Director and Dramaturg – Helena Bell

Two mothers, disparate, yet inextricably connected. When the Fire’s Gone Out examines the impact of terrorism abroad and its legacy at home

From the writer, Naylah Ahmed:

‘I wanted to explore the fall out of contrasting losses; a life suddenly taken by a horrific, terrorist act, and one taken by a targeted government drone. What happens when the news dies down but two obliterated bodies still remain? How do those left behind deal with such loss?’ The answers to such questions resulted in this play.’

Director and Dramaturg – Tessa Walker

Following the Shamima Begum case, Stateless asks – What is a citizen? How do we determine who belongs and who doesn’t? Who has a right to call the UK ‘home’?

From the writer, Alia Bano:

‘I wanted to tell the story of an average UK Muslim family and how the fallout from the discussion surrounding the Shamima Begum case affects their psyche and the position it leads them to take. This story is urgent, it raises questions about the effect of fear on a society and how that affects our decisions, and asks what are our responsibilities as a global citizen?’

Director – Poonam Brah

Dramaturg – Fin Kennedy

‘Empires of the future will be empires of the mind’ Winston Churchill

Empire of the Mind conjures a 20th century colonial island past and its fallout in a 21st century psychotic British present

From the writer, Satinder Chohan: 

‘This play explores the darker side of imperial history involving the ruthless pursuit of power and profit as it subjugated and exploited people of colour the world over. Through psychologies and dreams, the play explores the colonising processes, conflicts and crimes through characters who morph via generational incarnations into the present.’

Director – Milli Bhatia

Dramaturg – Nic Wass

A dystopian tale about the corrosive effect of the all too real Hostile Environment against migrants on two sisters. How do we dismantle the master’s house?

From the writer, Sonali Bhattacharyya:

‘King Troll is about sisters, Riya and Nikita, as they navigate the increasingly authoritarian island they call home. It is about the troll that lives in all of us – the one who whispers for us to take short cuts, to sell our people down the river, to get ahead. Who whispers ‘me, not us’, and definitely ‘me first.’

Director – Helena Bell

Dramaturg – Penny Gold

Desperate for a distraction from global warming and the destruction of our planet, environmentalist Riya maps out new territory with her lover Avanti. A story of love, sexuality and an empowered desire to save the world.