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Refugee Boy: the plot
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Lemn Sissay's play, adapted from Benjamin Zephaniah's 2001 novel, was first performed in 2013 at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds. It follows a teenage boy seeking asylum in Britain.
Left in London
Alem Kelo is fourteen. His father is Ethiopian and his mother Eritrean, and the two countries are at war, so the family is not safe in either.
Alem's father brings him to London, apparently for a holiday, then leaves him there for his safety.
Alem is taken into care and placed in a children's home.
Alem's father brings him to London, apparently for a holiday, then leaves him there for his safety.
Alem is taken into care and placed in a children's home.
The asylum system
Alem is moved to a foster family, the Fitzgeralds, who treat him with kindness.
He applies for asylum, but his case is refused and he must appeal.
He learns that his mother has been killed. His father comes to Britain and also seeks asylum.
He applies for asylum, but his case is refused and he must appeal.
He learns that his mother has been killed. His father comes to Britain and also seeks asylum.
Tragedy and friendship
Alem's friends support his case.
His father is shot and killed in London.
The play shows Alem holding on to his father's values of peace and to the support of the people who care for him.
His father is shot and killed in London.
The play shows Alem holding on to his father's values of peace and to the support of the people who care for him.
Why does Alem's father leave him in London?
- Alem's parents come from Ethiopia and Eritrea, which are at war.
- Mixed-heritage families like his are threatened in both countries.
- His father wants Alem to be safe.
Answer: To keep him safe from the war between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Alem left in London, care home, foster family, asylum refused and appealed, mother killed, father arrives and is killed, and Alem supported by friends and the Fitzgeralds.
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