To Walk In Your Shoes
2013 - 2017
WHAT IF YOU HAD ONE HOUR TO FLEE YOUR COUNTRY?
Compiled from interviews with asylum seekers and refugees living in the North of England, TO WALK IN YOUR SHOES explores the side without a voice. With stories from Syria, Iran, Pakistan, Eritrea and recounting their experiences of living in the UK, the play explores the strength and resilience of the human spirit and challenges the myths and untruths perpetuated by the media.
Back in 2013 we teamed up with documentary photographer Rachael Munro-Fawcett and charity PAFRAS (Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers), to create a piece of verbatim theatre alongside a unique exhibition of photography exploring the topic of what it really means to seek Asylum.
Connecting with other relevant charities including City of Sanctuary and BRASS Bolton we visited drop ins, community groups and even people’s homes gathering research and stories.
Venues included Hope Mill Theatre Manchester, Touchstones Museum Rochdale, Seven Arts Leeds, RNCM, Oldham Library, Theatre 503 London, Square Chapel Halifax, CAST Doncaster, Theatre Deli Sheffield, New Vic Stoke and The Lowry Salford. Community venues included Broughton Hub Salford, St James Church Doncaster and BRASS Bolton. We also held open rehearsals at Doncaster City of Sanctuary. The show was chosen to be part of the annual curated Re:play Festival 2014 at Manchester Library Theatre (now HOME).
“To Walk In Your Shoes tells a mesmerising tale...will be playing on your mind long after you’ve left the theatre”
WHAT DID AUDIENCES SAY?
“It’s unusual to see a piece of contemporary theatre that’s politically alert without dogmatising, and that both enlightens & moves.” — Chris Honer
“A truly powerful, timely and important show.”
“True stories beautifully staged.”
“This should be the politicians message to the people about immigration, not the lies that are fed.”
“Moving, funny and relevant...everyone must see it!”
CAST & CREATIVES
Cast -
John Afzal, Kyle Walker, Kelly Munro-Fawcett & Louisa May Parker
With special thanks to -
Penny Mcdonald Hughes, Judy Holt, Mark Ashcroft, Jenny May Morgan & Lisa Hoctor
Creatives -
Produced & created by Redbobble Arts & Rachael Munro-Fawcett
Written by Rebekah Harrison & RedBobble Arts
Directed by Martha Simon
Set Designer - Irene Jade
Movement director - Michael White
Stage manager - Ashlee cox
