Brian Beacom

WE THINK we have an impression of what refugees suffer.

We get to see film of the desperate and dangerous sea crossings, the problems on arrival.

But do we really have a clue of the cost to the human spirit?

Pinar Aksu is part of a company called World Spirit Theatre which produces community theatre.

The group’s new play, Where Are You Really From is being staged as part of the Refugee Festival Scotland programme this week.

The aim of World Spirit Theatre is to raise awareness of asylum seekers, to help Scots understand the human suffering involved.

“We are made up of people who have been granted asylum, and some who have yet to get their papers, perhaps going through the asylum process,” says Pinar.

“We want to be able to help with their confidence, to offer a place for them to come along and rehearse and perhaps perform in different places.”

Pinar, 26, understands the problems asylum seekers have to contend with.

Her parents are Turks who had to leave the country 17 years ago.

“They made the decision to come here for political reasons,” she recalls. “We lived in a village and they were farmers.

“We were part of a different ethnic minority, Alevi, and other Alevis in the village had already gone to prison.”

The family escaped to the UK and the Home Office Dispersal Programme programme saw them located in Scotland.

“My family was detained in Dungavel for two months when they came here.

“And while Scotland in general is welcoming there is lots to understand for those who come here.

“Asylum seekers have to come to terms with the language barrier, get to know the area, and the people who lived there.”

Pianar, who is a full-time community worker adds; “The other problem is that you can’t work while you are seeking asylum.”

This means families are trapped in a State system, unable to function, to earn, to feel valid.

“This actually went on for six or seven years,” says Pinar of her parents’ case.

“It takes a long time to get your papers and you only get a small amount of money from the Home Office.

“Right now, I know of people who have been asylum seekers for up to twelve years. During that time you can reach a point of destitution.”

Pinar’s theatre group wants to get that reality across to audiences.

“We really have to raise awareness. If all they (Scottish people) know is what they see on the news then you can get problems of prejudice.”

Pinar believes persecution of asylum seekers is increasing in some areas.

“You have politicians freely saying that people are not welcome here, which adds to prejudices. And what’s happening with Brexit is adding to the problem.

“That’s why it’s really important the government and the media spread information that doesn’t make judgements about cultures.

“And they have to reveal, for example, how many asylum seekers will actually be coming. The truth is we will have 20,000 coming to Scotland over five years, which is nothing compared to other countries.

“We have to let the public know that around half of the asylum seekers are sent back to their own country.

“At the moment the public aren’t aware of this.”

Pinar’s family survived the asylum process. Her parents would go to community centres, try and learn English, to try and assimilate.

Her parents eventually found work, her dad working in industry.

But for new arrivals life is even tougher.

“Once the asylum seekers arrive, we have to let the local people know they are arriving. This is crucial. If that’s not there we can have racist incidents developing.

“We need to break down barriers. The rise of the right wing government and racism and misinformation has to be revealed.

“And we have to remember Scotland is a country built on immigration.”

Theatre is helping to spread the word, to help allay fears and concerns.

Pinar’s group has already staged successful production in Glasgow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Newcastle.

“We don’t put out big productions,” she says. “We only get a tiny bit of funding. We keep costs low and try to be creative.”

The cast is made up of the local community.

Does the baby in the photograph featured in the productions?

“Yes, he’s part of the play but he cried too much in rehearsals,” she says smiling.

“We’re not sure if he will be in the show.”

Pinar is optimistic the production will help reshape thinking. That inherent racism will subside.

“I’m fed up of people asking ‘Where are you from?’ I say ‘Glasgow,’ and they say, ‘Yes, but where are you really from?’

“Really, that stays with you all your life.

“I just want to say I’m from Glasgow. Hopefully, theatre can get that message across.”

• Where Are You Really From? The Kinning Park Complex, from 6pm, as part of the Refugee Festival, theatre, music and poetry.

The production will also be staged at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.