Sarah Jane Adventures). It also features Sushil Chudasama of Coronation Street fame.

The TV celebs were joined by students from the Preston focus groups who played a key part in shaping the dialogue and content. The story revolves around the radicalisation of a young Muslim boy (Ibrahim) and a white ex soldier returning from Afghanistan (Jonno).

It has been commissioned by Preston-based Shahbash, a not-for-profit-organisation and is made by production company, Mannmade Productions of Manchester The series consists of 20 eight minute episodes.

Executive Producer, Chris Mann told us, “When Sohail Nawaz from the Preston Muslim community group, Shahbash approached me with this idea it seemed very worthwhile and I thought Mannmade Productions would like to work on it.

“Listeners may find some of the language used is shocking - the two extremist groups in the drama spit out a lot of vile and offensive language and attitudes and this is one of the first dramas to come out with such phrases.

“It was felt that it was important that these thoughts are said in order to illustrate the arguments that are used to turn people into violent extremists. And without these attitudes, I do not think it would ring true with the youth of Preston, who helped guide us in putting the show together.

“But this drama serial is far from negative – it develops to show the emptiness of these arguments and the horrible consequences such groups can lead people to.

“The drama shows how positive community relations can point the way forward to a more harmonious way of living.

“Once racial divides are broken down – perhaps with the uniting effect of a common cause, individuals begin to relate to individuals and discover there is good and bad in all of us – although, I believe, there is, in general a lot more good than bad.”

Divided we Fall is broadcast on Preston FM (103.2 FM) at 9.50 pm during the month of February with a special longer edition being broadcast on Sunday mornings.

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