Up in the Mango Trees by Britny Virginia

A young disabled woman, Tas’xi, has grown up on the on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. Tas’xi life revolves around college, MaMae’s produce stall and observing the streets of Passae Valley known as Smelly Valley.

She sees how the hooding’s rule the roads, how sex is forcibly sold for a mere portion of daily bread, and with a lack of governmental support, she hopes to make a change somehow, but for a disabled woman in the Caribbean that is nothing short of impossible.

But when Michael steps in, that dream seems a little more tangible. As they fire remarks towards each other, he pushes her to see her true potential in pursuing the prestigious Carnival Queen title. And with the help of her fierce MaMae and secure faith, Tas’xi takes the stage but not without many hurdles along the way. Includes a Q&A after the performance.

Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent. Supported by Bishop & Sewell