Faith will explore what keeps each of us going in tough times, and how people of faith, and of non-religious world views, understand and celebrate the chapters and mysteries of our lives. Directed by our Deputy Artistic Director Erica Whyman, Faith is Part of Coventry City of Culture and takes place over 24 hours in locations across Coventry and online.

Promenade Performances

A group of 12 actors (mainly from Coventry), will play multiple roles across four promenade performances taking place throughout the day on Saturday 11 September.

The Messenger – by Chris O’Connell

Beginning on Stoney Stanton Road, we meet Baani, who faces the imminent death of her mother. Tasked with getting a message to her father, she agrees to meet him at Pool Meadow bus station, but this is a journey she has never made before. 

Cast includes: Daniel J Carver, Pushpinder Chani, Katy Stephens, Humera Syed, Claire Wetherall and Grace Wylde.

The Return - by Chris O’Connell

Taking place on the cathedral steps, two old friends meet after almost 40 years. Seeing both each other and the Coventry they love through very different eyes, the piece explores whether it is possible to betray a city, and if so, whether it can forgive you.

Cast includes: Sarah Cullum, Katy Stephens and Matthew Wait 

The Arrival – by Chinonyerem Odimba

We follow a young Sikh couple as they try to find a new home. Journey through the city centre in 1978, starting in Broadgate and culminating at the Belgrade Theatre. The Arrival is set against a backdrop of racial violence but told with humour and resilience, asking us to question what the ingredients for a good life are.

Cast includes: Annice Boparai, Sarah Cullum, Jack Gardner, Darryl Hunter and Anand Toora

Generation 20 – by Chinonyerem Odimba

Generation 20 follows the grandson of the Sikh couple, as he and his friends discover that someone they care about has gone missing. Audiences are led on an odyssey around hidden corners of north Coventry, as they try to find him and come to terms with recent upheaval.

Cast includes: Pushpinder Chani, Jack Gardner, Anand Toora, Claire Wetherall and Grace Wylde 

In-person programme of events

Theatre designer Tom Piper will create an evocative visual representation of the existing ties and connections between the different faith groups, tying together Coventry’s places of worship with Coventry blue ribbons to create a beautiful tapestry through the city.

Laura Nyahuye will collaborate with Tom to create a beautiful reflective installation in the cathedral ruins exploring the relationship between faith and mental health.

On Friday evening, an invited audience of faith and community leaders will share food and talk about how faith shapes their lives and in the morning faith centres and spaces across Coventry will open their doors, offering everyone a chance to experience their faith through ‘Open House’.

Faith culminates with a dusk ceremony of lights in Millennium Square.

Online Programme

Highlights of the online programme include:

• A cook-along event in the week leading up to the events
• Videos exploring the role of food in faith communities
• Interviews with the creative team and communities involved in the projects.
• Streamed performances with BSL and captioning, available to watch live and after the event

Faith is a co-production between Coventry City of Culture Trust and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Tickets are free, available to book from 20 August on the City of Culture website.

Find out more