Waves of song echo through the corridors of the Citizens Theatre; rehearsals are in full swing for Here We Stay.
This brand new, multi-cultural, mixed-media performance project, from Scottish Refugee Council and Citizens Theatre, celebrates the rich and diverse life stories of asylum-seekers, refugees and local residents living in Glasgow.
When I enter the rehearsal room there’s a lively atmosphere as participants find their positions and pitches for one of the eight songs that will be weaved into the hour long production. Three months ago, when recruiting people for the project, I could never have imagined how the group would grow together and bond.
Performed by a cross-generational cast (aged between 16 – 83 years) of asylum seekers, refugees and local Glaswegians, Here We Stay showcases art forms inspired by a range of backgrounds and cultures including Zulu clicking, rap, Kurdish love songs and live music from the Scottish harp and Iranian tar. The performance also includes short film clips made by two refugee participants supported by Martyn Robertson from Urbancroft.
From Glasgow to Uganda and beyond
This richly diverse group of people are from across the world including Iran, Afghanistan, Zambia, Liberia, Egypt, Ghana, Kurdistan, Mozambique, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and just down the road in Glasgow.
It’s clear that over the past three months a sense of community and belonging has developed in this project. For some, initial shyness has been replaced by a new confidence and openness.
One woman from Ghana said:
The Here We Stay group is my new family! I love them to bits and they love me back! I am so happy I joined.”
For some participants the production is an opportunity to voice their experiences for the first time. Some are harrowing, but all are hopeful.
Celebrating life and community in music
This spirit and warmth has of course found its way into the performance. Many have not only contributed their stories but also writing and lyrics, which have been carefully knitted into the production by our top creative team – co-directors Elly Goodman and Neil Packham, composer Matthew Brown and animateur Karen Maciver.
Other participants will play instruments from their home countries, accompanied by the production’s five-strong professional Orchestra and percussionist.
The Glasgow Girls
Further down the corridor I hear music from rehearsals of The Glasgow Girls, a musical based on the true story of ‘the Glasgow Girls’ from Drumchapel High School and their powerful asylum campaign that captured the imagination of the media and inspired a community to unite behind its residents. Scottish Refugee Council supported the development of this production.
A call to action
Consider this a call to all citizens, a call to action, a call to hear the voices of people seldom heard and often misunderstood.
Hope to see you at the Citizens at one of the shows on 15-17 October. But if you’ve missed out on a ticket for the live show, you can still catch up on the action when we launch the documentary film of Here We Stay in the new year.
