Presented by Royal Holloway University of London and Young People Seeking Safety

Created by Kieran Sheehan and Sara Masters
Directed by Sue Clayton
Cast Priyank Morjaria

Mazloom (meaning oppressed) is a portrait of a young refugee, alone in London, whose life is being torn apart by the impending prospect of deportation to Afghanistan, where indiscriminate violence and Taliban intimidation await. In Asef’s claustrophobic room, theatre audiences play an agonising waiting game as the clamour of the world outside becomes ever more threatening.

An intimate portrayal of an isolated young man on the brink, this short, powerful theatre performance incorporates immersive film footage to recreate the long perilous journey to Europe.

Mazloom is based on the experiences of young Afghans, who as children were forced by war to leave their families and home to seek safety abroad. On turning 18 these young people lose their protection – their right to remain – in the UK. The play is a glimpse of the individual and personal experiences that lie behind seemingly intractable political issues.

“Mazloom is a tender and honest piece of the human story behind an issue that is so often reduced to statistics and political manifesto soundbites.”

Hamish Jenkinson, Director, Old Vic Tunnels

National tour commences June 25th, visiting Newcastle, Canterbury, Leicester, Brighton, Manchester and Glasgow. For venue details and bookings see www.mazloom.org.uk.