Extraordinary theatre story Ripples heads to Oldham

A man whose life was thrown into turmoil by an immigration injustice will share his extraordinary story in a new Oldham theatre show this week.

University student Tafadzwa Muchenje was 20 when he received a deportation letter from the Home Office that wrongfully revoked his right to remain in the UK.

It told him to return to Zimbabwe, a country he had not been to since he was a baby, while his mum and siblings could stay.

The error took three years to challenge, in which time Tadadzwa was removed from his performing arts studies in London, could not graduate or work.

The decision was eventually overturned at a First-tier Tribunal.

Now 30, he has written the solo show Ripples with pioneering arts charity Stand & Be Counted Theatre, launching at Oldham’s 1853 Studios & Gallery from tomorrow, September 17.

Tafadzwa, who now lives in the north west, said: “The show is absolutely an act of defiance.

‘After I received that letter I was hopeless and lost.

"It was three years of waiting, not knowing what my future was.

“From the moment that decision was overturned I have been trying to make up for lost time, showing the Home Office and everybody that I can do this.

“This experience has left a scar on my life, one I don’t think I will ever recover from, but it’s not going to stop me.”

Ripples is written and performed by Tafadzwa.

He now works for Channel 4 and also supports various men’s mental health causes.

Tafadzwa added: “I wanted to tell my story in a way that resonates with people, through humour and sadness, but that is also relatable.

“I hope Ripples gives people hope.

"The show is raw and honest because if I can show my strength in adversity people can also walk away with hope.

“We can create this ripple where you have got lots of people sharing hope and belief.”

Ripples runs at Oldham’s 1853 Studios & Gallery from September 17-20.

It is directed by Rosie MacPherson, the joint CEO and Artistic Director of Stand & Be Counted Theatre.

The UK’s first theatre of sanctuary worked with Tafadzwa on previous project Where We Began, a critically acclaimed stage play, and follow-up documentary, Where We Are.

Rosie said: “It’s really exciting to see Tafadzwa’s first writing commission, and his story, come to life on stage.

“The confidence he has now as an artist is incredible after so many of his plans as a young person were derailed. Now he is writing his own show and performing it.

“Ripples is a beautiful portrayal of the things that aren’t always visible to others and a radical demonstration of what a hostile immigration environment does. It’s such a wonderful, poetic middle finger to that.

“It is about keeping going and a rallying cry to everyone who believes in the power of welcome. I think it’s also a love letter to the community that has supported Tafadzwa.”

Tickets for Ripples are limited to 24 per show.

To book tickets, from £12, please click here

The show is funded by Arts Council England and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, with support from Sheffield Theatres and Oldham Coliseum.

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