Spring is Forever is a new play developed using the personal testimonies of those caught up in the dramatic events of the Arab Spring.
Spring is Forever is a moving, sometimes harrowing portrayal of seventeen-year-old Hana’s battle for survival during the chaos of the Arab and North African uprisings. This new one-woman play is performed by actress Natasha Granger using music and multimedia.
A special performance in support of Amnesty International will take place on 26th February 2014 at RADA, Malet Street, London.
THE STORY
When Hana first hears of the revolution sweeping though her country she cannot understand why the protesters would risk their lives. She doggedly pursues her studies, convinced that one day she will become a great physician. Nothing else matters.
Then everything changes. Her father is beaten up and left unable to work. Hana must now leave her school and take on her father’s market stall to feed her family. Unable to work the stall by herself, she develops a friendship with Tariq, a young revolutionary. Tariq offers her help in exchange for Hana developing an Internet campaign to bring together revolutionary ‘cells’ from across the country.
But she is risking everything. As society is polarised even the closest friends may become enemies…
CREATING THE PLAY
Spring is Forever has been developed using the testimony of those caught up in the revolutions. Writer Chris Baldwin says: “It was all extremely difficult. I was advised not to travel to the regions most affected. So we set up a conference calls. Then our contacts would change their minds or just refuse to pick up the phone. They would get scared,” says Chris. “Those that did speak out showed great courage – there is still a lot of fear.”
At the heart of the play is the concept of karama, an Arabic word for honour, dignity and self-esteem. It became a rallying cry for the revolutions: “How can we have karama when we have no freedoms or jobs and the whole system is corrupt?” The frustrations exploded in December 2010 when Mohammed Bouazizi , a 26-year-old street trader, doused himself with gasoline and set himself alight. It is reported that he stood in the traffic and shouted: “How do you expect me to make a living?” before dropping the match.
Spring is Forever is completely fictional and none of the characters is based on a real person. Chris says: “As the script developed and the lead character ‘Hana’ began to emerge I gave her the task of learning about karama. Ultimately she has to make an extremely difficult decision and we have pulled no punches. It may be uncomfortable .”
The play is supported by a beautiful score and projected imagery. It is directed by Max Reynolds.
More Information:
Box Office: 020 7908 4800
Booking Link: http://www.rada.ac.uk/whats-on/other-events/spring-is-forever
Address: RADA Jerwood Vanbrugh, Malet Street, London WC1E 7JN
Transport: Goodge Street (Northern Line Tube)
Sponsored Post. Whilst we think it sounds like a wonderful production, this article does not constitute a recommendation.