Adam Tompa, Umar Butt, Leticia Sanchez. These are our neighbours image: Brian-Hartley
Rapture Productions and Company of Wolves take the audience back to May 13, 2021, when a community came together on Kenmure Street, Glasgow, to stop the deportation of two men. Written by Katherine Williams, the story captures a day when it didn’t matter where you were from or what you did; what mattered was saving the lives of your neighbours.
What started with one person noticing what was about to happen and refusing to walk away became a community finding support and standing up for what was right. The production raises a question about the power to decide other people’s fate: who gave them the right to “play God”?
Actors Leticia Sanches, Adam Tompa and Umar Butt capture the determination, curiosity, fear and persistence of the people who walked out onto the street to block the deportation vans. Taking on multiple roles, they bring impressive energy and versatility to the stage.
Through dance, movement and spoken word, they express the emotions and individuality of those involved, successfully conveying the diversity of the community. Despite the small cast, they recreate the energy of the gathering, although the frequent changes of role can occasionally be confusing.
Adding to the impact are original sound clips from the day, including lawyer Aamer Anwar offering his legal assistance, announcing that the deportation had been delayed, and praising everyone who helped make it happen.
The story is about taking matters into your own hands rather than leaving things to chance, and seeing things through rather than hoping they will change when you are not looking.
Whether tired, hungry or afraid, the people who came together that day showed courage, determination and persistence. Together, they made history, demonstrating what can be achieved when people stand together and, most importantly, that people’s lives matter.
It is a powerful celebration of our neighbours and a reminder of the power of community, of people looking out for each other. An inspiring and moving rendition of a moment that made Glasgow proud and showed the meaning behind “People Make Glasgow”.
It is a wholesome performance for those who were not at Kenmure Street on May 13, 2021, as well as those who were there.
Hi, I am Julia Braun Raven, an award-winning student journalist, having been named Arts Writer of the Year at the Herald Student Press Awards 2026. Following this achievement, I am continuing to develop my journalistic skills and contribute to The Herald’s arts and culture section under the mentorship of Arts Correspondent Brian Ferguson.
I am a third-year Journalism, Media & Communication and English & Creative Writing student. I was re-elected as Editor-in-Chief of the Strathclyde Telegraph for 2026/27. Alongside preparing for the new academic year, I am delighted to continue working with the team to create a student newspaper that reflects student life on campus, while also covering the wider issues shaping the world around us.
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