A new play which focuses on the untold story of African soldiers who fought for Britain in World War Two will be performed at the Crucible Theatre next month.
The play, called ‘Never Look Back’ was written by John Rwothomack, a Sheffield actor and director, who took inspiration for the play from his Ugandan family heritage.
John, the founder of Sheffield’s Roots Mbili Theatre, said: “Both my grandfathers served on the frontline in World War Two, and my great-grandfather served in World War One. I felt that legacy was the past that’s missing for me.
“I didn’t know anything about what they had gone through because it simply wasn’t spoken of. Many Africans today still don’t know the stories of their grandparents in the war.
“I believe this is the first time this story has been told in a theatre.”
The first act of Never Look Back will take place at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre for one night only on November 4, a week before Remembrance Day and just after Black History Month concludes.
The play will focus on the relationship between veteran Komakech Ogwang and his granddaughter Anena Gladis, who wants to know more about his service while he is uneasy about unearthing the past.
During the performance, the conversations will transport the audience back from present-day Uganda to 1944, where the daily terrors of war and racial inequality will be revealed.
Over a year of research has been undertaken in Africa and the UK has gone into production, with award-winning director James Ngcobo at the helm.
John said commemorating the soldiers of the Kings African Rifles (KAR), rarely mentioned in remembrance terms or history lessons, was a driving force for the work.
He said: “I tried so hard to find these stories, some legacy for the soldiers, but it doesn’t exist.
“These soldiers are not recognised for what they did. That’s why I had to write this show, to offer some kind of recognition.”
Tickets for the Never Look Back show at The Crucible are available on a pay-as-you-feel basis, starting at £5.
The work-in-progress performance is part of the production’s development before it transitions to a full tour.
The performance starts at 7 p.m. on November 4, with tickets including a Q&A session with the cast and creative team afterwards.
To book tickets, call the box office on 0114 249 6000 or visit sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.