Women of Power

Written By Tamsin Cook

18th – 24th June 2018 

The project where Mafwa Theatre came to life!

Mafwa Theatre created Women of Power, a 25-minute performance focusing on the day to day lives of women asylum seekers in Leeds, performed at the Howard Assembly Rooms and Burmantofts Gala in June 2018.

What did we do?

  • We ran 15 fun, creative weekly drama sessions for women with refugee or asylum-seeking status, at Leeds Refugee Forum in Lincoln Green, Leeds.

  • We presented 2 performances during Refugee Week from the 18th - 24th June 2018, at the Howard Assembly Rooms and Burmantofts Gala. At the Howard Assembly Rooms we ran a Question and Answer session, where the audience had the opportunity to ask the performers questions about making the work, and the performers asked the audience for feedback. We like conversations!

  • 25 women with experience of the asylum process in Leeds came to the sessions.

  • Presented free performances, widening access to the arts for an estimated 100 people.

  • Mafwa provided the opportunity to develop theatre making and acting/ performance skills.

  • Mafwa provided a space to meet new people from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds.

Fun fact
The name ‘Mafwa Theatre’ was adopted in this process, after the group shared translations for ‘powerful woman’ in many different languages. We think it means powerful, respected or regal woman in Cameroonian Pidgin English - we hope it hasn’t been lost in translation!

Who was involved?

Performed and devised by: The strong and powerful ladies of LS9 7SG
Co-directors: Keziah Berelson and Tamsin Cook
Sound Designer: Ivan Scutt
Catering: From Bolivia with Love
Creative Mentor: Tim Wheeler
Production Mentor: Deborah Dickinson
Volunteers: Nina English, Josephine Joy, Euan

 

Gratefully supported by the Leeds Community Foundation Microfund, Leeds Inspired and the University of Leeds.

Tamsin Cook
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