A Hyde woman who taught Bollywood dance to the cast of Hollyoaks and The Real Housewives of Cheshire is premiering a children’s theatre show in Manchester.

Thirty-two-year-old, Ria Meera Munshi, is launching her first production called Sue & Sita at Z-arts in Manchester this October.  

The show uses puppetry and dance to retell a classic Indian tale and is suitable for children over 8.  

It tells the story of Sue as she goes on a magical journey and discovers she has more in common with the goddess Sita that she could have imagined.  

Developed over Zoom in lockdown, the production was co-written with playwright and poet Louise Wallwein.  

Ria added: “Sue & Sita draws on the Hindu tale of Ramayan. This story, as well as Lord Ram, Sita Maa and Hanumanji are all Hindu idols who are close to my heart.  

“The intention was to bring Sita into the modern world, creating a strong, independent, warrior goddess who is, in turn, inspirational to the younger generation. 

“Sue & Sita was a lockdown project, supported by Arts Council England and Z-arts. Collaborating creatively with Louise certainly helped to preserve my mental health throughout the last 18 months. 

“I was fortunate enough to keep busy with online bookings throughout the pandemic, but it doesn’t compare to preparing a piece of work to be delivered face-to-face in front of a live family audience.” 

In 2013, Ria was named young enterpreneur of the year and received the Pride in Hyde award in 2019. She also founded Ri Ri’s Dance Academy where she promotes Indian dancing, culture and heritage.  

Sua & Sita launches on Friday 22 at Z-arts, Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester M15 5ZA.  

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