HUMAN CARGO is an epic night of story and song, featuring two masters of the craft. Storyteller Matthew Crampton’s recent show The Transports was given five stars by The Guardian. Now he returns with a new adaptation of his acclaimed book Human Cargo: Stories & Songs of Emigration, Slavery and Transportation. An inspired collaboration unites Matthew with American traditional music legend Jeff Warner. Together, they cast fresh light on human migration, giving voice to those actually aboard the slave ships and emigrant boats and, crucially, framing today’s heated issue with history and humanity. Each performance also features stories researched locally, as part of the Parallel Lives project. Expect a rich and entertaining evening.
MATTHEW CRAMPTON’s recent success with The Transports has highlighted his emergence as a foremost storyteller and singer within the folk scene.
JEFF WARNER is one of America’s leading interpreters of traditional music. Born to an eminent family of folksong collectors, his pedigree is matched by his remarkable ability to connect 21st century audiences with the everyday lives of people from past centuries.
The Human Cargo live tour begins in May. Matthew explains a little more below:
“We’re aiming for something different – a rich night of story and song, woven together like a radio show, but with the magic of theatre and the warmth of a folk session. There’ll even be jokes – maybe some music hall. And, through all this, a fresh, firm take on the matter of migration. Do join us.”
HUMAN CARGO TOUR
11 May ST ALBANS Maltings
12 May BLACKBURN Mellor Brook CC
13 May SETTLE Victoria Hall
16 May CARDIGAN Mwldan
17 May BRISTOL St George’s
23 May TORRINGTON Plough Arts
2 June NEWCASTLE Gosforth Civic Theatre*
3 June BEVERLEY East Riding
5 June LIVERPOOL Philharmonic Hall
7 June SHOREHAM Ropetackle*
12 June EXETER Phoenix*
13 June DORCHESTER Shire Hall*
14 June HALESWORTH The Cut* – with FolkEast
15 June LONDON King’s Place
16 June MATLOCK Florence Nightingale Hall tkts 01773 856545
17 June BEDFORD The Place
* tickets on sale soon
For more information visit the official website www.humancargo.co.uk
“An elegant, vital insight into human suffering and survival” Cerys Matthews
“Beautiful, powerful, poignant and informative” Ilyaz Hajat, The Refugee Council
