Speaking of asylum

FREE PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTING THE EXPERIENCES OF ASYLUM-SEEKERS IN THE UK COMES TO SOAS (LONDON)

Actors for Refugees, an informal network of professional performers dedicated to drawing public attention to the harsh realities faced by individuals who come to the UK to seek refuge are currently touring their new production, Asylum Monologues, around the UK, and will be performing at the SOAS Vernon Square campus on February 6 @ 7pm. Asylum Monologues, scripted by award-winning playwright and Artistic Director of iceandfire theatre company, Sonja Linden, presents the compelling first-hand accounts of three asylum-seekers living in the UK and disseminates what it really means to be displaced in the UK today.

The project was launched at Amnesty International in June 2006 and the network's mission is to have it seen by as many people around the UK as possible. Asylum Monologues has been very well received by audiences so far, reaching over 3000 people, and will be on a rolling national tour throughout 2007. SOAS Detainee Support Group has collaborated with Actors for Refugees to bring this event together.

WORDS OF SUPPORT FOR ACTORS FOR REFUGEES

I think it really brings out the real picture of what asylum-seekers are going
through. This is really good awareness work. Very impressive.
-Yeukai Taruvinga, Zimbabwean asylum-seeker, London

Asylum Monologues is a fantastic and much needed tool that needs to address the public as it demystifies what being an asylum-seeker or refugee actually is and breaks down all the preconceived ideas about immigration issues dangerously spread by government and the tabloid press.
-Louisa Douma, Migrants Resource
Centre, London

I think the most shocking thing about it was how, some people talk about terrible things happening in Zimbabwe, or somewhere abroad, but I think the worst thing is that it's happening in this country - and the amount of ridiculous prejudice there is against asylum-seekers - this is terrible that it's happening in this country where you'd think we have brilliant human rights (you'd hope)... but no!
-Helen Humphries, student, York

I have to say I thought it was fantastic. I was moved by some of the stories and felt they were presented in a very effective way, stimulating thought and discussion and acting as a real stimulus to action.
-Lawrie Jones, civil servant, Bristol

What: Performance of Asylum Monologues
Where: School of Oriental and African Studies, Room 111 Vernon Square Campus (Vernon Square, Penton Rise, London WC1X 9EL). Tube: Kings X or Angel
When: Tuesday February 6 2007 @ 6:45 for 7:00 (finish 8:30pm)
Cost: FREE. Suggested donation £5. No bookings are required. Get there early to secure a seat.
Starring: Kate Atkinson, Samantha Lawson and Hywel Morgan. Music by Lisa Fitzgibbon.
More info: visit www.iceandfire.co.uk/actorsforrefugees or phone AFR Coordinator Christine Bacon on 07913513567.