Child of The Divide at Big Imaginations Festival

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

Child of The Divide at Z-arts, Manchester 20 October 2017 Tickets from £6 — Book now

Follow the story of Hindu boy Pali whose hand slips from his father’s during the chaos of Partition and life changes as he is welcomed into a new reality and Muslim family. Aimed at ages eight and above, Child of the Divide is a searing and relevant tale of identity, belonging, friendship, love and loss.

Expect to grip the edges of your seats and experience all the emotions throughout this North West premiere marking the 70th anniversary of the Partition which left millions displaced and divided while the separate countries of Pakistan and India were formed.

Encounter the complexities that Pali and his young friends have to deal with through the local bully who has been witness to his father committing atrocities against others, the girl who is half Hindu and half Muslim and part of neither community and those who have been forced to keep secrets and retreat into themselves as protection.

This show has been critically acclaimed for dealing with complex topic of the human story of the tragic events of political decisions – so relevant to the humanitarian crises today.  It’s about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, kindness and humanity amidst enforced separation.

Child of The Divide shows how powerful family theatre experiences can be when young audiences are treated to the same quality of stimulating theatre that adults are. There are not many children’s theatre shows where you can expect your heart strings to be tugged while your head stimulated.

It’s an important play with so much relevance to not only our understanding of history but our multi-faith societies and blended and diverse family experiences today. Don’t miss it.

Child of The Divide is part of the Big Imaginations Festival which brings 9 remarkable shows to 26 venues across the North this autumn. Also see it at Burnley Youth Theatre on 21 October, The Boo on 22 October, The Edge on 24 October and Unity Theatre on 25 October.

Child of The Divide at Z-arts, Manchester 20 October 2017 Tickets from £6 Book now

What's on at Z-arts

Where to go near Child of The Divide at Big Imaginations Festival

Venture Arts
Hulme
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Venture Arts, Manchester

Venture Arts is a progressive visual arts charity based in Hulme, Manchester, with a small exhibition space. It works alongside learning disabled artists to create and show exciting new collaborative visual artwork.

Clay Studio Manchester
Manchester
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Clay Studio Manchester

Clay studio was founded in 2016 to provide a dedicated workshop for new graduates, hobby ceramicists and experienced makers. The studio also offers a range of classes for students of all abilities.

Manchester
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Niamos Centre, Manchester

Niamos is a co-operatively run exhibition, arts, and performance space with a micro bakery, music studio’s, a kitchen and a holistic well-being space in the midst of transformation.

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Hulme Playhouse Theatre

The Playhouse Theatre, originally known as the Hulme Hippodrome opened its doors on 6 October 1902. In 2018, the historic venue was relaunched as a community arts centre by NIAMOS – a collective of artists, musicians and local residents.

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Homeground

Homeground is HOME’s brand new outdoor venue, providing an open-air space for theatre, food, film, music, comedy and more.

Manchester Metropolitan University Brooks building, Birley Campus in Manchester
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MMU Birley Campus

Birley is Manchester Met’s world-class centre for Education and Health Professionals and the university’s flagship community campus.

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