Routes

This stage play explores the deep-seated struggles between races, inter-racial relationships, and immigration amidst the backdrop of post-World War I Cardiff, highlighting the urgent relevance of these themes today.

Routes is a powerful stage play that delves into the complex struggles surrounding racial divides, inter-racial relationships, immigration, and the clash between longstanding prejudices and emerging ideals. Set in 1919, in the aftermath of World War One, the narrative unfolds against a backdrop of high hopes and disillusionment as returning troops face a challenging job market and housing shortages. The ongoing Spanish Flu pandemic adds to the sense of urgency and despair, particularly in port towns like Cardiff, where a significant population of seafaring immigrants resides.

The story centers on the escalating racial tensions in Butetown, a community rife with unrest that reflects the broader societal upheavals occurring during the Red Summer in the United States. As violent race riots threaten to engulf the area, the protagonist, Bethan—a white nurse—finds herself in a perilous situation after being attacked by white aggressors due to her relationship with Raphael, a black activist. Trapped in a house amid the chaos, Bethan must confront not only her own fears but also the anger of Rose, a Jamaican-born boarding mistress, who is deeply affected by the turmoil surrounding them.

Despite the overwhelming atmosphere of violence, death, and rejection, Routes emphasizes the necessity of unity in the face of adversity. Bethan and Rose, though initially divided by their backgrounds and experiences, are compelled to set aside their differences and collaborate in a time of crisis. The play serves as a poignant reflection on the enduring relevance of its themes, highlighting the ongoing struggles against racial and social injustice that resonate today.