Blood and Gold: Performance and Q&A

Video by : Mara Menzies

For Refugee Week 2022, Open University students, staff and external guests were invited to three events being held in celebration of the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. The series of events were part of our Open University work towards becoming a University of Sanctuary, and ensuring that we create a culture of welcome and support for students and staff affected by forced displacement and migration.

In her award winning show Blood and Gold, which had its debut at the Edinburgh Fringe, Mara Menzies explores migration journeys, weaving tragedy, loss and trauma in a rich tapestry which tells the story of colonialism, migration and oppression but also of humanity, love and healing.

Mara Menzies is an award winning performance storyteller whose dynamic, colourful style brings this ancient artform to life, drawing on her rich, dual Kenyan / Scottish cultural heritage, to create worlds that explore contemporary issues though legend, myth and fantasy. She has been invited to share stories in 27 countries with her latest production, ‘Blood and Gold’ exploring the legacy of colonialism and slavery through myth, legend and fantasy. It premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2019 as part of the Made in Scotland showcase and was nominated for the CATS award 2020 and was one of 5 shows nominated for the Filipa Braganca award for best emerging solo female performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2019, receiving rave reviews from top theatre critics.

You can purchase Mara’s book, Blood and Gold

Tickets to see Mara performing at Edinburgh Fringe festival

Sanctuary at The Open University

Sanctuary Scholarships at The Open University