Overview

Two migrants both alike in dignity in this city where we lay our dreams. Two men arrive in London looking for Shakespeare. They say they are from Balaika, Africa. They have passed through fire to be here and are determined for the great man to hear their stories. Alas, Shakespeare is dead! However, his theatre still stands. Soon they find themselves swept up and placed on stage in front of an expectant audience. Fame, fortune and love awaits ... But, can they survive the increasingly hostile environment? In triumphantly energetic Southern African style, two actors play men, women and immigration police to portray this funny yet moving story of love, friendship, and ambition. Published in Methuen Drama’s Plays For Young People series, this edition features resources for teachers and students, including an introduction by Sonia Massai, Professor of Shakespeare Studies at Kings College London, and a contextual response to the play in production by the author.

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9781350204607

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Reviews

I found this play utterly fascinating and quite complex ... It's funny, but it is extremely arresting at the same time as it tackles issues around race, identity, migrants and attitudes towards the roles in which Black actors are cast in plays today. It is timely and political, as well as funny, and reflects major issues that have been brought to the foreground by the Black Lives Matters movement ... [The] great thing about this play is that it made me think. A memorable read. * Drama & Theatre *

I found this play utterly fascinating and quite complex ... It's funny, but it is extremely arresting at the same time as it tackles issues around race, identity, migrants and attitudes towards the roles in which Black actors are cast in plays today. It is timely and political, as well as funny, and reflects major issues that have been brought to the foreground by the Black Lives Matters movement ... [The] great thing about this play is that it made me think. A memorable read. * Drama & Theatre * The play touches on many different contemporary issues including, inescapably, racism, and it is the exploration of the Black actors' lives from their own perspectives, with humour but also frankness which gives the play its power. * Teaching English *

Author Information

Tonderai Munyevu is a writer and director for theatre, screen and radio. He was born in Zimbabwe and raised in London. As well as comedy and drama he has also written prose (fiction and non-fiction) including the short stories Bullets (Black and Gay In The UK Anthology, Team Angelica Publishers) and A Dispatch From Zimbabwe: The Visiting Hours for The Johannesburg Book Of Reviews. His play Mugabe, My Dad and Me was shortlisted for the Alfred Fagon Award 2019.

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