The crowd is buzzing with excitement in the jam-packed foyer of the Citizens Theatre. We’re all eagerly waiting to see the Glasgow Girls, a new musical by award-winning director Cora Bissett.
And just who are these Glasgow Girls?
Seven inspirational teen activists from Drumchapel High School who in 2005 fervently campaigned against the dawn raids wrenching asylum-seeking families out of their homes into a detention centre to be deported.
But what drives a bunch of teen girls to hound politicians, take on the authorities like the Home Office and even challenge the Scottish Government? Friendship. Their friend Agnesa, originally from Kosovo, was one of the children facing deportation with her family.
Stand up for what’s right – spirit of Glasgow
It’s hard to imagine taking a hard-hitting issue like asylum and putting it into song but it’s pure (dead brilliant) gallus Glasgow.
And as I watch this sometimes harrowing, often inspiring story unfold, I see a microcosm of what makes Glasgow so special. Not a shiny, glossy version but a gritty real representation of the spirit of Glasgow – a community galvanised into action to do right and protect its own, regardless of where people come from.
As I leave the show, swelling with pride, the anthem We are the Glasgow Girls fills my head. Who wouldn’t want to be a Glasgow Girl? Fighting for what you believe in and driven to change people’s minds to make the world a better place.
‘We are all Glasgow Girls’
So go on, find out what the Glasgow Girls are about. And you will probably discover that regardless of your age or gender, you are indeed a Glasgow Girl. The show is on at the Citz until 17 November – but don’t delay, snap up your tickets, be inspired and have a fantastically good time.
-B
About a City 