'Yarrie Bangura grew up in a camp in Guinea She is doing her HSC. Arninata Doumbia is from Sierra Leone. She is an ambassador for the UNHCR. Big Mama Rosemary Kariuki is from Kenya. She is a community leader and she knows how to live. Yordy Haile-Michael grew up in an army. She has four kids and lives in Lalor Park. They are one half of The Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe and they would like to welcome you into their worlds.
'In August on our Downstairs stage these marvellous women are going to 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 four other African women - singers and dancers 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. This is how they celebrate a new beginning in a land of refuge.
'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.'
Source: Belvoir.
Produced Downstairs at Belvoir, 15 August to 8 September 2013.
Co-produced by Racing Pulse Productions and Riverside.
Director: Ros Horin.
Devisors and Performers: Yarrie Bangura, Aminatah Conteh, Aminata Doumbia, Yordanos Haile-Michael, Rosemary Kariuki, Tarior Mavondo, and Effie Nkrumah.
Dancers: Tiana Canterbury and Lisa Viola.
Movement Director: Lucia Mastrantone.
Singer-Songwriter: Aminata Doumbia.
Musical Director: Basil Hogios.
Video Designer: Mic Gruchy.
Cinematographer: Justine Kerrigan.
Producer: Michelle Kotevski.