In 2017 the phrase Ramalama Ding Dong was repeatedly sneered at Roshi by a stranger on a train after he briefly heard her speak Farsi to her family. Her friends urged reporting it as a hate crime. Essex police confirmed that it was part of a general rise in racist hate crime since 2016.Roshi started to recount the story at open mics and CPT's Shape Of Things To Come fest. She explored re-telling the story with experiments in stand-up and sound art: using vocal processing technologies to create repetitious effects to the point of absurdity, aiming for provocation without becoming preachy. She added further accounts of real-life racism, realising that while racism is no laughing matter it can be risible, surreal and even darkly funny. With support from an ACE Project's Grant, a Covid19 bursary from Sound & Music, rehearsal space from CPT and NewDiorama Theatre plus a wonderful creative team. Roshi has gone on to develop this piece, gathering extremely positive press and audience responses from initial shows 2022 and with more lined up in 2023.The show features beautiful films made by Al Orange and reflections from actor and childhood friend Peter Stray.

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Show me the charities

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now