Zha

My name is Zhané Olurankinse but I go by Zha for short! I’m a singer, songwriter and musician who has been born and bred in Wigan but recently relocated to Leeds where I perform in venues across Yorkshire mainly!

I love singing, playing my guitar, writing songs and poems – and I’ve done this since being very young.

This project has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, by using movement and other art forms to express feelings that I would usually express with words and melodies alone. It has also helped me to delve into my own unconscious biases and learn more about myself and people around me who have both different and similar life experiences to me.

I think that people coming to see us in WDYS should expect to learn the same – and have their eyes opened to what makes us different but also inherently the same when all is stripped away. Also they should expect to laugh and have fun!

Craig

I grew up in Peterborough, but currently based in London.

I’m an actor and a film maker, working both on stage and in the front of the camera from West End shows to independent film.

I’ve enjoyed the mix of skills in the room – it’s so nice for a real combination of skills to be brought together from musicians, writers, poets, dancers etc.

I’d love for the audience to leave feeling curious and inspired to challenge their perceptions of different people and the world.

Joyce

My name is Joyce Josiah, I’m from a small town called Tyldesley. My experience in performance started when I was in Zimbabwe, in primary school, as it’s tradition for kids to learn the tradition dances in school. From then on, I’ve performed whenever I can. My art form is mostly on traditional dances, teaching kids and performing at charity events.

I’ve enjoyed every single moment of being a part of this show, learning new things and us going out to eat which makes us feel more like family and when every individual opens up about how they feeling in that moment, it makes it more magical. I want the audience to really understand the meaning of everything and every word we are going to say and understand that yes in this world people still act and treat us differently no matter how we present ourselves someone will always share an opinion that we didn’t ask for.

Ruth

My name is Ruth Welch. I’m a local performer and creative from Wigan. I’m passionate about creating work for and with local communities and this certainly fits that bill.

I’ve worked with The Old Courts in various capacities over the years, most recently on another Moving Roots project, Epic Fail.

This is my first time working with The Pappy Show however, and it has been an absolute pleasure. I originally came on board as stage manager and am now also performing alongside this incredibly talented bunch of artists. I’m thoroughly enjoying sharing the space with them and exploring unconscious bias. There is so much passion and energy in the room, it’s infectious. 

I’m excited for people to see what we have created. It’s a really interesting topic which resonates with me. I’m very interested to see what audiences take away from it.