Is there an apartheid in the UK?

‘An utterly absorbing collection which manages, despite its serious subject matter, to be amusing as well as thought provoking… essential plays and essential viewing.’ 

The List

A white man blanks his black girlfriend at a society wedding. A black landlord pins a 'no travellers' sign to his pub door. A farmer's wife rams her shopping trolley into a stranger in the village:

‘Everyone just turned around and stared like I was from Mars or something.’

Ignited by Trevor Phillips’ (Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality) suggestion that the countryside is guilty of a ‘passive apartheid', seven writers explore our attitudes towards race, environment and identity. Uncovering the complex layers of fear and misconception that cause prejudice, and also the similarities and shared beliefs that can bond, this is a heart-rending, moving and provocative show from award winning company Pentabus.   

‘Excellent performances and some spellbinding writing coincide in a tightly directed and provocative piece of theatre.’

The Stage

White Open Spaces is written by:
Francesca Beard
Richard Rai O’Neill
Rommi Smith
Ian Marchant
Sonali Bhattacharyya
Courttia Newland
Kara Miller

First performed at the Pleasance during the Edinburgh Festival 2006.

Presented by Pentabus Theatre in partnership with BBC Radio and BBC Radio 4.