Scripted by Christine Bacon.

This new documentary play brings to the stage the real words of men and women from across Afghan society, as well as Western commentators from the front line. On October 4, 2011, the tenth anniversary week of the invasion of Afghanistan, iceandfire launched the world premiere of Afghan Monologues.

We’re all looking… every Afghan is searching for some meaning. When you lose sense of meaning in your life, then you’re basically like a drowning man, clutching to anything that can stop you from drowning – Aziz Hakimi

Asylum Monologues

Asylum Monologues is a first-hand account of the UK’s asylum system in the words of people who have experienced it. Launched at Amnesty International in June 2006, it has been touring the UK ever since. The script is regularly updated with new testimonies.

Asylum Dialogues

Conceived and researched by Christine Bacon

This script highlights some of the many acts of solidarity shown by British people towards asylum seekers living alongside them.

Download and listen to Asylum Dialogues.

Asylum Dialogues by bcbradio Recorded and produced by Bradford Community Broadcasting as part of Refugee Week 2011 and hosted here with thanks.

Drawn from real life conversations with three pairs of friends – one an asylum seeker and the other a British citizen – this play explores the positive transformations created by their encounters with each other. It was launched in collaboration with Refugee Action during Refugee Week 2008 and toured to four UK cities, culminating in a sold-out performance at the Tricycle Theatre. During Refugee Week 2009, it toured to seven UK cities in partnership with City of Sanctuary.

Rendition Monologues

Original Score by Michael Edwards

Rendition Monologues weaves together the first-hand testimonies of victims of extraordinary rendition; the kidnapping and illegal transfer of terrorism suspects and others considered to be implicated in the ‘War on Terror’ to be interrogated in nation states with a reputation for torture. A long list of nations, including the UK, have colluded in this practice.

As the truth begins to filter out about this issue, we hope that Rendition Monologues can contribute to a full reckoning over human rights abuses committed in the name of the ‘War on Terror’.

The Illegals

Personal accounts from undocumented migrants living and working in London.

Who are the ‘illegals’? Why are they here? What do they do? By presenting their diverse and illuminating experiences, The Illegals gives a platform to the individuals behind the stereotype.

This project, funded by the City Parochial Foundation, comprises of first-hand accounts of undocumented migrants living and working in London.

Palestine Monologues

First-hand testimonies from the occupied territories.

Palestine Monologues explores the day-to-day experiences of life under Israeli occupation and also highlights some of the turning points individuals have had when they have seen past the dominant and conflicting narratives perpetuating the conflict.

Broke, Photo by Julia Burstein

Broke is made up of testimonies of people living with poverty and homelessness in today’s Britain.

“There are some that give you – why don’t you get a job, why don’t you get a life? You bloody junkie. You bloody tramp – we’re used to all that. If only they knew. If you must look down at someone, do so with the intention of helping them back up.”

-Daniel, 64, London

Getting On (c) Sue Rubira

True stories of growing older in 21st century Britain.

“It’s very important that we keep our originality, that we keep ourselves as being people. Everybody’s lumped together once you’re a certain age.You almost lose who you are.”

Seven Years with Hard Labour

This play weaves together four accounts from former Burmese political prisoners now living in the UK. Through their engaging, divergent and often humorous stories, a damning picture of a ruthless military regime is painted.

Photo by Laurens Alblas

With the growing humanitarian crisis concerning destitute migrants in Calais, iceandfire feels an urgent need to add a third play to our series of documentary scripts about migration, this time focusing on the European dimension of immigration and asylum.