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Rooted

  • Performance Lab, Sheffield Hallam University Arundel Gate Sheffield, England, S1 2LQ United Kingdom (map)

Rooted

Claire Beerjeraz

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Date: Tue 23 June

Time: 19:00 - 20:10

Venue: Performance Lab, Sheffield Hallam University

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ABOUT THE SHOW

Claire has been told to ‘go back home’ countless times, but where is home for them? An African island they’ve only visited once? Their parents’ unrecognisable house, falling apart in an increasingly gentrified borough?

Between memories of their childhood home, shaded by parental mental health difficulties; and memories of Liverpool, laced with dead friends and racial abuse, Claire doesn’t know if they’ll ever feel truly rooted.

This darkly comic solo show explores and celebrates intersectional identities, marginalised communities, and the unconventional ways that we find home.

Genre: drama, comedy and poetry

Book Tickets
Book Festival Pass

Event Format & Information

  • 18:45 - Doors open

  • 18:45-19:00 - Attendees arrive and find a seat

  • 19:00-20:10 - Main event happens

  • 20:30 - Event ends

Audience members can choose to sit and watch the show or engage in moments of audience interaction.

  • There are moments throughout the show where audience members may be handed props, short lines to read, answer questions, or interact with the performer from their seat - facilitated by the performer themselves (this is very light-hearted and playful and the performer will often ask the audience member before engaging with them).

  • There is a point in the script where all audience members are invited to clap and use materials provided to create some music. There is also a scene where 3 audience members will be asked to join the stage for a short scene - this will be an open invite for whoever may be interested.

  • Nothing is compulsory or expected if you don't feel up for it. We encourage audience members who are keen to be more involved in the show to sit closer to the front of the stage.

  • If you are sat toward the front due to access provisions but don't want to be involved in direct audience participation, you can let the performer know who will be in the space when doors open.

  • Attendees can leave at any time. Please be advised that the seating is in close proximity to the stage. If you think you may need to leave before the end, it is advised to find a seat on the front row as this will be least disruptive to the performance.

Seating: Unreserved seating is available at this event, but if you have specific requirements, please get in touch.

Audio: There is music and ambient sound to support the performance throughout. Free earplugs are available at the ticket desk if needed.

Lighting: Changing lights. The room will have a dim light on audience members throughout the show so they can see in front of themselves and the performer can also see them.

Quiet space: There is no dedicated quiet space at this venue.

Venue Accessibility

Performance Lab is situated in the Arundel Gate Court building at Sheffield Hallam University. 

Detailed access information for Performance Lab is available on AccessAble.

If you have any questions regarding accessibility for this event, please contact us at access@migrationmattersfestival.co.uk.

  • Claire Beerjeraz is a Director, Writer, Facilitator, and Creative Therapist. Disabled, Global Majority, and very Dykey, they tell stories rooted in lived experience, blending creativity with activism for healing, positive action, and authentic representation. Claire is passionate about reducing barriers to the arts and amplifying underrepresented voices.

    They’ve directed film and theatre for the past four years, collaborating with organisations like 20 Stories High, Unity Theatre, and Liverpool Everyman Theatre. Recent credits include: Rooted (Writer & Co-Director, Unity Theatre/The Dukes Lancaster, 2025), Mrs Dalloway (Assistant Director, Storyhouse Mainstage, 2026), Love & Information (Assistant Director, Storyhouse, Garret Theatre, 2025), and Wind in the Willows (Co-Director, Storyhouse Mainstage, 2024).

  • Elinor Randle is a director and movement director based in Liverpool. She is Artistic Director of Tmesis Theatre & Physical Fest, international festival. Tmesis Theatre’s physical theatre productions have toured nationally and internationally for the past 18 years to critical acclaim.

    Elinor has worked as a Director or Movement Director for many companies and artists nationally and internationally, including; Leeds Playhouse, Box of Tricks, Surge Festival, Theatre Temoin and the Everyman and Playhouse.

  • Marcella Rick is a Director and writer from Liverpool. Proudly queer, scouse, and disabled, they are passionate about new works and telling stories from unique perspectives in non-traditional ways. Marcella's debut play, Potato Milk - a scouse comedy about polyamory and milk alternatives - was met with a sold-out run at Liverpool's Playhouse Studio last year. Their recent credits include: Rooted (Co-Director, 2025); Sober Curious (Writer & Director, 2023/24); Twelf Night (Writer, 2024).

    Alongside, Director/Writer Claire Beerjeraz, Marcella is the founder and Joint Artistic Director of Turning Worm Theatre - a disability-led theatre company currently exploring international approaches to creative access.

  • Xenia Bayer started off in Vienna Austria, moved to Liverpool in 2006, worked as a freelance technician first, then at the Everyman and Playhouse as lighting and sound technician from 2008 until late 2021, when she transferred to the Unity Theatre. Throughout her work there have been opportunities for lighting or sound designs and since moving to the Unity she gets to do more regular lighting designs.

EVENT INFO

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Migration Matters Festival Short Film Night
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Khalida Popal In Conversation