Gap in the Mind and Gazebo Theatre present "Wander" - a play about immigration in Wolverhampton
Wander is a digital projection-based play, where the audience will follow the travels of a number of on stage characters from diverse ethnicities. Each makes their own individual journey from their native countries to Wolverhampton during different eras to make new lives for themselves. This is contrasted to the true story of a local white lad who, inspired by the hip hop culture emerging from Heath Town in the 1980's, makes his own journey from suburbia, in both body and mind to find his own future in music.
Directed by Tonia Daley-Campbell and based on a concept by Graham Everitt.
Follow Rudie, Maria, Jeevan and Scott as they make their own journeys to Wolverhampton, all in different eras, experiencing Windrush, Brexit and the "really hostile environment". Discover how the breakdance scene in Heath Town inspired a lad from Codsall, and why a Trojan appears after 2000 years to assess the predictions of Enoch Powell.
Tell us more about the narrative of the play and its socio-political issues.
Individual stories are told by a number of characters who describe their journeys towards Wolverhampton from their native homes. Each of their travels are set in different times, yet all experience personal and socio-political challenges, such as the challenges which emanated from Enoch Powell's infamous speech, UKIP and Brexit, and Theresa May's ‘Really Hostile Environment’ policy. Wolverhampton was affected directly by these ideologies and yet we have a multicultural city which appears to prove otherwise.
How will you be using technology and music within the piece?
Specially prepared digital film projections will form the backdrop to various scenes together with elements of interaction between characters and said projections.
How do you hope audiences will respond?
I hope audiences will consider the positive impact immigration can have on society and a community, in particular in Wolverhampton, which can bring both economic and cultural benefits. Some of the stories are based on true events, at times personal and involving relationships which explore how our journeys in life affect other people as much as ourselves. To travel and explore is both a physical and mental process, and can bring enlightment and fullfilment. We also want to demonstrate clearly that the predictions of a white politician representing Wolverhampton over half a century ago were utterly wrong.