Fragments Podcast

During the last six months we have been working with Afghan refugees relocated in Reading on creative writing for wellbeing. We have been comparing Persian literature and heritage, both contemporary and classical, to our own poetry and literature in England. Taking influences from both countries, we have made a book of 25 poems, working in collaboration with Fiona Talkington and Kate Clanchy. We have been especially struck by how, despite war and conquest the Afghan community have strengthened their resolve through the written word, holding onto and sharing the rich Persian heritage of words, and embracing new styles of writing that cannot be destroyed by tanks or rockets.

Three travellers, one platform. A call for change, but will change come? Rank & File Theatre presents ‘Where Do We Go From Here’ - the podcast

We are not Party to the Theft by Elizabeth Achola sees a group of freedom fights take on the oppressing military. Although there was a clear leader, each message of unity is always said in unison, and in particular: “We refuse this sham election. We are not be party to the theft.”. The theme of unity against all odds is a powerful statement, helping the listeners understand that although each podcast details a different aspect of each personal story, their unity in theatre is what brings them together. “We are not party to the theft” is based on Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which recognises that mass demonstrations have been the way people demand social change. With the fragility of human rights across the globe, people are rising up to demand for their rights and freedoms. Now, I love seeing women take up seats at the political table alongside men. My role as the “Rascal Leader” in this piece highlights the role and importance of women and our voices in championing and advocating for social change.”

UK detention centres, hostile environment,

South Sudan, Juba, Conflict, War, 1960s history

Free Speech, Dictatorship, Zimbabwe

Oliver Mbolokele’s Hostile Environment, is a powerful and direct message to the Home Office. Staged in a home office interview, Oliver is repeatedly asked questions along the lines of “Who are you?” and “What is your status?”, to which he replies: “My status is love. My status is loyalty. My status is my time.”. His true response to the never-ending Home Office questions is one that stays with the audience, who are the only ones in this short monologue that truly see him as he is – an individual with thoughts and feelings that go beyond a name on a piece of paper.

DWP, benefit system, disability

Fragments was a 6 months theatre and playwriting project which took place with asylum seekers and survivors of domestic abuse online and over lockdown between January and June 2021. Here Jude Haste discusses the importance of theatre as a vehicle to promote social change, and tell untold stories that put personal experiences before stereotype. Ira Putilova is a podcast and documentary maker and non binary Russian refugee.

Fragments is a 7 part series of conversations with refugees and asylum seekers by Ira Putilova; a Russian non-binary documentary film and podcast maker. Here we explore the social issues of our time and the theatre we have written as a result. Paying particular attention to the role of sound in relation to memory and place.