Past ArtReach Activities

Asylum Monologues

This production was one of 13 taking place on the same day to mark Refugee Week 2007. The nationwide project was coordinated by Actors for Refugees/Ice and Fire Theatre, whose aim is to give voice to the words and experiences of asylum seekers using actors. Scripted by Sonja Linden, Asylum Monologues uses the verbatim experience of asylum seekers in this country. Our production was a collaboration between artreach at Square Chapel and Second Nature Theatre Company, directed by Sue McGeorge with music written by Dean Firth. Everyone gave their time voluntarily. The show was free (donations welcomed) and was followed by a post-show discussion. Other cities/venues taking part included the Young Vic and National Portrait Gallery in London, and Crucible Theatre in Sheffield as well as a number of theatres and community spaces across the UK.

Credits
Innocence	Neil A. Edwards
Nadine	Hayley Taylor-Jones
Olive	Valerie Bundy

Guitar	Tom McKinney
Oboe	Victoria Heyes
Cello	Lucy Oliver

Director	Sue McGeorge
Producer	Maria Spadafora
Music	Dean Firth

Asylum Monologues was very much about getting an audience in from the Calderdale area to see the show and open their eyes to real experiences of the UK asylum system. Being verbatim, the script was incredibly informative, though harrowing in places. The post show discussion also gave a platform for local people to discuss and share their views, and local asylum seekers also bravely shared their experiences with us.