THE COVENTRY OBSERVER has teamed up with the Belgrade Theatre to offer two lucky readers a pair of tickets for the VIP performance of Wipers on Thursday (May 12).
By Ishy Din, the performance is inspired by the real life story of Khuddadad Khan – the first South Asian soldier to be awarded a Victoria Cross for his extraordinary bravery at the First Battle of Ypres.
Directed by Suba Das, the show honours the contribution of the million South Asian soldiers who fought alongside British soldiers during the First World War.
Set in October 1914, Wipers follows when the British forces 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, the group of men must confront their fears and find a way to come together if they are to survive.
Director Suba Das said: “I discovered that over a million South Asian men volunteered to join the British Army during the First World War.
“What astonished me even more was South Asians received one of the highest percentages of Victoria Crosses during the conflict.
“I think one of the things we can be really proud of here in the UK is our long-tradition of respecting and celebrating diversity.
“It’s important audiences understand this tradition of collaboration goes back a long way, before 1914 even.
Thursday’s show starts at 8pm and is the first of multiple performances at the Belgrade as the show is based in Coventry until Saturday (May 21).
To enter this competition, simply send your name and contact details to [email protected] and title the email ‘Wipers’.
Entries close on Monday (May 9) at 8pm, the winner will be notified on Tuesday morning.
