Amina must decide whether freedom is better than the domestically abusive family she has fled from. But with freedom comes struggle.
The Journey
I received a small commission from Hopscotch Asian Women’s charity and Camden People’s theatre, to write and perform a story that responded to the work that Hopscotch theatre do for so many people they help.
When working on this piece, the two organisations wanted to work together to create something that would illustrate the struggles of the women they so often see come through their door and Hopscotch help almost everyone who they come into contact with.
Having had such a positive response to what was presented, so far, Camden people’s theatre have now programmed Divided into their Spring season.
The Purpose
The more I got to know some of the women, Hopscotch worked with, the more I saw myself and my own family members, within them. Having had women in my own family suffer from similar domestic abuse I felt it necessary to tell the story from their perspective. A voice, which is most often lost in the media. The shame around speaking up about these issues can result in abandonment and rejection from the entire family.
Divided celebrates and debates cultural difference and western integration through Amina’s story by blending the two together.
There are so many flat representations of specific diversity groups within the media.
If you’re curious to know more then take a look at this fantastic speech by, Riz Ahmed:
Divided isn’t just a story that is unique and specific to one group. We’re half way there but your support will help towards research and development which will help us to achieve a universal story. One that we can all relate to.
And this isn’t just a tale of depressing tragedy, there’s a bit of comedy in there too believe it or not!
The Timeline
After performing an extract of the piece at an awareness conference by Hopscotch and at a BAME (Black and Minority Ethnic) festival at Camden People’s Theatre in September 2016, the piece has developed, grown and also been performed at The Attenborough Arts Centre in Leicester in a recent festival.
Now for the actual run which will be taking place at Camden People’s Theatre from 31st May – 2nd June at 9pm.
But this is just the start…
Your support will help to transfer the play to more regional locations around the UK so that the story can reach wider audiences. So let’s talk business…
The Money
Here’s a breakdown of what your money will go towards:
And most importantly, getting the message of the voiceless, out there.
Inviting industry professionals to the run will potentially help secure future programming within other venues and locations.
But only if it’s good! Your support will help achieve the quality of the piece.
The People
I’m very fortunate to be working with some great organisations to help develop the piece, including:
Camden People’s Theatre no only house some great shows by up and coming theatre makers but also support diverse engagement opportunities. I wouldn’t be doing this project if it wasn’t for their belief in the story. Check out their website.
The people working at this antastic charity are working hard everyday to make sure everyone who walks through their door is safe. Including women, children and men.
Too busy to be concerned with theatre, their day is usually spent convincing vulnerable people to trust them, this countries system and getting them whatever support they may need. From welfare, domestic and financial issues to providing education and training, Hopscotch try to help people in any way, with whatever resources they have.
Here they are at the end of the project.
And I thought I’d get involved too
Video interview made by award winning Alec Jordan. Take a look at his work amazing at www.alecjordanfilm.com
Risks and challenges
Risk: There will be no show. Unfortunately I don’t have £1K lying around to produce this show. With Kickstarter’s “all or nothing” model, we have to meet our crowdfunding goal or we lose all of the potential funds.
Challenges: When I started this project, back in August, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I’ve not worked with those who have suffered abuse of this scale, before and it’s been an emotional journey. I’ve written gripping stories that attempt to live in truth, but never met or worked with the characters that I write about. Divided is an important story that doesn’t preach, just offers a perspective, whilst making it relatable…to you. The team is well prepared to bring audiences something that is set in truth and may just touch the heart.