A learning mentor at Greenhead High School is climbing her way to stage recognition.

By day Shaida Chaudhury spends her hours helping out pupils at the Utley school, but by night she can be found treading the boards with members of the Bradford-based Asian Theatre School, part of the Red Ladder Theatre Company. The 29-year-old from Keighley is appearing in the company's latest production, Silent Cry, which had its premiere in the Bradford Alhambra Studio at the weekend.

The hard-hitting play, written and directed by Madani Younis, deals with the controversial issue of an Asian man's death in police custody.

Shaida said: "The play is based on true documented evidence and interviews, and follows a mother's journey for justice following the death of her son. I'm playing a civil rights activist called Nina Desai, who provides the link between the police, the media and the family.

"The play is very much about raising awareness and giving a voice to untold stories from within the community.

"I had done bits of acting before I joined the Asian Theatre School last March, but since then I have really enjoyed the challenge of appearing in plays like this."

Shaida made her debut for the theatre school in last year's Streets of Rage, also by Madani Younis, which was based on the Bradford riots.

Silent Cry is being taken on tour and will be performed in The Hub, Sheffield, on June 5, at the Loca, Batley, on June 11, and the Square Chapel, Halifax, on June 20.

The company will also play the Nidderdale Festival on July 2, before finishing with a run at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, from July 15-19.