It’s #RefugeeWeek2019 and with this post we want to shine a spotlight on one of the storylines in Parakeet as well as introduce you to the wonderful Lula Mebrahtu, who plays Tam, a young Eritrean refugee, in Parakeet.
Brigitte Aphrodite, writer of Parakeet, worked closely with a charity that offers support and help to young refugees in Thanet. The musical has been inspired by the many young people who Brigitte has gotten to know and that’s something that we want to celebrate in a time where we feel that empathy has to be the new punk.
The character of Tam brings to life the realities of being a young refuge in the UK and being faced with the uncertainty of potentially being deported. If young refugees aren’t granted refugee status upon arrival, they’re usually given a temporary period of leave to remain until they are 17. After this point you must apply to stay in the UK and with this a lot of young people are left in limbo whilst they wait to hear the outcome of their application. This is where Tam is at in Parakeet, waiting.
Fortunately, Girl and Dust have Tam’s back and they are ready to fight by her side, one punk song at a time!
If you want to find out more about Tam, come and see Parakeet! Keep scrolling for more details on the show and now discover some fun facts about Lula Mebrahtu.
IDName: LULANickname: lulaPronouns: She/HerCharacter in Parakeet: TAMBirthday: JULY 14Zodiac Sign: CancerBirthplace: EritreaInstagram: @lula.xyz
Speak the truth
If you could travel time, when would you go?
1st gig in space
Which bird are you?
Phoenix
3 words to describe your 17 year old self
Dreamer, Shy, Extrovert
Your 3 main personality traits
Shy, Empathetic, Dreamer
If you can imagine it, then its possible. Speak it into existence
Favourite instrument
Bass/guitar/drums
Are you more London or Margate?
London
Favourite number
3
Favourite colour
Black
IG or Snapchat
IG
Favourite podcast
How I built this
Pet peeve
People asking how r u when they aren’t really asking
Life motto
Be like water
Are you ready to spread your wings? Come see the show!
Paines Plough Roundabout @ Summerhall
1 Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1PL – Venue 26
31 July – 25 August | 17.05