There are many World War II stories and the tiny British colony of Gibraltar at the mouth of the Mediterranean has one which shaped their future and still is making ripples into the 21st Century. When the war came to their doorstep the entire civilian population were moved out against their wishes and only able men stayed behind. Their families were scattered across the globe and those who were taken to England for their safety were thrust right into the middle of the London Blitz. Where these folks who barely spoke English suffered hardship, racism and worst of all separation from their loved ones. Then the final insult came when as the war was drawing to a close these Gibraltarians were not allowed to come home. Thus began the Civil Rights struggle of the men at home to bring their people back to them. Fighting for the right to have rights! ‘Llévame donde Nací’ is a play depicting that story.
These lovely folks made contributions to the script.
Anne Balestrino Reyes, Aida Barea, Kathryne Borge, Bettina Cary, Julian Felice, Paul Gache, Lourdes Galliano, Humbert Hernandez, Tony Loddo, James Neish, Trevor Norton, Elainne Perez, Louis Pitto, Anna Recagno, Vannessa Saccone Recagno, RoseAnn Victor and Macarena Yagüe Fonseca
Publicity & Reviews
Heritage Award
(Hear ‘Llevame Donde Naci’)
Pepe Roman.
I was not looking to write a historical play about Gibraltar, but found myself drawn into it by Jackie Villa. We had two anniversaries coming up, which were of great significance to locals. Both took place around the Second World War and how Gibraltarians were treated. The first was about the Evacuation of our children and families from the Rock. The second was how we had to fight to get our people back. As a tribute to these events and her own school drama teacher Lesley Zammit. Jackie Villa wanted to take a script called ‘The Civil Garrison’ written by Rebbeca Faller and adapt it to the stage. Mr. Zammit had spoken about wanting to stage the show. But, unfortunately, he died before doing so. I had read the original script years ago and found it to be utterly unperformable. It was full of clunky dialogue, endless lists of events, dull exposition, and lacking in any kind of cohesion. It certainly had none of the colour and flavour of the Llanitos. Nevertheless, it was our starting point and I am proud to say that Jackie and I did a pretty good job at getting the Titanic to float. LOL!!!
A Song For A Generation
Documentary
The story of the song written and composed by Pepe Roman. Produced and filmed by Donovan Torres in commemoration of 75 years of the wartime evacuation of the civilian population of Gibraltar.
Photos taken by cast and crew during the show.
(On stage)
(Backstage)
(Rehs)
(Techs & Front of House)
(Set)
(Party)
(Heritage Award & Action4Schools Dinners)
