Don't Leave Me This Way

In 2019, Zoo Indigo embarked on an odyssey across Europe; searching for cultural identity along the shores of the Danube in Budapest; crossing the Irish sea retracing ancestral footsteps to the docks of Dun Laoghaire. Emerging from the shadow of Brexit, they listened for echoes of cultural belonging in the streets of Berlin. Collecting stories, folk dances and lyrics along the way, their journey now brings them to their final call: Auditioning for a motherland in Don’t Leave Me This Way, the duo perform a series of citizenship catwalks to
live music from Rob Rosa and digital projections by Barret Hodgson. This contemporary performance spoken in English with German and Hungarian is a concert that never quite happens, grieving the loss of identity, home and the Eurovision song contest, in a playful and provocative exploration of cultural belonging.

Trailer link

“As Brexit looms once more, this is a production that celebrates how European we all are, not only genetically but in the broadest cultural sense, as freedom of movement brought people as well as literature, popular culture and music across borders.”
The Reviews Hub

“Not only does the production challenge culture and prejudice, but it also touches upon gender, and a deep sense on what it means to belong.”
The Upcoming

“Intriguing and heartfelt. Zoo Indigo succeeds in bringing an avant garde and unique air to a subject that is relevant and always penetrates our social fabric. It gives food for thought and raises important questions around identity.”
North West End UK

“What a poignant experience. I watched it with laughter and some sadness. Wogan and mortality all on a Friday night. Wow.”
Audience Member

“Blown away by Zoo Indigo's new theatre piece.. Brilliant performance by two of the most charismatic performers we have in the region. Complex, thought provoking, chilling and celebratory in equal measure about the legacy of our mixed heritages, and how prejudice, and nationalism impact on our lives”.
Michaela Butter, Director of Attenborough Arts Centre

Credits:
Produced and presented by Zoo Indigo
Music: Rob Rosa
Multimedia: Barret Hodgson
Lighting design: Ben Hughes
Dramaturg: Sarah Thom, Gobsquad
With thanks to: Matt Marks

With thanks for their funding and support to:

Arts Council England
European Regional Development Fund
Attenborough Arts Centre
De Montfort University
In Good Company