Do you think this is a fair accusation? Does Darling owe anything to Zimbabwe? And is she still entitled to a sense of ownership over the place she left behind?ģ. When Darling is living in America, she Skypes with Chipo, who tells her that she can't refer to Zimbabwe as her country anymore.

Does living with fewer people in probably more middle class circumstances give Darling a more intimate family life? Or was her family life in Zimbabwe more supportive or affirming for her? What are the advantages of living in a more open community like the community Darling is born into in Zimbabwe, and is it possible for us to achieve that kind of family structure here in the U.S?Ģ. When she moves to Detroit, Michigan, she lives in a smaller family unit, and perhaps a more conventional one. As the novel opens, we see that Darling is living in a close knit community of extended family members and friends. “…often heart-breaking, but also pulsing with colour and energy” The Times on the novel We Need New Namesĭuration: 2 hours including 20 minute interval.1. It’s a note-worthy coming of age story that touches on politics, racism and mental health in a sincere and authentic way.” The Rendition ★★★★ “a powerful exploration of the migrant tale through the lens of a child. ★★★★ “a wonderful look at the idea of belonging and is equally as heart-breaking as it is uplifting.” All That Dazzles

★★★★ “The range of acting by the brilliant cast took me through such a range of emotions that this play will certainly be one I won’t forget in a hurry!” Afridiziak ★★★★ “a powerful theatrical experience.” Salterton Arts Review ★★★★ “Director Monique Touko keeps the tone lively with this tough story of Mugabe’s Zimbabwe in which the actors switch race, age and gender with ease.” The Guardian ★★★★★ “Humorous and horrifying in equal measure, the show was a thoroughly engaging experience from start to finish.” LondonTheatre1 A playground overflowing with mischief and games where they imagine countries a luxurious life away from theirs in Mugabe’s Zimbabwe.īut when Darling moves to Michigan, the western world she encounters as a teenager is far from the American utopia of her dreams…īased on the novel by NoViolet Bulawayo, the first Black African woman and first Zimbabwean to be Booker Prize-shortlisted, this defiant coming-of-age story is full of exuberance, humour and humanity. Home of 10-year-old Darling and her friends: four children on the edge of innocence.

By NoViolet Bulawayo, in a new adaptation by Mufaro Makubika

We need new names book