This Island’s Mine, a new production from Bristol-based theatre company, Roustabout, in conjunction with schools from across Bristol, is coming to the Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol from Thursday 28 – Sunday 31 October 2021.
The production was developed following the company’s work with 195 primary and secondary school pupils from across Bristol, exploring themes of colonialism, identity and place. The making of the play is informed directly by the thoughts and opinions of the students. It is written and directed by Toby Hulse, who has twice won the Distinguished Play Award from the American Alliance of Theatre and Education. Set in the magical and comic world of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, this vital new play encourages young people to explore complex and sensitive issues of colonisation, immigration and national identity: Where do I belong? Where is my home? Is it truly mine?
Filled with magic, music and mayhem, Roustabout presents a playful and daring exploration of the place we choose to call home, for children and their families. At a time when young people are questioning closely their own experiences, identities and education, the play’s themes are more pressing than ever.
The production will be supported by an online educational resource, created with experts, academics, creatives and young people, designed to challenge, provoke, and stimulate debate around these difficult but essential questions.
This Island’s Mine was developed with support from Arts Council of England and Tobacco Factory Theatres, in partnership with the Cathedral Schools Trust, One Bristol Curriculum and University of Bristol.
Roustabout is a Bristol-based family theatre company who have produced six highly acclaimed productions since forming in 2018, including the OFFIE nominated digital production of Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish. Writer/director Toby Hulse has worked with Bristol Old Vic, The Old Rep, Pickled Image, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Travelling Light, the egg and the Unicorn Theatre. Toby is an expert when it comes to making work for young audiences, as seen in his productions of The Lost World and War Game (Bristol Old Vic), his adaptation of Around the World in Eighty Days (Bristol Old Vic), and his international touring production of One Small Step (Oxford Playhouse), which starred Roustabout’s Robin Hemmings.
Robin Hemmings has also appeared in both The Lost World and War Game (both at Bristol Old Vic), as well as the wonderful Medusa, all by Olivier award-winning Adam Peck and the Olivier nominated Oi Frog & Friends! by Pins and Needles Productions.
For more information about This Island’s Mine, whichis suitable for everyone aged 7+, visit https://tobaccofactorytheatres.com/ or call the box office on 0117 902 0344.
For more information about Roustabout Theatre, visit: www.roustabouttheatre.co.uk.