Then & Now. What I think about it

Before working on 'Then & Now' – a collaboration with artists (13th June, Riverfront Theatre 4.30pm) I never used to think much about what it must be like to be a refugee, having to leave your family behind at a moment's notice. We take our lives for granted – being born here in the UK. 

I had a friend in London years ago who would often complain: "Immigrants. I'm sick and tired of them. They come over here, take our jobs…jumping the queue for a council flat." Really! To think that I knew someone who said things like that. It's no different today sadly enough. However, (in the same breath it seemed) they'd employ someone from Poland who didn't speak English, to work for them, clean their house and work as a labourer when they fitted kitchens because, "They are such good value." Funny, that. (We won't go into the dark side of British history at this point).

I think of my dad when he first arrived in the UK in the early sixties. Imagine, coming to London when it was 'Swinging.' Again, he could barely speak English but he embraced a new culture, delighted in wearing tweed and very smart suits with shiny black brogues. 

Boy, did he work hard at his new life. New image. What a relief it must have been from the regulation dark grey Mao suit and impending Cultural Revolution. He worked in kitchens (didn't have to fit them, fortunately) whilst gradually learning English, looked so dapper and was so charming that he bagged an English girlfriend (my mother). Between them and his brother back home they put what little savings they had into their own restaurant in what is now a very smart part of town. (Sounds idyllic, but then some shit hit the fan. Another story, another time).

I can't imagine leaving my country and going somewhere else to start a new life, not knowing the language. It's a leap of faith, an act of courage. I owe it partly to my dad that my life here is what it is. He would do anything to work. Kitchens, driving, working in a chip shop, driving double decker buses. Both he and my mum valued the simplicity of life – working in jobs that you didn't worry about when you left them behind at 5 o'clock.

Picture the news this week and last – people leaving Africa on a terrible cramped unseaworthy boat headed for Italy. You can hardly breathe or move…the boat could capsize any moment. It's unimaginable what situations people must be leaving behind to take that risk.

Working on this project, 'Then & Now' I feel privileged to share my skills and meet some amazing people who have, in turn become our new friends as they've shared pieces of their extraordinary stories with us. 

Please come and visit our exhibition and showcase. Sadly, because of issues which are out of our hands – it's only on for a day! This Saturday, 13th June. 4.30pm at The Riverfront. Look at their artwork and sculpture, read little bits of their stories and poetry. If you care about people who find themselves in unreal situations, take part in our workshops at 12 noon – 3pm. Do something for someone. All will be revealed on the day. Take a look at the incredible film 'A Fork in the Road' by Benson Wereje. Or if you're really 'not bothered' and feeling nice and cosy with your lot at least by reading this you might think a little differently.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24583286