Supported by the Pleasance’s Generate Fund for UK-based Black, Asian and Global Majority Artists, Rinkoo Barpaga sets out to tell the story of South Asian Deaf people living in Britain. Performed in British Sign Language with a live voiceover, Made in India Britain is an insight into one man’s life as he tries to work out exactly who he is. Join him as he delves deep into past experiences to discover his true self and a place he can finally call home.
Inspired by his mother’s storytelling, Barpaga tells a story that is common to many second-generation migrants living in urban locations. Made in India Britain is his journey – his reaction to the discrimination he has faced, moments when he has felt settled, fleeting moments of acceptance, the fear of what maybe coming next and the prejudice that is only just around the corner.
Made in India Britain considers how you become who you are and where you belong. Throughout life, people influence our decisions and ways of thinking, from primary school teachers to TV presenters. All these impact and shape perspective.
Rinkoo Barpaga comments, My life has been influenced by how people saw me as a Deaf person and person of colour. People assume that you have to fit into one category. I ended up moving around the country numerous times to find the right environment and people who would accept me and allow me to fit in. The enormous amount of rejection I have faced has made me who I am. The Fringe is an undeaf festival, it is not a deaf environment, I want to show what I can do to change perceptions of deaf people amongst audience, press, venues and promoters.
The Generate Fund for UK-based Black, Asian and Global Majority Artists is supported by the Charlie Hartill Special Reserve. Rinkoo Barpaga is supported by Deaf Explorer CIC.
