Give us the elevator pitch!

If you want to belly laugh, while exploring some deeper issues, you’ll love Swim, Aunty, Swim! It’s culturally specific but universal, a bit like the nature of grief, loss, and joy. I hope audiences see bits of themselves and people they know in my characters – I’ve loved them for so long and I can’t wait for everyone to meet them.

Swim, Aunty, Swim is a story of friendship, loss, and erm, swimming. Talk about a mix! What inspired you?

I’m really interested in West African mythologies and the healing power of water, which feature throughout the play. For nearly ten years I’ve carried out campaign work, supporting women affected by grief and state violence. Their experiences of loss led me to look into how they rebuild themselves after such trauma – their stories are a real inspiration to me.

How comes Coventry features so heavily in the show?

I’m from South East London but have been a Cov local since moving here in 2012. I love the city’s diversity and strong West African community (shout out to the Southern and East Africa presence in the city too!) so it was perfect to set the story here. I started writing the show at a Belgrade writing workshop in 2018, so it’s exciting to be back here for its debut.

Spill the tea – where are your favourite places to go in the city?

I love Blue Orchid for food, it’s hands down my spot – I take everyone there! The Belgrade Cafe is great too, and for a good cocktail it’s got to be the Cosy Club. For some culture you’ll find me at The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.

How long did the play take to write?

It’s been a long road! I began writing the show in 2018 at a Belgrade writing programme, and continued to develop the work independently with support from my now-director, Maddi Kludje. Fast forward to the present, the play is back at The Belgrade and we’re deep in rehearsals!

Behind the scenes – Madeline Kludje with Siana Bangura and Sarah Githuru

The play nods to West Africa, particularly Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Ghana – have you visited all these countries?

Three of the four characters in Swim! are from Freetown, Sierra Leone; Lagos, Nigeria; and Accra, Ghana. I’ve had the delight of visiting Freetown – a stunning place – and I’m due to head to Lagos and Accra later this year. Our play is West Africa meets the West Midlands!

Do you swim!?

Yes, though I’m not a massive swimmer at the moment. Since I had the audacity to write a play about swimming though, my plan is to get back into it in a big way. I might even become brave enough to do an open water swim!

Swim, Aunty, Swim! is at The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry from 20 May to 1 June. Book tickets here.

Muddy meets Siana Bangura – the brains behind The Belgrade’s hottest new show

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