Roots to Rise by Nandita Shankardass
Image by John Evans

Appetite & New Vic Theatre Present

Sensasian is our festival of South Asian arts and culture. For 2026-27, the festival is expanding across four venues over eight months, bringing an even richer programme of events and experiences.

Explore film, music, dance, storytelling and more, celebrating the richness and diversity of South Asian arts and culture.

The Sensasian programme is shaped by our local community decision makers. Find out more on our dedicated project page.

Sensasian 2026-27 is organised by Appetite in partnership with the New Vic Theatre, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and Arts Keele.

Joyland Film Screening

Potteries Museum & Art Gallery

7pm, Friday 3 July
Donate what you feel.

The Ranas - a happily patriarchal joint family - yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line. However, when their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet, their impossible love story slowly illuminates the entire Rana family's desire for sexual rebellion.

The film is rated 15. No need to book in advance just turn up and donate what you feel at then end.

The film will run 7pm – 9.15pm but arrive from 6pm to enjoy the Bar. Please note that access to the museum will be via the café entrance by the Spitfire Gallery.

See full details on the Joyland event page.

Sensasian Zone at The Big Feast

Smithfield, Stoke-on-Trent city centre (Hanley)

11am-5pm, Saturday 29 August

FREE

Join us as we take over the Smithfield area of the city (nr Hanley Library) for a FREE day celebrating and exploring South Asian culture. Featuring dance performance Roots to Rise, storytelling by Peter Chand, Henna by Cherrie, Indian Block printing workshop and more.

Drop-in and stay for as long as you like at this relaxed day.

Image by John Evans

Experience world-class musicians Inner Vision Quintet, led by virtuoso sitar player Baluji Shrivastav OBE. The quintet blends Indian classical traditions with Middle Eastern, Western classical, jazz, and folk influences. The group is unique in its musical range and its story: most of the ensemble are visually impaired musicians, who challenge perceptions and celebrate the transformative power of music.

Presented as part of the ArtsKeele Keele Concerts programme in collaboration with Sensasian (an Appetite programme).

Keele Chapel

7.30pm, Wednesday 18 November 2026

Tickets: £16, students and 16 & under go FREE. Bookable in advance or on the door.

Inner Vision Quintet & Baluji Shrivastav OBE

Aunusthan by Pagravdance

New Vic Theatre

7.30pm, Thursday 11 February 2027

Tickets: £20 available from Monday 22 June 2026

Step into a world of abstracted relationships, complex patterns, rigorous choreography, virtuosic performance and riotous rhythms with Aunusthan – a vibrant celebration of neo-classical Indian dance and music.

Featuring a cast of talented British Asian dance artists, Aunusthan takes audiences on a journey through infectious rhythm and dance, showcasing the bright future of kathak in the UK and creating an unforgettable experience for all.

Book from Monday 22 June.

Two south asian dance artists pictured performing with one on the dance floor with artists positioned at shoulder hight. The second dance is pictured having leapt into the air behind the first dancer with arms also at shoulder height.
Two south asian dance artists pictured performing with one on the dance floor with artists positioned at shoulder hight. The second dance is pictured having leapt into the air behind the first dancer with arms also at shoulder height.

Image by Simon Richardson 2023