Windrush-inspired play ‘Farewell Jamaica' comes to Moretonhampstead Library
The important story of the Windrush Generation is being brought to life at Moretonhampstead Library later this month (Saturday 25th January 2025).
‘Farewell Jamaica’ follows a man as he leaves the Caribbean island in search of a brighter future to help rebuild England after WWII.
Written by Hayley-Ann Dunstan and performed by Nev Connor, the piece played to a full house at Okehampton Library last year and has been received enthusiastically by audiences at other venues across Devon.
Both library-based performances have been subsidised by Libraries Unlimited, the charity which runs the 54 libraries across the county. In 2022 Libraries Unlimited secured a £720,369 grant from Arts Council England to boost its thriving programme of music, films, workshops, and high-quality community events between 2023 and 2026.
Libraries Unlimited’s Creative Communities Producer Rae Hoole said: “We’re proud to share this story of the Windrush Generation to ensure their contribution is not forgotten. It celebrates the grit and determination that was shown by these people, for them to forge their paths and become part of the UK’s rich and diverse heritage. They came with the hope of a new life and prosperity, but many struggled with discrimination in workplaces, housing from the uninformed public.
“We are really pleased to be staging this play for the second time. We have plenty of books and other resources available across our libraries to help people find out more about the Windrush era – we very much hope seeing the play makes people curious about this pivotal part of British history that affected all of us.”
‘Farewell Jamaica’ was originally created by former NHS worker and soldier Nev Connor and writer Hayley-Ann Dunstan, both of whom are descendants of the Windrush Generation, for a performance in at St Margaret’s School in Torquay. Nev said: “I was asked by a school to come and talk about diversity but felt I could better get over what I wanted to with a performance. I wanted to focus on Windrush because I have several members of my family who came across during that period. I’m from white Irish and Jamaican heritage and I really resonated with the topic because at the time I was in the process of explaining our heritage to our children and why certain family members came to the country and what they contributed. I wanted to help more people understand why people migrate in the first place. The Windrush Generation were answering a call and helped to shape British history.
“In the play my character Neville embarks on his inspirational journey to “Help rebuild the Motherland!” after WWII. He shows resilience in the face of adversity and determination in face of discrimination.”
‘Farewell Jamaica’ will be performed on Saturday 25th January between 10.30 and 11.30am at Moretonhampstead Library, Fore Street, TQ13 8LL. Tickets are £2 and children over the age of 6 are welcome.
Tickets are available online link here or book via telephone 07498 345858 or in person at Moretonhampstead Library or Tavistock Library.
Libraries in Devon and Torbay are run by Libraries Unlimited, an independent staff and community owned charity.
