One minute she was “stupid” for not speaking English – then she was chastised as a “chatterbox” for speaking it too much.
In the second instalment of a planned trilogy on life growing up as a first-generation immigrant from Pakistan living in 1970s Glasgow, actress, comedian and writer Lubna Kerr looks back to her primary school days.
Fresh off the plane, after her Dad was given a PhD place studying chemistry at the University of Strathclyde, she was dressed up in a uniform and sent off to school.
Bizarrely Lubna was damned for not already speaking the language – though she didn’t think any the less of other people for not knowing Urdu.
But it was a problem she swiftly overcame. Only to find this attracted fresh criticism.
And so it went on.
Chatterbox is a humorous and touching semi-autobiographical one-woman show looking at the impact of the labels we are given as children, and how they persist into adulthood.
- What labels were you given?
- How did they affect you?
- Do they still make you anxious?
- Where did you find safety when neds chased you down the street?
Lubna, who now lives in Edinburgh, says: “Chatterbox looks back with affection to a childhood as part of a loving family determined to contribute to Scotland and their community.
“At the same time it raises questions that will resonate with many people, of every background, about unfair treatment and labelling and how it can affect our whole lives.”
- There will also be a special performance as part of Edinburgh Deaf Festival 15 August (with BSL interpreter) – see https://edinburghdeaffestival.com
Chatterbox is the prequel to Tickbox (and the extended version Tickbox 2).
Praise for Tickbox and Tickbox 2
- “A gentle show that has some powerful messages.” All Edinburgh Theatre ★★★★
- “Joyous.” Binge Fringe ★★★★
- “Tickbox is a rich and glowing contribution to our society.” Joyce McMillian, The Scotsman ★★★★
- “Warm and witty performer.” Mark Fisher, Guardian
- “Tickbox is a gentle show with powerful messages woven into it.”
- All Edinburgh Theatre ★★★★
-Ends-
Notes for editors
Listings Details
- Venue: Pleasance Courtyard – The Green (Venue 33)
- Time: 16:55
- Dates: Previews 31 Jul and 1 Aug. Main run Aug 2-12, 14-19, 21-25
- Duration: 60 min
- Ticket prices: Previews £10. Main run £14, concessions available for groups and family
- Advisory: Age 8+ guideline
- Tickets: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/chatterbox
Cast and creatives
- Performer: Lubna Kerr
- Director: Emily Ingram
- Dramaturg: Jen McGregor
- Editor: Charity Trim
Twitter: @LubnaKerr
Facebook: @LubnaKerr
Website: www.lubnakerr.co.uk
For media information contact Matthew Shelley at SFPR on 07786 704299 or at [email protected].