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Stand & Be Counted PresentsRipples
An electric new play with live sound
Finish school, move to the big city, chase dreams of stardom. Life is just getting going. But then the letter arrives, and the van turns up. And everything changes.
“I have a story they don’t want me to tell.”
Lost in a world of surveillance and suspicion one man fights to hold onto who he is. Based on true events, the UK’s first Theatre Company of Sanctuary, Stand and Be Counted present an urgent and electrifying interrogation of 21st century Britain and the relentless power of hope.
Content information: Themes of racism, mental health, deportation, violence. Strong language. Flashing images on screen, flashing lights, loud noisesCredits
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Writer and Performer - Tafadzwa Muchenje
Director - Rosie MacPherson
Digital Director - Smart Banda
Producer - John Tomlinson
Composer and Sound Designer - Lee Affen
Technical Director - Tom Robbins
Movement Director - Zoe Katsilerou
Video Designer - Matt Powell
Lighting Designer - Charly Dunford
Technical Stage Manager - Joe Bunce
Associate Directors - Chelsea Morgan and Nadia Emam
Associate Producer - Muetesim Abdel
Digital Associate - Ai Narapol
Associate Artist - Lihle Mdlalana
PR and Comms - Ellen Beardmore
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A Stand and Be Counted Theatre production. Supported by Sheffield Theatres, Oldham Coliseum, Bloc Projects and 1853 Studios, with funding from Arts Council England and Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Ripples was first presented at Bloc Projects, Sheffield between 5-13 September and 1853 Studios, Oldham between 17-20 September 2025.
'Tafadzwa’s performance is truly electric'
- Exposed Magazine
REVIEWS
'An undeniably unforgettable piece of work that sends out shock waves of humanity.'
- Rotherham Advertiser
'Pounding music punctuates a mentally draining, inspiring piece of balletic physical theatre, faultlessly directed by Rosie MacPherson with tremendous sounds from Lee Affen, terrific video design by Matt Powell and great lighting by Charly Dunford as part of an immersive top technical team.'
- Rotherham Advertiser
★★★★
'Muchenje is incredibly impressive... he holds the audience in the palm of his hands... giving everything he has in every second he is on stage.'
- Reviews Hub
our art podcast.
1853 Studios & Gallery (Oldham, Greater Manchester) presents Ripples — a powerful and thought-provoking new show by Tafadzwa Muchenje. Running from 17–20 September, this unmissable exhibition explores some of the most crucial issues of our time.
Activism toolkit
Across the UK, incredible people and organisations are working tirelessly to support refugees and asylum seekers. Here you’ll find a handpicked list of groups in Sheffield and Oldham that you can support — whether by volunteering, donating, or joining their campaigns.
About Tafadzwa Muchenje
Tafadzwa Muchenje is an award winning writer, actor, and multidisciplinary artist whose work blends personal truth with bold social commentary. He began his theatre journey with Stand & Be Counted Theatre in 2016 (Where We Began, Where We Are) and most recently contributed to Not A Chance Encounter with ArtReach. Alongside his creative work, Taf is a marketing executive at Channel 4, where he’s led major campaigns including Taskmaster and Married at First Sight UK. In 2022, he founded The Shed - Channel 4’s men’s network - supporting conversations around allyship, identity, masculinity, responsibility, and gender equity. Taf is passionate about opening up access to the arts and creative industries through apprenticeships and storytelling. Taf is an Associate Artist of Stand & Be Counted Theatre.
