Play: Our Big Land

It is the first play by a Romany Traveller to be presented in the UK, originally written in the Romani language with Gypsy music and songs.

Oceania, a powerful Romany matriarch, is convinced that Sophie, a Gorgia house dweller, is destined to become the next keeper of the bauro diklo, the sacred storytelling shawl.

The bauro diklo is the lifeblood of Romany people, carrying the hard earned lessons of the past and showing The Way into the future.

When Sophie falls in love with Oceania’s handsome but brutal son Roman, Oceania is overjoyed. But a catastrophic event on Sophie and Roman’s wedding day threatens not only to tear apart Oceania’s plan, and family, but the whole future of the Romany people.

Playwright Dan Allum is the artistic director of the Romany Theatre Company. He is currently collaborating with the BBC and Royal Opera House on a possible new stage production, developing a film script on a Creative England programme, and working on a new TV drama series for E4.

Dan said: “I set out to write a play about the history of my people but ended up with a work that for me explores the essence of human nature through the veil of cultural loss.

“Or put another way, it’s about each of us losing touch with our own deep selves as we move toward an increasingly technological/information obsessed age. It’s also very important to me to get the Romany voice out there and I believe this play will help do that.”

Founded in 2002, the Romany Theatre Company aim to create powerful and inspirational drama for theatre, television and radio. Their work is rooted in the culture and experiences of Romany people and focuses strongly on their struggle for equality and challenges negative opinions of them and the lives they lead.

Our Big Land is suitable for adults and children aged 10 plus. The performances will begin at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £8 for concessions from the box office on 01582 878100.