Acclaimed Poets Benjamin Zephaniah and Lemn Sissay Come to Chickenshed

Chickenshed's new play, Refugee Boy opens tonight Wednesday 19 April. Our production is based on the novel by Benjamin Zephaniah which has been specially adapted for the stage by Lemn Sissay.

We are delighted that Benjamin and Lemn will be watching our play on Monday 24 April and will also be attending the pre-show talk at 6.30pm prior to the evening performance. Benjamin, Lemn along with members of Chickenshed's Artistic team will be speaking about how the piece has been directed, designed, rehearsed and staged for our production.

Refugee Boy is a powerful and moving story based on Benjamin Zephaniah hugely celebrated book. It tells of 14 year old Alem, a refugee forced to flee his family and country for London in the late 1990s, to escape civil war at home in the disputed region between Ethiopia and Eritrea. As a child of parents from both regions, Alem is in great danger from the forces of both sides, and is made to seek safety alone in the UK.

Our play follows Alem's experiences in London in a warm-hearted tale of hope, family and identity. For Alem, the challenge is fitting in and growing up in a country very different from his own, and being there without the family he loves.

"This planet is for everyone, borders are for no one. It's all about freedom" Benjamin Zephaniah.

For more information, visit www.chickenshed.org.uk.