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