In August 1976, six workers walked out of the Grunwick Film Processing Laboratory in Willesden, igniting an historic two-year dispute.
As the first workers left the factory, one - Jayaben Desai - offered a parting shot to the management who told them to stop chattering like monkeys: "What you are running here is not a factory, it is a zoo. But in a zoo there are many types of animals. Some are monkeys who dance on your fingertips, others are lions who can bite your head off. We are the lions, Mr Manager."
This famous line gives the title to Neil Gore's new play by Townsend Productions, centred on the life of Jayaben Desai, who was one of the leaders of the dispute that challenged the way women and immigrants are treated in the workplace.
The first half dozen women were soon joined by most of the workforce - and thousands of trade unionists from around the country, including miners, came to the aid of the mostly female Asian work force in defence against low pay, unfair working conditions and bullying. Grunwick became one of the most bitterly fought trade union battles of the 1970s, with police arresting and assaulting hundreds of people on the picket lines.
We Are The Lions, Mr Manager tells the story of Jayaben Desai and the Grunwick strike through a mixture of song, poetry, movement and dance, and utilises Townsend Production's trademark cast of two characters playing multiple roles.
"In our work we aim to focus on the lives and contributions of inspirational and vital figures from our social history, often forgotten, who campaigned vigorously to improve the quality of life for everyone" says Neil Gore "Jayaben Desai is one such figure. Her resolve and courage should be remembered and celebrated."
We Are The Lions, Mr Manager, runs for two nights at the Working Class Movement Library. The first night, Friday 20th October, has already sold out but there are some tickets left for Saturday 21st October.
We Are The Lions, Mr Manager
Saturday 21st October 7:30pm
Working Class Movement Library
The Crescent
Tickets £12.50/£10.50 – click here to book and for more details
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