An eye for an eye. It's very simple. You choose your homeland like a hyena picking and choosing where he steals his next meal from. Scavenger. Yes you grovel to the feet of Mengistu and when his people spit at you and kick you from the bowl you scuttle across the border. Scavenger. As a violent civil war rages back home in Ethiopia, teenager Alem and his father are in a bed and breakfast in Berkshire. It's his best holiday ever. The next morning his father is gone and has left a note explaining that he and his mother want to protect Alem from the war. This strange grey country of England is now his home. On his own, and in the hands of the social services and the Refugee Council, Alem lives from letter to letter, waiting to hear something from his father. Then he meets car-obsessed Mustapha, the lovely 'out-of-your-league' Ruth and dangerous Sweeney – three unexpected allies who spur him on in his fight to be seen as more than just the Refugee Boy. Lemn Sissay's remarkable stage adaptation of Benjamin Zephaniah's bestselling novel is published here in the Methuen Drama Student Edition series, featuring commentary & notes by Professor Lynette Goddard (Royal Holloway, University of London, UK) that help the student unpack the play's themes, language, structure and production history to date.
Benjamin Zephaniah
Benjamin Zephaniah is a British poet, writer, and musician known for his powerful and socially conscious works. His poetry often addresses issues of race, identity, and injustice, with a strong focus on activism and empowerment. Some of his most notable works include "Talking Turkeys," "The British," and "Dis Poetry."
Zephaniah's literary style is characterized by his use of Caribbean dialects, rhythmic language, and poignant storytelling. He has made significant contributions to the genre of performance poetry, blending elements of reggae and hip-hop into his work to create a unique and engaging experience for his audience.
One of his most famous works is the collection "Talking Turkeys," which challenges societal norms and advocates for animal rights in a humorous and thought-provoking way. Zephaniah's impact on literature is undeniable, as he continues to inspire and provoke readers with his bold and unapologetic voice.
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