Leeds Playhouse – the world’s first Theatre of Sanctuary – presents innovative new play The Table as part of Refugee Week 2026

As the world’s first Theatre of Sanctuary, Leeds Playhouse is proud to present The Table, an innovative new play by Scotsman Fringe First and Amnesty International Award-winning playwright Aisha Zia, directed by Leeds-based community theatre company Mafwa Theatre.

The production will run in the Playhouse’s studio theatre, the Bramall Rock Void, on 19–20 June as part of Refugee Week 2026.

Built from forty scenes written by Aisha Zia and informed by four years of research with migrant communities across the UK, the work has been created as a national collaborative project. Each participating theatre company has developed its own version of the play with local artists, partners and community participants – meaning no two productions are the same.

The national project was led by Aisha Zia with producer Matthew Schmolle for Matthew Schmolle Productions. Partner organisations include Leeds Playhouse, ARC Stockton, Landmark Theatres at The Key in Peterborough, and Gloucester-based Strike A Light.

For Leeds Playhouse, the project reflects a long-standing commitment to creating a place of welcome, creativity and belonging. Since becoming the world’s first Theatre of Sanctuary in 2014, Leeds Playhouse has worked in partnership with refugee organisations, volunteers and community groups across the city to ensure refugees and people seeking asylum can access opportunities to participate in culture, creativity and civic life.

Leeds Playhouse’s version is directed by Mafwa Theatre and has been developed with support from the Playhouse’s Theatre of Sanctuary programme, alongside partners including City of Sanctuary and First Bus. It provides a powerful local response to a national conversation about identity, home, belonging and community.

This project was made possible through the support of Arts Council England and Counterpoints Arts as part of Refugee Week.

The Table plays at Leeds Playhouse 19–20 June. Tickets are available here.