New play gives voice to voiceless refugees

Laying bare the realities of the asylum process in Ireland, Lives in Translation is a hard-hitting new play based on interviews with female Somali asylum seekers.

Written by Rosemary Jenkinson, the show celebrates the human survival instinct through the story of one woman, Asha, who in fleeing conflict becomes trapped in a different struggle. She is trapped within the suffocating bureaucracy of the asylum industry as she fights to make a home free from constant fear.

Directed by Paula McFetridge, performed by Tony Flynn, Julie Maxwell and Raquel McKee, featuring original music by Dónal O’Connor and video art by Conan McIvor, this poignant new drama explores how recent asylum seekers must navigate support systems through translation, how disempowering and frustrating this system can be, and ultimately how time is controlled most by those it affects least.

Following it’s sold-out premiere at the Belfast International Arts Festival, Kabosh is bringing the show to the O’Donoghue Theatre, NUI Galway on Sunday, March 4 at 8pm. Tickets are priced €16/€14 and are available from the Town Hall Theatre Box Office, by phone on 091 569 777 or online at www.tht.ie

Paula McFetridge, Artistic Director of Kabosh, says: “Kabosh is dedicated to giving voice to the people in our community whose stories most need to be heard.

“Those individuals going through the asylum and refugee process need to be represented in our shared culture and community. We aim to foster an understanding of the struggles endured and encourage informed debate. Theatre is a powerful tool for sharing perspectives collectively, the impact of which is felt long after the audience has left the space”

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.