Guest blog by Aisha Zia, writer

We are delighted and honoured, as refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers, to take up as much space as possible, especially in spaces that have historically excluded us. Places that once made us feel unwelcome. As an artist, playwright, and theatre maker from Peterborough, it has taken me over ten years to be given a platform to share my ideas. Refugee Week Peterborough is predominantly for us. It is a time to share, to talk, to make noise, and most importantly, to show solidarity. It is a time to empathise, to understand, and to give ourselves permission to be seen and heard.

The ongoing crisis in Gaza, with over 200 days of genocide, reminds us that refugees are not born but made. It prompts us to ask ourselves: How are we holding ourselves accountable for the atrocities happening around the world? Do we make space in our communities, in our homes, in our hearts? Or are we merely passive observers? Are we activists in our own lives, or do we detach ourselves from others’ pain and suffering because it isn’t happening to us?

Ahead of a new theatre piece that will be showcased in Peterborough and Edinburgh Fringe this summer, this is an opportunity for local communities and artists to come together. The play, “Refugee!”, works with the testimonies of first-generation economic and war migrants and is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of those who have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in new lands.

Refugee Week Peterborough at the Key Theatre is a testament to the power of community and the importance of giving a voice to those who have been silenced. This is a fundraising event, and all proceeds go to H.E.L.P, the Ghassan Abu Sittah Children’s Fund, and White Kite Collective. It’s an evening of monologues, music, and poetry as we celebrate Refugee Week 2024. This year’s theme, “Our Home,” invites us to reflect on the meaning of home — from the places we share meals to our collective home, planet earth. Join us in celebrating their stories, their contributions, and their unwavering spirit.

Please join us!

Refugee Week Peterborough, June 20th: https://keytheatre-peterborough.com/event/refugee-week-peterborough-a-night-of-monologues-music-poetry/

Refugee! Peterborough: https://keytheatre-peterborough.com/event/refugee/
Edinburgh: https://festival24.summerhall.co.uk/events/refugee/