Forgotten Voices at Hope Mill Theatre

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Forgotten Voices at Hope Mill Theatre
Shareesa Valentine will play Eva Moorhead Kadalie in Forgotten Voices at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester.

Forgotten Voices at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester 18 — 19 October 2021 Tickets from £12.50 — Book now

This October, as part of Black History Month, a brand new play will be performed in Hope Mill Theatre. Forgotten Voices tells the remarkable real-life story of Eva Moorhead Kadalie, the widow of South Africa’s first national black trade union leader, Clements Kadalie (1896-1951). For over three decades, the couple fought for freedom – a long time before Nelson Mandela rose to prominence.

For over three decades, the couple fought for freedom – a long time before Nelson Mandela rose to prominence.

The play is set in 1956, following the death of her husband. Eva is contemplating leaving South Africa following their thirty-year fight against racism. Reflecting on her life and the sacrifices that both she and her husband made, Eva is unsure if she should board the boat to England.

Spanning a turbulent time in South African history, the play reflects on the experiences of the 1919 dock strike at Cape Town; the creation and growth of the Industrial and Commercial Union, and the passing of the 1927 Native Administration Act, which made it illegal to challenge white rule. Always ready to stand up and challenge white privilege and racial injustice, Eva was a strong, resilient woman – way ahead of her time.

Written by Eva’s grandson, David Moorhead, Forgotten Voices is a one-woman show with Manchester-based performer Shareesa Valentine (Band of Gold, Hollyoaks, Dumping Ground and Last Tango in Halifax) taking the role of Eva.

Of the play, writer David Moorhead says, “My grandmother was glamorous and warm-hearted but beneath lay a complex person, whose struggles were immense. Her political contribution in terms of support and sacrifice were immense but completely ignored. I felt it was time to hear and celebrate the story of Eva Moorhead Kadalie. She was a woman who refused to give up. I am proud to be her grandson. ”

Black History Month is all about sharing, celebrating and understanding Black heritage and culture.

Now in its 34th year, Black History Month is all about sharing, celebrating and understanding Black heritage and culture – and uncovering those stories which have so often been overlooked or ignored. Up until now, Eva’s story has been forgotten by history – which is so often the fate of women – and especially those of colour. Forgotten Voices offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on Eva Moorhead Kadalie’s life – the struggles and the joy – and her fight for freedom.

Where to go near Forgotten Voices at Hope Mill Theatre

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Le Social Wine Bar

Le Social is a stylish wine bar and tasting room, focusing on exhibitions by local artists as well as natural wines, deli boards and continental plates.

Flawd
Manchester
Bar or Pub
Flawd

Flawd is a neighbourhood wine bar based in Ancoats, from the team behind the wonderful Higher Ground dining experience.

Pollen Bakery
Manchester
Restaurant
Pollen Bakery

Popular bakery in the Ancoats and New Islington area, specialising in sourdough bread and viennoiserie baked goods.

Cask Ancoats
Manchester
Cask Ancoats

Cask in Ancoats opened in November 2018, it is the flashy sister bar to Cask on Liverpool Road.

Stacks of croissants
Ancoats
Café or Coffee Shop
Café Cotton

This café in Ancoats is locally famed for its lunchtime deals and sandwiches

Ancoats
Café or Coffee Shop
Companio Bakery

Started by artisan baker Russell Goodwin, Companio Bakery sells freshly-baked bread from a small unit in Manchester’s Ancoats.

Track Brewing Co Taproom
Manchester
Bar or Pub
Maray x Track

Ahead of its upcoming Manchester launch, acclaimed Liverpool restaurant Maray has teamed up with Track Brewing Co Taproom.

Alcohol Delivery in Manchester
Manchester
Bar or Pub
Cloudwater Brew Co

Cloudwater is a world-renowned brewery in Manchester. Set up in 2014 by Paul Jones and James Campbell, they’re a shining example of the best of modern British beer-makers.

Castlefield Artisan Market in Castlefield Manchester
Ancoats
Shopping Centre
Castlefield Artisan Market

While it’s not quite as up there as Alty Market – though it shares a similar vibe – it’s still worth a visit to this monthly market. It’s held, confusingly, in the Royal Mills in Ancoats (not Castlefield) and serves up an eclectic range of stalls and stallholders: everything from local craft and pottery to […]

Manchester
Restaurant
Erst

An offshoot of the popular Trove bakery in Ancoats, this new restaurant specialises in perfectly-formed and eye-catching small plates with a focus on environmentally-friendly practices.

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