The term ‘intersectionality’ – coined in 1989 by feminist scholar Kimberlé Williams refers to the ‘cumulative way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism and classism) combine, overlap or intersect especially in the experiences of marginalized individuals or groups (Merriam- Webster). A term we find ourselves increasingly familiar with; a greater awareness is being brought towards the inequalities faced by particular communities.

A chain-smoking, tracksuit-bottomed cast, a few bits of rubbish here and there, and searing dialogue: this play shows that this is all you need to conjure up a powerful depiction of the drudgery of life lived below the poverty line in a rough corner of Northern Manchester.

The rights of women and young girls will continue to be a talking point and an issue continually fought for until equality has truly been achieved. Roughly ’15 million girls are married every year before they reach 18 years old, 1 in 3 girls in the developing world are married by age 18 and 1 in 9 married by age 15′ (stats provided by charity Girls Not Brides). These stats are horrifying to be reading in 2019 but sadly, a disheartening reality globally.

From 1939 up until 1945, World War II would impact the lives of many military personnel and civilians. Referred to as a global war, a total of 30 countries took to battle across various continents. The war would witness a conflict between the Allies (Great Britain, The United States of America, China, The Soviet Union and the Commonwealth) and the Axis (Nazi Germany, Empire of Japan and the Kingdom of Italy amongst other countries). There are particular figures attributed for the Allies’ victory and applauded for their efforts, however WWII is a war that involved the efforts of numerous specialists behind the scenes. Azma Dar brings us the story of Noor Inayat Khan, a trailblazer ruled by fighting for what she believes in.

An integral part of Tibetan’s history rests on its unquestionable devotion to Buddhism, a religion originating from North India between the 7th and 13th century CE. Another facet of Tibet’s history is its ongoing resistance against China. Currently ruled by the People’s Republic of China, significant leaders such as the Dalai Lama now find themselves expelled from their country of origin. Governed by communist rule, Tibetans face a situation whereby members of their own government currently reside in Daramsala, North India, a nation who have willingly accepted the arrival of a Tibetan refugees after the Lhasa Uprising against the People’s Republic of China in 1959.

There is a school of thought that says laughter developes as a reaction to tension and tragedy, that we need to laugh to deal with suffering. If that is true, shouldn‘t some of the Sub-Saharan human tragedies be fountains of laughter? At least that is the philosophy behind Leftovers, the new show dealing with refugee‘s in Kenya and the surronding area.

List all the Shakespeare plays you know. The first few will roll of the tongue, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, King Lear, the endless Henry series and maybe even A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Then, depending on schooling, will probably be the likes of Julius Ceasar, Taming Of The Shrew, The Tempest etc… The point being, there are many Shakespeare plays most of us think of before we name Troilus and Cressida and Coriolanus which happen to make up the Lazarus Theatre Company‘s double bill.

On a day to day basis, we are bombarded with an array of headlines, covering a diverse spectrum of topics from Immigration to Global Warming. We are presented with countless surveys and statistics, supposed truths creating a sense of fear.

Continually surrounded by the mundanity of her rehabilitation unit, Louise discovers an intriguing and bewildering world that awaits her.