As part of Micro Rainbow’s Social Inclusion programme, Sista Sista runs as a regular peer support group for LBTQI refugee and asylum-seeking women. Many of our community members have been victims of gender-based violence and homophobic abuse, and Sista Sista acts as a rarely found safe space for them to come together in solidarity. Sista Sista gives our beneficiaries the opportunity to share their stories, compassionately listen and make meaningful community connections. Once a month, the Sista Sista group meets to participate in arts or wellbeing activities. These sessions range from workshops, theatre trips, gallery and museum visits, and usually centre themes relevant to women from the global majority. In honour of Black History Month this October, Sista Sista visited Shakespeare’s Globe theatre to watch the empowering new play, Princess Essex, by Anne Odeke.
Princess Essex at Shakespeare’s Globe
Princess Essex, written by and starring Anne Odeke, is inspired by the powerful true story of Princess Dinubolu, the first Black woman to compete in a UK beauty pageant. Little is known about the real-life Princess Dinubolu, and her impact has largely been forgotten by modern historians. The reimagination of this story aligns perfectly with the concept of Reclaiming Narratives, this year’s theme for Black History Month.
The story of Joanna
Odeke’s play transports the audience at Shakespeare’s Globe back to the Edwardian seaside where we are introduced to our protagonist Joanna. Joanna is a mixed-heritage woman who disguises herself as a Senegalese Princess, Princess Dinubolu, to take part in Southend-on-Sea’s 1908 beauty pageant. The play uses humour, music, physical comedy and dance to create a fun and vibrant atmosphere, complimented by monologues and discussions touching on the play’s most important themes. This trip encouraged our group to reflect on racism, colonialism and misogyny which have been long present in Western society, whilst celebrating the empowerment of women, the strength of the protagonist, and the impact of those forgotten by history on future generations. The play also engages with the concept of beauty and how beauty is perceived globally, which we will discuss in an online Sista Sista group in November 2024.
Connecting with the themes of the play
Our group had a wonderful time watching Princess Essex at Shakespeare’s Globe and the visit has even inspired further research on the real-life event. The story of Princess Dinubolu connected with our beneficiaries on multiple levels, and being able to experience this together as a group was incredibly special. One of our community members found watching the play to be a very emotional experience, since it brought back memories of her life before claiming asylum, when she used to perform in a theatre with an open-air stage. Another beneficiary was moved by the story of Princess Essex, as the themes explored resonated with her intersectional experience as a queer, asylum-seeking woman in the UK. Everyone loved the location of the theatre, and the fact that our visit took place in the evening, when the lit-up St Pauls Cathedral could be seen from across the Thames.
After an uplifting evening at the theatre, the Sista Sista group is looking forward to the next outing!
Feedback from the women who attended
“The play illustrated how far we have come from in terms of acceptance of people different from us whether by colour, race, height, size, geographical locations, social classes. It shows how certain clusters of people in society are treated with contempt – yet, before we are classified by anything, we are all human beings that deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and fairness.”
“The [Sista Sista] space created for connection and sharing is truly special, and I’m incredibly grateful for the positive energy and warmth you all bring. Every moment felt meaningful thanks to your genuine approach and the sense of community fostered. I feel proud to be part of such a strong and inspiring group.”
“The story was very moving and touched on important themes of racism which is particularly significant to me as an asylum seeker. The play had a powerful impact mixing humor with the serious subject of racial discrimination and misogyny against foreign women.”
How you can support LGBTQI people fleeing persecution
Learn more about how Micro Rainbow supports LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers by visiting the Social Inclusion programme page. If you would like to play a key role in helping LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees attend events like these – become an ally!
