Mama Quilla

The Singing Stones

Kay Adshead

Directed by: Kay Adshead

In 2011, all over the Arab world, women took to the streets to protest and bring about change. Briefly celebrated, then derided, and finally ignored and denied, their amazing stories remain untold. Until now.

The Singing Stones is a triad of short plays, each offering a poetic, fearless and sometimes funny exploration of women and the Arab revolutions.

From the heroines of Tahrir Square to the female fighting forces defending the borders of Kurdistan, from the women who snitched on Gaddafi to a band of quarrelling artists struggling to invent a future female revolutionary icon.

Was the Arab Spring the greatest missed opportunity of the 21st century?

“You can always tell a dictator by his roots. They all dye their hair that dodgy soot black. The minute they do, they should be frog marched off and lynched in the public square. That simple pre-emptive action would save
several genocides!”

Owing to the indisposition of Vivienne Rochester, Ann Akin will be appearing script-in-hand for the following performances of The Singing Stones: Wed 18, Thu 19, Fri 20 and Sat 21 February.

World premiere
Featuring original films from MASASIT MATI

“A strong and heady picture of women making history.”
The Arts Desk

“(…) the title play, which takes up the final 20 minutes, is (…) a poetic narrative performed with spirit and energy by the entire ensemble.”
The Telegraph

“It is an invitation to listen, to witness, and to speak up.”
East End Review

Monday – Saturday evenings at 8pm
£17 / £12 concessions

Saturday matinees at 3:30pm
14 February – £14 / £12 concessions
21 February, 28 February – £17 / £12 concessions

Opening performances (4-7 February) – All tickets £12
Pay What You Can Tuesdays (tickets in person from 6pm – limited and subject to availability)
Tickets are £10 or less with Arcola Passport

Running time to be confirmed with first preview.
Recommended for ages 12+
In Studio 2, seating is unallocated.