On The Move - Ulm (19:00 Uhr)

A new play about migration and asylum adapted by Paul Stebbings and Phil Smith from the short stories of leading writers from immigrant communities across the Globe.

This exciting and dramatic production brings together some of the finest writing on this pressing subject from the perspective of those “on the move”. This is not a dull or predictable documentary but a vibrant and compelling drama that encompasses Africa, Britain, the USA and the Caribbean. There is romance and humour, dance and song as well as the captivating writing of some extraordinary literary voices. But if the form is popular and accessible the content is powerful and sober: allowing us in our comfortable theatre seats to not just understand but experience the fears and hopes of those who take the dangerous journey into what they hope is a bright future, only to be often met with hostility and suspicion. These fine writers provide no easy answers but ask some of the most pressing questions of our time.

Within the framework of a performance at Calais’ vast refugee camp the multi-racial cast present dramatic versions of the following short stories:

THE GREEN CARD by Sefi Atta, which takes a child’s eye view of their parents’ attempt to get a US Green Card.

LOOSE CHANGE by Andrea Levy which is set in a smart museum café in London where a cool Londoner has to rely on the kindness of a refugee who sleeps on the streets but responds in a surprising way.

EXTERIOR PAINT by Kit De Waal, which switches between the present and 1960’s Britain and the dangerous love affair of a Caribbean immigrant and a white barmaid.

THE THING AROUND YOUR NECK Bu Chimamanda Nigozi Adichie, which travels between Nigeria and the USA, following the fortunes of a young Nigerian who finds her US visa gives her traumas and adventures she did not expect.

THE SOLDIERS TALE by Neel Mukhrkee a powerful story of the flight of an Eritrean child soldier from Africa to Britain via the EU. Provocatively told from the cynical perspective of a Scottish immigration officer.

Paul Stebbings is the author and co-director of the current TNT production of MARTIN LUTHER KING, as well as other theatre pieces that have examined this and similar themes such as ONE LANGUAGE MANY VOICES and A CROOKED LETTER. In this he collaborates once more with the actor/director Adrian Decosta who currently portrays Martin Luther King. The TNT style will combine all performance forms, the company has become globally recognised as a theatrical force.

“TNT – highly effective and charismatic theatre.” – Village Voice New York

“One of the most interesting developments on the current theatrical scene.” – The Guardian, Britain.

“If young people need to be persuaded to go to the theatre, TNT are the company to see.” – Sudkurier, Germany.