John Pfumojena, The Old Courts and the Collaborative Touring Network Presents Bunker of Zion
In Wigan for three nights only! Bunker of Zion brings together an underground collective of artists to tell their incredible stories. Through energetic live music, dance, and song, you will experience a colourful celebration of Zimbabwean culture.

Set in a world where music is forbidden, the Bunker is a centre for joy, a meeting place, a defiant celebration of culture in a hostile world.

The three nights of Bunker of Zion will be held in the iconic Wigan Pier building, in partnership with Step Places. Reopening for three nights only, this is a unique opportunity to visit the historic venue and to see the essential work that has been done before the venue officially reopens soon.

On your own, with a friend, or with your whole family! This theatre production is an opportunity for everyone to feel the energy of Zimbabwean culture and to enjoy an incredible experience together. Bunker of Zion is set to music that has been masterfully created using traditional Zimbabwe Mbira and Marimba instruments; expect joyful, bouncing rhythms and powerful songs.

PLUS - that's not all! We'll be hosting an after party in the Wigan Pier space following the show. DJ Andy Shake'N'Fingerpop will be spinning Afrobeat, Afro-Jazz and more. To complement, there'll be authentic Zimbabwean food from Right Hand Sisters Kitchen.

https://youtu.be/4TrVb6Z1V9g

John Pfumojena is an accomplished and expressive Zimbabwean musician, performer, writer, and composer. John and his ensemble will be bringing you boundless energy through a number of different art forms. You can expect traditional and modern Zimbabwean dance fusion with break dance and gumboot dance. Make sure to follow @MMAncestors for more information on John’s work.

Bunker of Zion has been developed with artists and communities nationally with the Collaborative Touring Network.

In Wigan, John has worked with Farai Nhakaniso and his incredible local community group, Everything Human Rights. Farai works within the Wigan borough offering a variety of services with the aim of promoting the wellbeing and integration of migrant ethnic minorities living in Wigan and Leigh.

People from Wigan, Torbay, Peterborough, Thanet, Medway, Gloucester and Scarborough have shared their stories and talents to make this show. For more information and tour listings, visit www.ctn.org.uk.

Audience Information

All performances of Bunker of Zion are Relaxed. This means there is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement in the performance space. Latecomers will be welcomed, and people are free to leave the performance space and return at any time. No changes are made to the lights and sound.

DOORS: 7pm
SHOW TIME: 8pm

Running time: approx. 60 minutes

Seating information
Seating is unreserved on the ground floor of the performance space. Upper floors are standing room only and is also unreserved.

Accessibility information

• There will be toilets at the venue, including a wheelchair accessible toilet
• Wheelchair users – there is step-free access to the ground floor level of Wigan Pier. Wheelchair audience positions will be on this level of the space. The upper levels (standing room tickets only) are not accessible to wheelchair users.
• Personal assistant tickets – we offer 2 x free tickets to anyone requiring personal assistant support at the event.
• Relaxed performance - All performances of Bunker of Zion are Relaxed. This means there is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement in the performance space. Latecomers will be welcomed, and people are free to leave the performance space and return at any time. No changes are made to the lights and sound.
• Parking – please note there is no audience parking on site

Credits
Composed by John Pfumojena
Devised by John Pfumojena, with Tawanda Mapanda, Niyi Akin and the Company
Lighting Design by Joe Hornsby
Costume Design by Mydei Maf

Support

The development of Bunker of Zion has been supported using public funding through Arts Council England, and by the following organisations: Battersea Arts Centre, Tangle Theatre Company, Prime Theatre, National Theatre Music Studio, Jerwood Arts, Strike A Light, Genesis Foundation, Hawkwood College. The following artists have informed the creation of the work: Othnell Moyo, Raymond Mupfumira, Biliard Kambona, Takudzwa Mashonganyika, Tawanda Mapanda, Kudzanai Chikowe, Niyi Akin.