An idea sparked in Leeds lecture halls has developed into an organisation which supports refugees and asylum seekers and brings local communities together.
Keziah Berelson (MA Theatre and Global Development 2018) was working in frontline refugee support alongside her studies when she noticed a gap in opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers.
"I noticed there weren't many chances for people to practise English in a low-pressure, judge free environment," she says.
A six-week placement module with Leeds Refugee Forum gave Keziah and fellow student Tamsin Cook (Theatre and Global Development 2018) the opportunity to develop an idea that might change that.
Eight years on, Mafwa Theatre has grown into an organisation which uses creativity, culture and nature to celebrate migrant voices and strengthen communities across Leeds.
When Keziah and Tamsin were challenged to develop a six-week project with Leeds Refugee Forum, they could hardly have imagined the journey that would follow.
The workshops they developed at Leeds were well received and set the foundations of Mafwa theatre. Since starting out with a focus on drama, the offering has now expanded to encompass more opportunities for creativity.
“Our groups have always been melting pots”, says Keziah. “They’re not just for refugees and asylum seekers, they’re open for settled community members as well. It's a chance for people to connect, express themselves and explore their creativity.”
With weekly women’s groups, gardening sessions and family activities in Lincoln Green, there is something for everyone at Mafwa events.
In 2023, Mafwa worked with residents to create Roxby Community Garden, a once disused playground transformed into a vibrant green space for the community. Created in partnership with Leeds City Council and supported by local and national funding, the garden offers space for gardening, play and community events.
“It’s about creating places where people can form meaningful relationships,” says Keziah. “It’s a place where people can bring themselves, with no obligation to share or take part. Just a place to be.”
The garden launch was marked by Flourish, a programme of family activities, performances and eco-art workshops exploring the relationship between creativity, nature and community. Residents have continued to shape the space through activities such as Lincoln Greeners, a sustainable gardening group, which helps neighbours to meet and take an active role in their surroundings.
Mafwa also supports artists from migrant backgrounds, helping them develop their skills and share their work. One of its longest-running initiatives is Kuluhenna Drama, a free weekly group for women and non-binary people from refugee, asylum seekers and settled communities. Since 2018, more than 300 people have taken part, with members developing original performances, discovering new creative interests and building friendships.
Mafwa Theatre continues to meet their objective to show how the arts can offer more than performances. They can help people find their voice, a sense of belonging within their community and play a part in shaping the city they call home.
Further information
For further information, email Jessica Smith, Engagement Assistant at the University of Leeds, at J.I.Smith@leeds.ac.uk