Let's seize the stage for women seeking sanctuary!

“This project is bringing us up into the limelight. It is giving us a voice. This is the place where we can fly.” - Julianah, project participant

We are so close to putting on a groundbreaking play created with inspiring women seeking sanctuary. It has the power to create a deep, human connection with those going through the experience of seeking asylum in the UK. We have a funding gap of just £12,000 that we have to fill in the next month. Can you help?

At a time when the government is trying to deport people seeking sanctuary to Rwanda, we are determined to give them the stage: in London, this July. 

The new play, 'I am Lysistrata', is based on the stories and perspectives of women who have been forced to leave their homes, and inspired by an ancient Greek comedy about women uniting to end a war. Our powerful cast come from countries as diverse as Ukraine, Syria, Zimbabwe and Pakistan; what they have in common is a desire to be heard.

We are nearly there - we have an incredible group of women who want to speak out, a creative team, a draft script, rehearsal space and a slot at London's prestigious Park Theatre in July. Now we need your help to bring these untold stories to the stage.

We have already secured funding from Arts Council England and the National Lottery Community Fund - but we need the last £12,000 to pay for technical costs such as set, costumes and lights, and access costs such as childcare and transportation to enable our participants to take part.

We are so close but not there yet - we really need your help to raise the last £12,000 by the end of June to get these women on stage in July.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

• At a time when the government and certain sections of the press are trying to dehumanise people seeking sanctuary, it has never been more important to connect as human beings. Theatre, and comedy in particular, offer us a way to do this.
• The project provides women with a cathartic opportunity to tell their own stories in their own way - and a chance for audiences to hear these incredible untold tales.
• The project offers a way to deal with trauma through creativity and community. There is professional mental health support on hand from our theatre therapist, a qualified psychiatrist who is regularly involved in group sessions and can offer one-to-one follow up as necessary.
• The project also provides access to professional dramatic training with our director and playwright, and further opportunities through our project partners - increasing access to employment and diversity in the arts.
• It's funny! This group of women, and the script, are hilarious as well as moving, inspiring and relevant - this play needs to be seen in its own right.

“It is really important to come together with other women who share your experience with war and loss.”  - Anastasiia, project participant 

"Like a torch, they lightened my path, showed me that I can, I actually can, I have what it takes to speak up." - Niveen, project participant 

"Knowing Aristophanes, and knowing Makani, I think this reimagining is going to be thought-provoking, moving, and very, very funny." Bettany Hughes, classicist and presenter

"As someone who deeply loves the theatre, and who cares passionately about human rights, this project is close to my heart. It is wonderful to see the transformative power of drama being channelled to help women develop confidence, to lift their voices, and to highlight their talents. I cannot wait to see the final performance."Sinéad Cusack, actor and project ambassador.

WHO ARE WE?

This is a project by Makani, an organisation that works with women seeking sanctuary to overcome trauma, fight for their rights, and to transform their lives and the world around them. 

Our amazing actors are a group of strong women who have been forced to leave their homes and now live in London - originally from countries including Ukraine, Syria, Pakistan, DRC, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

Our award-winning creative team includes director Sepy Baghaei, playwright Carmen Nasr, and theatre therapist Sara Alsaraf. 

Our producers are Hannah Nicholls, and Tabitha Ross and Itab Azzam of Makani, whose previous work includes 'Antigone of Syria'; Itab was also producer of BAFTA-winning documentary 'Exodus: Our Journey to Europe'.

Our inspiring partners include The Park Theatre who are hosting the production, Theatre Deli who are providing rehearsal space, and dozens of other arts and community organisations that have already done so much to get the project to this point. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you, and to everyone who has offered such exciting rewards to help this crowdfunder reach its target.

REWARDS

We have some incredible rewards on offer - see images below! Again thank you to everyone who has donated these to help us reach our goal.

WE HAVE UNTIL THE END OF JUNE TO RAISE £12,000 TO GET THIS POWERFUL PRODUCTION TO THE STAGE - CAN YOU HELP US GET THERE?

(You can find out more about the production and buy tickets at https://parktheatre.co.uk/event/i-am-lysistrata/ )