Southwark gives voice to Unstated

First Published 25 June 2008, Last Updated 25 June 2008

Audiences are invited to decide for themselves whether Britain’s immigration system is fair, in a new production at Southwark Playhouse based on the hard-hitting testimonials of those seeking refuge in Britain.

Unstated: Stories Of Refuge, which runs from 2 to 12 July (press night 4 July), is devised by The Red Room’s Topher Campbell and written by playwright Fin Kennedy following interviews with real-life asylum seekers and Immigration Centre workers.

Southwark Playhouse will be transformed into a removal centre for this promenade production, in which the audiences are participants. Fusing live action with film sequences, Unstated aims to provide a picture of Britain’s immigration system, which, contrary to the tabloid view, deals with just three per cent of the world’s total 9.2 million refugees.

Unstated is Campbell’s debut production as Artistic Director of The Red Room. His previous credits include Flamingo at the Gate and Jar The Floor at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, where he was Associate Director. Playwright Kennedy’s other work includes Mehndi Night, How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found and Protection.

The four-person cast of Unstated comprises Marva Alexander, Alisdair McEwen, Tosin Olomowewe and Clara Onyemere.

CB

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