A new play that tackles issues of bigotry and hate continues to tour and visits Portsmouth this weekend.

Forest Forge Theatre’s production of Hidden, which received Arts Council England funding, has been touring to schools and venues since September and continues until November.

The play tells the story of Alix, a white British 14-year-old girl, and Samir, a young Iraqi refugee. After intervening a racist attack on Samir, Alix finds herself building a new friendship. We watch their friendship grow as they rescue a stranger from the sea and are faced with making some tough decisions between what’s morally right and the rule of law.

The play adapted by playwright Vickie Donoghue, is based on the novel ‘Hidden’ by Miriam Halahmy. Director Stuart Mullins said, “... we have learnt so much about Vickie’s play. The more I hear it the more I realise how immediate and relevant the themes and issues are that she’s taken from Miriam’s original novel.”

The play consists of a cast of three. Kirsty Jackson who plays young Alix, Inaam Barwani who plays Samir, and Aosaf Afzal who plays a refugee rescued from the sea. Set on a beach in Hayling Island, we follow a story that demonstrates how friendships can cross indiscernible boundaries.

The play made its debut at Ringwood based Forest Forge Theatre last month and is now touring to schools and venues across Hampshire, Essex, and London. The public can see the play at Portsmouth Guildhall for Journeys Festival International on Saturday October 20, and at Alyth Synagogue in London on November 1.

Forest Forge Theatre’s CEO and Creative Producer Sharon Lawless says, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Anvil Arts, Forest Arts, The Spring Havant, and Thameside Theatre, to reach schools in their local areas. For schools we are providing workshops alongside the performance as this play really offers some strong messages that tie in nicely with key stages for English and Citizenship. It’s been a fantastic journey and a pleasure to work with all involved."

www.forestforgetheatre.co.uk