Chickenshed ... 'As the Mother of a Brown Boy'

AS THE MOTHER OF A BROWN BOY ...
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
Fri 20 June

Chickenshed are a somewhat unique theatre company; their raison d’etre is to create a space where 'everyone is welcome, and everyone is valued.' Through a 'unique creative process' they ensure that individuals who have found themselves unwelcome elsewhere, due to difference or disability, are embraced and encouraged.

As the mother of a brown boy ..., a true story, tells of 19-year-old former Chickenshed member Mischa Niering, through the voice of his mother. Using a combination of dance, physical theatre, multimedia and music it portrays Mischa’s life as a mixed-race boy, his identity struggle within a multi-racial society, and ultimately, tragically, his death.

Directed by Mischa’s aunt, Christine Niering, and featuring a cast consisting many of Mischa’s friends, Chickenshed tell his poignant story and hope that it 'will encourage others to question the undercurrent of discrimination and subtlety of racism in society and give a voice to those involved in the pursuit of justice'.

The performance received two Edinburgh Festival Fringe Award nominations last year and was dubbed 'a powerfully emotive piece' - The Times. It looks set to continue impressing, and impressing upon, audiences with its compelling and relevant portrayals of racism, and the choices, both good and bad, made by a troubled young man in today’s society.

Chickenshed are featured as part of a week of events at the WMC celebrating Learing Disability Week (16-20 June).

Admission: £8-£10. Info: 08700 40 2000 / www.wmc.org.uk

Sarah Pavey