Theatre play depicting Birmingham ‘Trojan Horse’ drama to be performed in Alum Rock

An award winning play depicting the real life events of the Trojan Horse inquiry is being performed in Alum Rock this weekend, as part of a national tour that has included the city’s mac Birmingham theatre.

Trojan Horse, which is based on 200 hours of interviews with the people at the centre of the controversy which saw Muslim parents being accused of trying to take over several schools in East Birmingham, is being presented in one of the communities affected by the dramatic turn of events.

The play won an Amnesty International Award and demonstrates how the Government inquiry left a lasting mark on the community.

Written by Helen Monks and directed by Matt Woodhead, acclaimed theatre-company LUNG have adapted from the real-life testimonies of those at the heart of the UK Government’s inquiry in order to create this hard-hitting production.

Originally developed with Leeds Playhouse, Amnesty International Freedom of Expression & Fringe First Award-winning production, Trojan Horse is the story of a community torn apart by racial division, ‘British values’ and the culture of Prevent.

Launching its most recent UK tour in October, Trojan Horse completed its run at the city’s mac theatre last night, and now cast and crew are putting on a special free community performance in the Saltley and Alum Rock area tomorrow evening (Saturday 23 November).

There will be a panel discussion following the performance piece, which will include Professor John Holmwood, whose book “Countering Extremism in British Schools: The Truth Behind The Trojan Horse Affair” mounted a vigorous defence of the parents.

He will be joined by Convenor of the ‘Putting Birmingham Kids First’ campaign, Salma Yaqoob, who is currently standing to be Labour’s candidate in next year’s West Midlands Mayoral election.

She said: “It is right this play is being staged in the community which was turned upside down because of the Trojan Horse Affair. The damage to Birmingham communities’ reputation is on the scale of the damage done to Liverpool communities following the reporting of the Hillsborough disaster.

“I urge anyone who has a stake in education in this city to attend this unique community event.”

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start at Pentecostal City Mission Church, Naseby Road, Alum Rock. Registration required. For free tickets, click here.