‘How much pain does a state need to inflict before you fight it?’: Fio Presents Tony-Award Winning ‘The Island’ tour

Fuck slogans, fuck politics…fuck everything’

Winston, The Island

13th September 2018

At a time when our Prime Minister was dancing her way through South Africa during the centenary of Nelson Mandela, our attention is often drawn away from the actual people of South Africa and the lessons still yet to be learned. Fio is committed to shining a light on this through Athol Fugard’s Tony-Award winning play (co-written with John Kani and Winston Ntshona) ‘The Island’, set to tour across Wales and the UK.

How much pain does a state need to inflict before you fight it?

Fio will be raising this question with audiences across its tour taking place throughout Black History Month and as part of the official programme of work happening in Wales. As well as taking this vital work into prisons.

‘The Island’ tells the story of brotherhood, racial segregation, and the flawed South African justice system in the apartheid era. Through the eyes of political prisoners, Winston and John, the play explores the struggle between the individual and state, political disillusionment, and the nature of freedom.

Fio wish to also examine the political prisoners of today including the treatment of those imprisoned in our own controversial immigration Detention Centres and ask:

Do we ever learn from those who came before us?

Artistic Director Abdul Shayek elaborates:

“This is a really important and timely piece exploring a time, which was full of unjust state laws against those deemed different and the world just stood and watched. This is still continuing from Palestine to Myanmar to name a few, the world is yet again watching and failing those who are the victims.”

During Black History Month and Mandela’s centenary, it is more important than ever to bring these often untold stories to the forefront. This is where Fio comes in. We need to break down stereotypes in the arts now; after all, is it not for everyone?

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

                                                                    Nelson Mandela

Fio believes it is important to open up these difficult issues that have often been overlooked in mainstream theatre and media. Fio will also be working with young people across the tour to create response work to this highly political play.

For media enquiries please contact: shane@wearefio.co.uk / 07975858500

Tour dates

20 October – Powys Dance, Llandrindod Wells
Tickets & Info/ 01597 824 370

24 October – Ffwrnes, Llanelli

Tickets and Info / 0845 226 3510

27 – 29 October – Chapter, Cardiff

Tickets and Info / 029 2030 4400

31 October – The Lowry, Manchester

https://www.thelowry.com / 0843 208 6000

3 November – Blackwood Miners Institute, Blackwood

Tickets & Info  01495 227 206