★★★★

"Should be mandatory viewing."

— THE REVIEWS HUB

MAKING OF

Star of ‘Tanja’ talks thought process

My name is Emily Ntshangase-Wood. I came to the UK 14 years ago. When I came I never thought I would stay for this long and it has been the hardest time in my entire life, because during this time I couldn’t travel or work. I lost my son, brother and my father and have not even seen any of their graves due to the barriers I have faced whilst seeking asylum.

I relate to the character of ‘Tanja’ a lot, because almost all the events she goes through in her journey trying to come to UK – and even when she is in UK – are the experiences that I also went through. Looking back it makes me feel so blessed as the Tanja character is someone who reflects all of the hope and courage of the women trapped in immigration removal centres across the UK. Despite all the horrendous experiences, both of us never lost hope and our mission is to give hope to the hopeless.

I have never been in a performance like this and it has been so exciting and challenging to work with aspiring, talented and determined people who want to make work that is truthful, imaginative and timely. The script and the aim of the project is to show audiences what it is like to go through the asylum system and what happens in an immigration removal centre. I feel that if we all can be united in fighting for asylum seekers not to be treated like prisoners, then things can change for the better. We want to spread the word to the many who are unaware about the existence of Yarl’s Wood, and I think there’s no better way to inform the wider public than through a piece of drama.

“Brutal and unforgettable." "Politically, this piece is doing something remarkable.”

— BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE