Suitcase Stories: Nightjar

The drum. The beat. The rhythm. Can you hear it? Can you feel it? What is it saying? This is the language of the drum – every sound has a meaning, every sound has a code, every sound carries a message. It can move you. It is the heartbeat of us all. Listen closely – it is telling you a story. My story. The story of how I came to be here. 

Abena lives in Ghana. Sitting among the huge trees one day she spots a camouflaged bird – the nightjar. They become friends and Abena questions where the nightjar goes for half the year. She is happy until one day she is told she must leave her home and move to England. This is a story about migration, about learning how to fit in, about differences and similarities, and ultimately how we can hold two homes in one heart.  

Co-Produced with New Forest based company African Activities and with funding from Arts Council England, Suitcase Stories: Nightjar is a 30 minute, one person show for primary schools, care homes, and libraries.   

African Activities will be taking the show to festivals this summer. To book a Suitcase Stories: Nightjar performance, please contact African Activities on adeola@africanactivities.org.uk. For Black History Month enquires, contact Ellie at Forest Forge on ellie@forestforgetheatre.co.uk.

Nightjar is a collaboration between Forest Forge Theatre and African Activities and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Download the Visual Story here:

What are Suitcase Stories?

Nightjar is Forest Forge’s third Suitcase Story. Suitcase Stories are small, flexible performances brought
to life by a single actor and their magical suitcase. These beautiful and accessible shows provide a perfect introduction to theatre for all ages. If you’re interested in booking a Suitcase Stories performance for your school, see our schools brochure for more details. To enquire about any other bookings, please email ellie@forestforgetheatre.co.uk.