Students at the University of Glasgow have rediscovered a forgotten play about a Ukrainian refugee. And they’re preparing to perform it for the first time in over 100 years to raise funds for Scottish Refugee Council.
The dramatic reading of Tomorrow’s Child, by Fannie Hurst and Harriet Ford, will take place at the University’s James Arnott Theatre on Monday, 16 January. It will be the first time the play has been performed in front of a live audience since it appeared on Broadway in 1917.
Tomorrow’s Child tells the story of a young Ukrainian woman, fleeing the upheaval of the Russian Revolution, as she attempts to build a new life in America. Although it was written more than 100 years ago, it mirrors the experiences of people who are currently fleeing war in Ukraine.
A Forgotten Play
PhD student, Deborah Snow Molloy, came across the forgotten play while researching the work of American writer Fannie Hurst. She said: “I started reading and I just got goose bumps. It’s just so applicable to what is happening today. All those people from Ukraine fleeing for their lives and 100 years later it’s the same thing all over again.”
Deborah decided to bring the forgotten play back to the stage and wanted to use this as an opportunity to raise funds for our work supporting people fleeing conflict, persecution and human rights abuses.
She added: “I really felt that this was something I had to do. I knew that Scottish Refugee Council was based in Glasgow and everything seemed to align. It’s a tragedy that history is repeating itself in this way, but maybe by sharing this play with a new audience we can do something good to help people.”
Tomorrow’s Child
Tickets for the performance are free but donations are welcomed at the event. The reading will be followed by a wine reception.
What: Tomorrow’s Child – a dramatic reading followed by a wine reception
When: Monday, 16 January, from 2pm–5pm
Where: The James Arnott Theatre, University of Glasgow, 9 University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ
Get your FREE tickets for this unique performance here. Tickets will also be available on the door. All donations are very welcome.
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