A powerful theatre production telling the story of a stolen childhood is to be performed in Powys.
“The Home” is set to be performed on stage in Celf o Gwmpas in Llandrindod Wells on 11th February, alongside a Herefordshire and Shropshire tour.
This gripping production depicts the heartbreaking story of a seven-year-old girl named Uma Taylor.
In 1957, Uma was taken from her family and placed in a convalescence home, where, as with similar institutions at the time, "good food, fresh air, and exercise" were seen as a cure for all childhood ailments.
Privately operated, the strict regimes combined with separation from their parents, caused many children lifelong, psychological damage.
Uma, a working-class child of mixed English and Indian heritage, additionally faced class prejudices and racism.
The story unfolds from the lived experience of Gill Parsons, a retired local lecturer and magistrate who crafted the script, combining her own experience with broader research into the role of convalescent homes in post-war Britain.
The play is produced by Open Sky Theatre, a multi-award-winning Herefordshire company prized for creating works based on true stories and lived experiences.
Genevieve Sabherwal, who has previously taken leading roles in productions such as Ashes By Convoy at The Soho Theatre, is portraying all eight principal roles, including Uma.
The show is directed by Herefordshire residents Claire Coaché and Lisle Turner.
With funding from Herefordshire County Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund the show is being created in residence at Hereford College of Art.
Students are observing rehearsals, receiving masterclasses in writing, directing, lighting, sound and producing with some going on to work on the production supporting the professional heads of department.
Ms Parsons said: “I’m delighted to see this show produced not just to tell my own story but to shed light on the stories of so many others like me who were taken from their families simply because of who they were and where they were from.”
Ms Coaché said: “While The Home is set in the 1950s, sadly the themes of institutional oppression, class divide and racism are all daily features in today’s media.
“It’s wonderful to engage with future theatre makers on such important topics.”
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