University of Leicester backs performances marking 50 years since Ugandan Asian exodus
The University of Leicester has backed a series of performances which mark the 50th anniversary of the Ugandan Asian exodus.
The University has sponsored Finding Home: Leicester’s Ugandan Asian Story at 50, which takes place in the city’s Curve theatre during July and August.
Thursday 4 August marks the half century since Uganda’s then-president, Idi Amin, issued the order for the country’s Indian and Pakistani community to leave within 90 days. Many of those who left put down their roots in Leicester.
Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, said: “The arrival of thousands of Ugandan Asians in Leicester, from 1972, was an important moment that has helped to shape Leicester as one of the most culturally diverse places in the UK.
“The University of Leicester celebrates diversity in all forms and we are proud to sponsor these productions at the Curve theatre. They recognise the resilience of the families who were displaced and they celebrate the fantastic contributions they have made to Leicester over the last 50 years.”
The Made at Curve community production is comprised of three new plays from local writers whose families arrived in the UK from Uganda. Chandni Mistry’s Ruka, a play for families and children will be performed on Saturday 30 July, Sunday 31 July, Friday 5 August and Saturday 6 August. Dilan Raithatha’s Call Me By My Name and Ashok Patel’s Ninety Days will be presented as a double bill, with evening performances from Friday 29 July to Saturday 6 August.
Curve chief executive, Chris Stafford, said: “The story of the Ugandan South Asian exodus to Leicester is one that begins with trauma and upheaval for so many. Fifty years on, it is undoubtedly a story of resilience and triumph over adversity.
“In this historic and hugely important year for our city, we are proud to work with over 40 local actors and creatives to celebrate and reflect on the last 50 years and are thrilled to see these incredible stories unfold onstage and through events at Curve. Led by talented local director Mandeep Glover and Leicester writers Chandni Mistry, Ashok Patel and Dilan Raithatha, these plays are a beautiful exploration of stories from the past 50 years and ultimately a celebration of this extraordinary community. We are grateful to everybody who is taking part and our production partner, the University of Leicester.”
On Thursday 4 August, audiences can join a pre-show panel discussion at Curve, hosted by ITV News Central broadcaster, Rajiv Popat. Speakers will include Leicester’s mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, writer Chandni Mistry, family law barrister and co-founder of South Asian Heritage Month, Jasvir Singh and Manzoor Moghal, a local community leader who arrived in Leicester from Uganda in 1972.
To find out more and book tickets for the discussion, visit the website.
Tickets for Finding Home: Leicester’s Ugandan Asian Story at 50 are on sale now. To find out more and book, visit the Curve website, call 0116 242 3595 or visit Curve’s box office in-person.