The Windrush Warriors – a socially conscious comedy performance
This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush to the UK. Ahead of National Windrush Day on the 22 June, the University is proud to support The Windrush Warriors performance.
Set in the Community Centre, which provides heart, comfort, laughs and a place for people of different cultures to gather in a safe space.
As the drama unfolds, the focus centres on four Caribbean pensioners, who have been directly caught up in Windrush scandal. The cruel ‘hostile environment’ government policy, which saw people wrongly detained and deported if they were unable to prove their British Citizenship, from a country they have lived, worked and has been their home for over half a century!
The Community Centre is the venue that brings them together to start the fightback!
Please join us for this thought-provoking performance, which raises topics that are important, timely and socially conscious. Speaking to topics and polices designed to divide us, this comedy brings alive the effect of what we do and say, on those around us and how we are impacted in turn.
This show demonstrates the importance of empathy towards one another, our shared values and concerns, and how people can build a powerful movement in the face of discrimination and adversity.
The event is hosted by The University of Manchester’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) team.
Professor Dawn Edge, University Academic Lead for Race, Religion & Belief, says: “We are delighted to bring this important, contemporary piece to the University of Manchester. Storytelling and comedy are powerful tools for exploring challenging and complex subjects like the ‘Windrush Scandal,’ creating a platform from which the pain of those marginalised and mistreated in society can be acknowledged and their ability to overcome celebrated.”
This production is brought to you by: Nicola Gardner, writer of The Windrush Warriors and who also stars as Patience the African Receptionist. John Klark is the Director. The cast include: Andrew George – Brother Myers; Richard Bobb-Semple – Brother Leroy; Pauline Robinson – Sister Johnson; Esther Darrel-Asherel – Sister Richards; Joel Campbell – Robbie the Rasta Caretaker.
Date: Wednesday 21 June 2023, Time: 4.15pm – 7.00pm
Venue: Space 1, Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA (venue and accessibility guide)
Audience: Everyone welcome
Schedule:
16:15-16:30, theatre doors open.
16:30-17:05, performance part 1, 35 minutes
17:05-17:25, interval, 20 minutes
17:25-18:10, performance part 2, 45 minutes
18:10-18:30, Q&A
18:30-19:00, Close of event