Chopped Liver and Unions at Manchester Jewish Museum
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Mark International Workers’ Day with Chopped Liver and Unions, a powerful one-woman play by J.J. Lepink that brings a vital yet overlooked figure of British labour history to the stage. Performed at the Manchester Jewish Museum, this critically acclaimed production resurrects the story of Sara Wesker – trade union leader, activist, and formidable force in the fight for workers’ rights.
A fierce and passionate orator, Wesker led the 1928 garment workers’ strike, stood on the front lines of the Battle of Cable Street, and championed the rights of East End factory workers. Yet, like so many women who challenged the status quo, her legacy has been largely erased. Chopped Liver and Unions redresses this absence, offering a compelling portrait of a woman who dedicated her life to a cause, at a great personal cost.
Chopped Liver and Unions is brought to the stage by Blue Fire Theatre, a company dedicated to unearthing forgotten stories and giving voice to overlooked historical figures. Blending meticulous research with engaging storytelling, the company’s work shines a light on history’s unsung heroes, making these stories visible and accessible for contemporary audiences.
Both critically acclaimed and OffFest-nominated, Chopped Liver and Unions has captivated audiences from New York to Edinburgh with its sharp storytelling, humour, and historical urgency. Directed by Laura Killeen and starring Lottie Walker in a tour-de-force performance, it takes to the stage in Manchester as both a tribute and a call to action – a sharp reminder that the struggle for justice continues, and the voices of those who fought before us still echo today.
Don’t miss the chance to witness this fascinating story and rediscover a forgotten revolutionary.
