A co-production with Racing Pulse Productions & Riverside in association with STARTTS. Tour produced by Performing Lines.

The Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe is a celebration of women, human rights, laughter and resilience (with a bit of sage advice on hair care). In 2013 they mesmerised audiences both at Riverside Theatres then here at Belvoir. In 2015 they toured the UK and also had a return season in Sydney.

Yarrie Bangura lost her childhood to civil war. She grew up in a refugee camp in Guinea. Now she is a writer and uni student, with big plans. Aminata Conteh is from Sierra Leone, kidnapped by rebels when she was just seventeen. Now she is an ambassador for the United Nation’s Refugee Agency. Big Mama Rosemary Kariuki fled her life in Kenya, looking for a new start. Now, a community leader, a ‘living national treasure’, she knows how to live. Yordy Haile-Michael grew up in the Eritrean army. She is now the loving mother of four amazing kids and discovering her own dreams. They are one half of The Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe and they would like to welcome you into their worlds.

These marvellous women turn their extraordinary stories of survival into a joyous theatre of humanity. But this is not just a show about what’s happened to the ladies. With the help of other African women – singers and actors – they are going to take this great opportunity to be who they want, say what they want, and become as amazing as they can be. This is how they celebrate a new beginning in a land of refuge.

Performers & Devisors

The Women
Yarrie Bangura
Aminata Conteh-Biger
Yordanos Haile-Michael
Rosemary Kariuki-Fyfe

The Actors
Nancy Denis
Imat Akelo-Opie
Effie Nkrumah

The Singer & Songwriter
Aminata Doumbia

Team

Writer & Director Ros Horin
Associate Director/Movement Lucia Mastrantone
Set Designer Dan Potra
Video Designer Mic Gruchy
Associate Designer & Costume Emma Kingsbury
Musical Director Basil Hogios
Lighting Designer Nicholas Rayment
Sound Designer & additional music Steve Toulmin
Filmmaker  Justine Kerrigan
Dramaturgs Yana Taylor, Natalia Savvides
Technical Programmer Phil Downing
Original Producer Michelle Kotevski
Tour Producer Pippa Bailey
Tour Production Manager Tom Warneke
Stage Manager Tanya Leach
Assistant Stage Manager Gina Bianco

Program (Belvoir 2013 Season)