The Walls Between Us at Birmingham Repertory Theatre

Post

Subscribe

Wed 17 Nov 2021 - Thu 18 Nov 2021

The experiences of one family during the COVID-19 pandemic forms the basis of a new play to be premiered during this year's Bedlam Festival of Arts and Mental Health. The Walls Between Us, written by Farrah Chaudhry and presented by Sampad South Asian Arts and Heritage, is staged at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on November 17-18.



The play focuses on the Jamil family – key worker Rahil decides to self-isolate in his room to protect his elderly mother Fazeela while his daughter Malaika is stuck at home and unable to return to her university. How will the family cope without seeing friends and other family members – will the pandemic bring them together or pull them apart?

Based on research of personal experiences of Covid, the story also explores themes of grief, mental health and intergenerational relationships. "During the research process for The Walls Between Us, I heard some really inspirational and uplifting stories but equally some really upsetting stories too," says Farrah. "The pandemic has affected people in so many different ways, it was really important for me to pull on the research to show how people have found new ways to connect and support one another and their communities, but also the significant impact on mental health. The Walls Between Us draws on this research and each character, though fictional, has been inspired by real stories."



Farrah started writing in her teens and is a graduate of the Royal Court and Birmingham Rep's Foundry. Reviewed by the Birmingham Post as a 'writer to watch', she has worked in the story offices of leading soap Coronation Street and Tanglin, a daily drama in Singapore. Her debut short film, Look At Us, was an official selection for the UK Asian Film Festival 2021, where it was premiered, and has subsequently been selected for festivals globally including Aesthetica in York and ZEBRA in Berlin.

Directed by Suzanne Gorman, The Walls Between Us features British South Asian Actor Ravneet Sehra, Midlands-based Vimal Korpal and Promila Bittu-Safaya in the cast.

For more information and to book tickets see www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

#central_birmingham
#central_birmingham
#festivals
#festivals
#indoor
#indoor
#theatre
#theatre
#november
!date 17/11/2021 -- 18/11/2021
%wnbirmingham