Freedom Project – Leeds Playhouse

Writer: Luke Barnes

Freedom project may be a little rough around the edges but beneath the fluffed lines and memory lapses lies something really special.

This research project, still in previews, shows promise and is a tragic story of hope and home. The no-holds-barred staging is impactful and the additional use of lighting and sound brings real drama to the space. The small fringe venue is the perfect setting and has an almost abandoned skate-park feel to it. Blue muslin cloths hang from the lighting rig giving an air of the sea and the intimacy makes the piece feel real and, in parts, it is really quite harrowing. This is a two-hander and one is immediately drawn into the reality and lived experiences of two refugees.

Hossein Ahmadi and Mohammadreza Bazarbashi are excellent and full of joy as they share their personal stories and experiences which, in contrast, have universal themes. With friendships like these one should never look further than one’s own backyard. Whichever side of the fence you sit on in this ongoing political debate you cannot help but feel warmed and moved by their tales and by the gritty reality of those seeking asylum in the U.K. The play is a real work in progress, but it is lovingly and sincerely devised. One could argue that (given the recent seismic events in Afghanistan lately) the play doesn’t sit well in the shadow of militarised patriarchal misogyny and has an uncomfortable resonance at this time but alas, this show is just what we need right now.

Freedom Project is a one act play developed from an idea conceived in collaboration with Young Vic Theatre Taking Part. Written by Luke Barnes in response to research with young people seeking asylum this marvellous and riveting play is both gripping and beautifully shocking.

Runs until 18^th September 2021