Refugee Nativity to be performed in the heart of Pokesdown, Boscombe

12th and 13th December, 6.30pm
at Rosebery Park Baptist Church, Bournemouth.

Written by Dr Sharon Coyne, Refugee Nativity is co-directed by Sharon and Jon Nicholas. The play follows Mary and Joseph, who are displaced and having a baby far from home, and must flee to Egypt.

Sharon said: “The play was written in response to the current refugee crisis. Refugee Nativity brings home the personal tragedy of people being forced to leave their homeland”.

Vita Nova feels that, at the current time, consumerism detracts from the real issues faced around the world and on our doorsteps. They want to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas - a time of hope, rebirth, and love. Some of the people we are working with have at times lost hope. They have struggled to find a new and safe home, and others have been challenged by addiction.

Vita Nova is a Bournemouth-based arts charity with a national reputation for using performance to give new hope and direction to those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

Vita Nova’s integrated Celeste drama group are preforming the play. The cast consists of those with English as a second language - including refugees and asylum seekers - working with members from Vita Nova.

Vita Nova is working with Jon Nicholas - an actor, director and playwright who has experience in staging plays in places of conflict.

Jon said:

“Theatre can be a powerful tool for conflict management and resolution. This play brings together participants from over 10 nationalities, everyone is learning and challenging themselves, and every day proving that cooperation is possible.”

Refugee Nativity will be performed for the third time at Rosebery Park Baptist Church due to their generosity and welcome.