Refugee! is a new political, devised theatre piece written by playwright Aisha Zia and produced by 62 Gladstone Street in association with Landmark Theatres and THE UPSETTERS and co-commissioned by Counterpoint Arts.
Set on an ancient burial ground, where the UK is now a crime scene, four characters are in search of belonging. Under the rubble they find evidence of hope and humanity, and our own government’s complicity to war crimes.
The play weaves together conversations and real-life testimonies from the performers, migrant, refugee and sanctuary seeking communities in Peterborough and Bournemouth.
Half of the testimonial gathering took place in the initial R&D in June 2023, with 13 contributors, with the R&D informing the planning for further development. A further 12 contributions were gathered in April 2024 with communities in Peterborough and Bournemouth.
After our Peterborough dates August 15th, 16th, 17th, we have a confirmed slot with Paines Plough’s Roundabout Lates at Summerhall August 22nd, 23rd & 25th.
In bringing Refugee! to Scotland immediately after its premiere week in Peterborough we aim to build momentum of the production and take advantage of new relationships with Edinburgh-based producers Yard Heads International in order to deliver meaningful community engagement and develop the basis of future Scottish touring in 2025. This is a community-based project and seeks to engage migrant and refugee communities across Edinburgh to share their stories in a creative and participatory way.
We hope that you can help us further platform the most marginalised voices by bringing real-life testimonies to life on stage and help send a clear message to the new UK government; that refugees and migrants are welcome here.
Cast: Elina Akhmetov, Adi Detemo, Sara Diab, Alaa Shehada.
With thanks to Arts Council England, the Aziz Foundation, Peggy Ramsay Foundation, Necessity and Metal Peterborough.