Divided a solo (one woman) show, now available to watch online
Divided is now available to watch for a ‘pay what you can’ donation. All proceeds will go towards the second strand of this project where I plan to work directly with South Asian women (and eventually all groups) affected by abuse and in need of support with confidence, self-esteem and belonging.
Once you have completed the details you will be sent to a private YouTube link where you’ll be able to watch the show. Read below for further information about Divided and my journey towards making it happen. Thank you for your support.
If you or anyone you know may be experiencing physical, emotional, sexual abuse or coercive and/or controlling behaviour and wish to seek help please contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline or Womens Aid.
My journey with Divided started with an amazing Asian women’s’ charity called Hopscotch and they sit right next to Camden Peoples’ Theatre. They joined forces and did a call out asking for a writer/performer to create something for a conference and for theatre. I had just completed a 20 minute solo piece that I performed in three different hotels with Soul City Arts which had a very similar feel to this particular call out.
I was successful in my application to the call out – my first acceptance after about 180 rejected writing applications – and began working closely with the charity and Camden People’s Theatre. I would be performing at the conference and in a new writing evening at Camden People’s Theatre. So I started working with both organisations and started to understand the way the Charity interact with the people they help.
Hopscotch Asian women’s charity are incredible. They support South Asian women experiencing abuse and help them transition into living a new life. From finding work, learning English to forming friendships.
During my time at Hopscotch I found the social workers, supporting these women, really interesting. They were up against mountains of paperwork, restrictive legislation and their own perspective of what being western meant. I was encouraged, by the theatre to explore this further, but encouraged by the charity to show as much of the positive work they do, as possible.
I knew that I wanted the piece to be in real time (so no monologuing to the audience – simply playing characters in the present moment) as this was the best way to portray the main characters experience. I settled on three characters:
- The protagonist – Amina
- Her social worker – Zara
- And her mother-in-law – an inner voice from her past
After performing at the conference I was asked whether I would like to extend the play and put it on for three nights at The Camden people’s theatre. I approached the Director of Warts and All Theatre who I’d worked with a few times and he agreed to help develop the show as well as help me apply for Arts Council Funding.
I applied for two rounds of development with the Arts Council. Firstly to create an hours performance for Camden’s People’s Theatre and secondly to develop it again and then take it on tour to three different venues in Northampton. If I was unsuccessful I would just fund the first round.
But since it was successful in receiving funding I managed to perform it at Foodies Rocks, The University of Northampton studio space and Dostiyo – an Asian womens’ charity. The evening at Dostiyo was also a catered event which had a Q&A. I hope to work with the people who engage with Dostiyo, other South Asian based charities as well as local communities in the future as the show had the most impact at these venues.
Trailer available here
Radio interview available here
Read a review by South Asian Sisters Speak here