A powerful new theatrical sharing exploring migration, family, and belonging
Kubulaya: Away From Home is a new work-in-progress theatrical sharing by Roots Mbili Theatre, written and directed by John Rwothomack, and presented at Sheffield’s intimate Playhouse theatre.

Set over the course of one emotionally charged evening, the story invites audiences to become silent witnesses to a family at breaking point.
The story
Meet Ntanda, the youngest daughter, turning seventeen and hoping for nothing more than time with her family.
Meet Vera, a nurse, mother, and wife, who has sacrificed a double-paid shift to be there.
Meet Nelson, once a successful businessman in Lusaka, now working as a care worker in Sheffield, navigating a life far removed from the one he built.
And meet Mulenga, an engineer who moved to the UK as a teenager and learned to survive within a system not built for him.

What begins as a birthday gathering slowly unravels into a night of revelations — sparked by a single, startling announcement — exposing truths that challenge everything this family believes about love, sacrifice, and survival.
Themes and approach
Infused with Zambian folk music and a rich blend of African and Western storytelling traditions, Kubulaya: Away From Home takes a bold and compassionate look at the high rate of separation among sub-Saharan African couples who migrate to the UK. The piece explores how culture, finance, faith, and migration pressures intersect to test family bonds.

This sharing presents the first act of the play and is co-produced by Seventh Productions. The performance will be followed by a Q&A session for ticket holders, offering audiences deeper insight into the work and its development.
Venue: The Playhouse
The performance takes place in the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, located within the Crucible. This flexible studio space is known for championing Sheffield-made work, fringe productions, and new voices — transforming completely for every show.
Age guidance: 12+
Running time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes (including interval)
🎟 Tickets & details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/kubulaya-away-from-home

Event details