- Ticket price:
- From: £16.50
- Running time:
- 80 mins (no interval)
- Age range:
- 12+
The world is changed by the women you push too far - Sara Wesker's Battle for Women's Rights.
The gripping story of Sara Wesker (played by Lottie Walker), firebrand trade unionist and radical who led the Singing Strikers of 1928, fought at the Battle of Cable Street and had her heart broken by the two loves of her life.
A snapshot of working class London life in the first half of the 20th century as seen through the eyes of one remarkable woman who – until now – has been written out of history.
This is a sell-out show across the UK which enjoyed two successful Edinburgh Fringe runs, as well as sell-outs at Brighton Fringe. It transferred to New York as part of the Brits Off Broadway’s 20th anniversary season at 59E59 Theatres in 2024, and in 2023 the show was nominated for OffFest awards for best new writing and best solo perfofmance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
J.J. Leppink’s play takes audiences deep into the struggles of one of the most dynamic and colourful figures in the history of trade unionism and the battle for women’s rights. A woman who has all but been written out of history. A female-driven production, it brings to life a figure who was familiar across the whole of London’s East End a century ago.
Sara Wesker strove for better pay and conditions for women textile workers, founded a women’s union and fought Mosley’s fascist Blackshirts at the Battle of Cable Street, and is a compelling story about some of the formative campaigns to oppose the exploitation of women – a group with few weapons at their disposal.
Sara points out that they: “do not have money, or power, or physical strength. Striking, and raising our voices in song, are the only tools that we have.”
‘You cannot expect to be invited to the table; you must demand they set your place’ (Sara Wesker – who’s determination and drive was vital to empowering women in the workplace).
Music was of particular importance as one of Sara’s most momentous acts was to lead the “singing strikers” of 1928 – female garment workers who, lacking any strike pay, sang on the picket lines in return for donations from passers-by. Some of these songs feature in the play, along with other protest songs and music of the era.
Blue Fire Theatre Co. aims to bring to life the stories of people forgotten by history – and where possible, to bring them to life in their own communities. Education and entertainment are not mutually exclusive.
There will be a short Q&A after the show in the Studio.
Lottie Walker
Artistic Director of Blue Fire Theatre Company
CompellingMorning Star
Deeply movingA Young(sh) Perspective
Well worth seeingBritish Theatre Guide
An engrossing and involving theatrical experienceNews Notes Dance Blog
You'll want to cheer at the endFringe Review (Highly Recommended)
