My Skype Family

(July 2015)

“When I discovered the rules, I didn’t believe it at first. I read them again and again … I thought I was dreaming. But sure enough, it did apply to us. I felt helpless. I felt like half a man. I mean … not being able to keep my family together.”

 In July 2012, the UK government radically changed the family migration rules, including  a new minimum income requirement for British nationals wishing to sponsor children or spouses from outside Europe.

43% of employees in the UK do not earn enough to meet this requirement. Falling in love with a foreigner now comes with a hefty price tag.

On the third anniversary of these rules coming into effect, theatre company ice&fire created My Skype Family, a new documentary play that explores the huge lengths people have been forced to go to in order to keep their families together.

You can download the script (PDF) and watch a short version (13:00) of the show below. The full premiere performance can be viewed here.

This project was a collaboration with the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants and has been supported by the Barrow Cadbury Trust.

“Very powerful: My Skype Family @southbankcentre – about indefensible family migration rules.” NATALIE BENNETT, LEADER OF THE GREEN PARTY OF ENGLAND & WALES

“Lovely storytelling that packed a real emotional & political punch. Terrific performances all round as well… That Skype experience is so widespread now & I think the show would really connect with a lot of people.” TOM GREEN, COUNTERPOINT ARTS

    Original Cast :

Gargy Cargill                    Geoff Leesley
Sunghia La                       Dolya Gavanski
Frog Stone                        Parth Thakerar

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