Play casts light on asylum
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A hard-hitting new play by Belfast’s Kabosh Theatre company which shines the spotlight on what life is like for those going through the asylum process come to An Tain Theatre this Thursday at 8pm.
‘Lives in Translation’ tells the story of one woman, who in fleeing the conflict of her home, becomes trapped in a different form of struggle - the suffocating bureaucracy of immigration. Based on interviews with a female Somalian refugee, local support workers and community organisations, this poignant new drama follows a ten-year journey through Mogadishu, Dublin, Belfast and London.
Written by Rosemary Jenkinson, the show celebrates the human survival instinct through the story of one woman, Asha, who in fleeing conflict becomes trapped in a different struggle. She is trapped within the suffocating bureaucracy of the asylum industry as she fights to make a home free from constant fear.
Directed by Paula McFetridge, performed by Tony Flynn, Julie Maxwell and Raquel McKee. featuring original music by Ballymakellet fiddle player Dónal O’Connor and video art by Conan McIvor, the play explores how recent asylum seekers must navigate support systems through translation, how disempowering and frustrating this system can be, and ultimately how time is controlled most by those it affects least.
This special performance marking International Woman’s Day will be followed by a post-show discussion on gender parity led by Kabosh artistic director Paula McFetridge.
‘Kabosh is dedicated to giving voice to the people in our community whose stories most need to be heard,’ says Paula. ‘ Those individuals going through the asylum and refugee process need to be represented in our shared culture and community. We aim to foster an understanding of the struggles endured and encourage informed debate. Theatre is a powerful tool for sharing perspectives collectively, the impact of which is felt long after the audience has left the space.’
Playwright Rosemary Jenkinson explains what led to her writing this new piece. ‘ Two years ago, I was shocked to read in the papers about a refugee who felt so let down by government agencies that he set himself on fire outside Belfast City Hall to draw attention to his plight. The refugee crisis is clearly the urgent political story of our time. To write Lives in Translation I interviewed asylum seekers living in Belfast to learn the truth about their lives, from why they had to leave their countries through to the complexities of trying to claim asylum within the UK and Ireland”
Gilly Campbell, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, added, “Lives in Translation is a powerful, challenging drama which reflects the times we live in and demonstrates the value of the arts in stimulating discussion around difficult social issues. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is pleased to support Kabosh with this new production and I would encourage everyone to go along.”
Tickets are priced €15 / €12 and are available from the Box Office, by phone on 042 933 2332 or online at www.antain.ie