We Come From Far Far Away at Contact

Andrew Anderson

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New International Encounter: We Come From Far Far Away

Contact Theatre, Manchester
31 May-2 June 2017

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

We Come From Far Far Away at Contact
© Premyst Bukovsky
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The story of refugees is the story of modern times: people forced to flee thousands of miles, for many disparate reasons, and start life all over again. We Come From Far Far Away, a new theatre show for young audiences, puts this story centre stage.

We Come From Far Far Away began in Norway, where the creative team of New International Encounter (NIE) began interviewing young refugees from Syria and Afghanistan. Their stories were harrowing, but ultimately full of hope – they each left their home because they believed that life could be better. This is the message at the heart of We Come From Far Far Away – that there is always hope.

The story is helped along by brilliant staging. Always inventive (past NIE shows have taken place in primary schools, on boats and even in a family car), this time the audience sits within a yurt, with the cast addressing them from a pop-up tent. Not only does this make the whole thing feel a bit magical, but it also makes it very personal…which, given how often refugees are de-humanised, is very important.

It’s not only young people that need to know about these stories: we all do. After all, if we don’t open our eyes and minds to the troubles of modern life, how can we ever begin to fix them? This is great piece of theatre with an important message: there is always hope.

What's on at Contact Theatre

Where to go near We Come From Far Far Away at Contact

Manchester
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The Deaf Institute

The Deaf Institute is a vibrant gig venue and nightclub for which it is well worth taking a jaunt out of the Northern Quarter.

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Catalog Bookshop

Find Peter and his Christiania cargo bike around All Saints Park, a hop, skip and a bunnyhop from Manchester Poetry Library.

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Sandbar

Sandbar, just off Oxford Road in Manchester, is a well-loved watering hole, with a great selection of ales and some eccentric seating.

Johnny Roadhouse store
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Johnny Roadhouse

Buffeted by fried chicken outlets, legendary musical instrument emporium Johnny Roadhouse has been serving the local music community for over 50 years.

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Café or Coffee Shop
Eighth Day

Eighth Day is a co-operative shop that sells ethically-sourced food, wine and cosmetics. There’s also café that serves hearty, healthy meals in the basement.

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The Proud Place

Based in the heart of Manchester on Sidney Street, The Proud Place houses The Proud Trust and serves as a community hub for the wider LGBT+ population across Greater Manchester and beyond.

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