Coming home is not always easy. A 19th-century mystery set in modern Salford. A new play about forgotten people and long-lost secrets from dramatist Anjum Malik.
The drama was inspired by workshops and conversations with the many different communities in modern Salford, as well as academics. Anjum was fascinated by the extraordinary story of Surrounded by the Enemy, a real life Native American whose body is believed to be still buried under Salford streets. This new play explores how we relate to death and the impact of change on communities.
Alison’s PhD in death ritual around the world is not going well. Despite misgivings and her poor relationship with her Nan, she returns home to Salford, hoping that a job with a local funeral firm will help her unlock the secrets around her mother’s death and complete her doctorate. She is alarmed when a strange man starts to follow her, begging her to help him, then disappearing as quickly as he appeared. She struggles with her new job, her Nan and finally collapses under the pressure of it all. Only then does she find out the truth – that the man who dogged her footsteps is in fact the spirit of a 19th-century Native American, who came to Salford with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Circus and died there, his body mysteriously disappearing for ever. She must help him get his bones back to his homeland in order to release his spirit and in so doing, help her get her own life on track.
Listen to The Lost Salford Sioux on BBC Radio 3, 90 -92 FM at 8.30pm on Sunday January 15th 2012
Sing Up - Singers from the Gemini and Salford Community Choirs
This production would not have been possible without the input and advice of many many people in Salford and beyond. Particular thanks go to:
Kate Chatfield, Exhibitions Manager, People’s History Museum
Dr Julie-Marie Strange, Senior Lecturer, History, School of Art, Manchester University
Stephen Terence Welsh, Curator of Living Cultures, Manchester Museum
David Collingwood, Operations Director, The Co-operative Funeral Care
Tony Molyneaux and Andy Waters, Funeral Directors, The Co-operative Funeral Care
Councillor Steve Coen
Dr Karen Jones, Senior Lecturer in American History, University of Kent
Dr Julie Anderson, Senior Lecturer History of Modern Science
Dr Dan Bailey
Gemini Group
Commander Kevin Mullingham, Salford Police
Paul Divine, Salford Police Coroner
PC Nigel Keane
Rabbi Brodie
Cannon David Wyatt
Jason Wingard and Gino Evans
David Smith Boaz Trust
Mark Cunningham, FJS
Anna Turner, Revive
Rhetta and Sophie, Rapar
Waqas Anees, Eccles Neighbourhood Development officer
Gail Skelly, Ordsall Arts
Broughton Trust
Janelle, Liberty House
Swinton Youth Arts
Ian Hepplewhite
John Surridge
Natalie Stables, EMTAS
Sherry Ashworth, Senior Lecturer, Manchester Writing School, Manchester Metropolitan University
Marnie Stanton Riches, Author
Tony Flynn, Salford Online
Mike Poloway
Berni Tomlinson
L. Bennet Thornton
Michael Powel
The singers from the Gemini and Salford Community Choirs
Paul Trimble, Assistant Head of Salford Music and Performing Arts Service
Kathleen Hesford.
