Fifth Word and New Perspectives presents

We Need New Names

by NoViolet Bulawayo, in a new adaptation by Mufaro Makubika

Directed by Monique Touko

Paradise. Home of 10-year-old Darling and her friends. A playground overflowing with mischief and games where they imagine countries a luxurious life away from theirs in Mugabe’s Zimbabwe.

But when Darling moves to Michigan, the western world she encounters as a teenager is far from the American utopia of her dreams…

Based on the novel by the first Black African woman and first Zimbabwean to be Booker Prize-shortlisted, this defiant coming-of-age story is full of exuberance, humour and humanity.

About Fifth Word

Fifth Word is a leading regional new writing company dedicated to discovering, developing, championing and producing some of the most exciting playwrights of today. The plays they make are bold, accessible and urgent: they amplify the stories of those who can often go unheard or easily slip through the cracks in society. Recently they toured the acclaimed play Lava across the UK in 2022.

About New Perspectives

New Perspectives return to HOME following their sold-out production of ‘The Fishermen’ in 2018 which, following its Manchester run, went on to tour the UK as well as be performed in the West End. For over 50 years they have created work with a broad world view, sharing new perspectives and stories with communities in overlooked places ensuring that arts and culture can be experienced by anyone wherever they live.

"Gripping...a great piece of theatrical storytelling"

The Times on The Fishermen

“Compassionate, emotionally astute”

The Stage on LAVA

“...often heart-breaking, but also pulsing with colour and energy

The Times on the novel We Need New Names

Duration:
1 hour and 50 minutes

  • Show Duration: 1 hour and 50 minutes (including an interval)
  • Age Recommendation: 14yrs+
  • 10% discount if you book tickets for 3 or more shows in the Theatre 2 season, in one transaction

Content warning: the material explored in We Need New Names tackles challenging emotions and sensitive subject matter including references to racial discrimination, violence, child sexual assault, death by suicide and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

  • Tickets: £15