‘Swim, Aunty, Swim!’, by Siana Bangura | Staged Readings

Information

DAT REN WE BIT BITA-LIF SOTE I BITA, NA-IN BIT SHUGA KEN SOTE I SWIT – Krio Proverb

(Translation: The same rain that beats bitter-leaf until its bitter, beats sugar cane until it’s sweet.)

Fatu is in search of a new life and a fresh start. Leaving London behind, she makes her way to Coventry. There she forms a friendship with fellow members of her new church, Aunty Blessing and Aunty Ama – a fiery, entertaining and sharp-witted duo of West African women in their prime, navigating changes and transitions in their own lives.

At Ama’s whim, the three of them embark on a watery challenge.

What begins as light-hearted fun and a distraction from the mundane routine of life and church, becomes a ritual of healing and rebirth, after a season of grieving.

Set where West Africa meets the West Midlands, ‘Swim, Aunty, Swim!’ is a profound, poetic story of friendship, loss, sisterhood, motherhood, ageing, starting again, and the sublime power of water.

Brought to you by Siana Bangura Productions, join us for two special staged readings of Siana Bangura’s critically acclaimed multi-award winning play. Premiering at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre in 2024, ‘Swim, Aunty, Swim!’ makes its London debut at Etcetera Theatre’s Women Writers Festival 2026 and is not to be missed!

Written and directed by Siana Bangura.

Social media:

@sianaarrgh

@sianabanguraproductions