Tugging at the Sea is an absurdist comedy about the dangers of propaganda. Set on a fog-enshrouded island, its inhabitants adhere to a strict daily routine, engaged in a bizarre mechanical task: generating the fog through a complex contraption known as the F.O.G. At night, they are soothed to sleep by slogans: “Love the Fog, avoid the Others, We are the Best.” The island is governed by three Leaders whose primary mission is to craft these slogans and keep the F.O.G. operational. One day, an islander begins to question the identity of “the Others.” 

Throughout the performance, the narrative is interspersed with “meta” moments where performers share stories, poems, or songs with the audience. As the play progresses, boats are constructed onstage, symbolising hope and connection.

Tugging at the Sea is a community show produced by LegalAliens Theatre in collaboration with Bedford Creative Arts, and supported by Jackson’s Lane, The Place Bedford and The Engine Room Tottenham Hale. 

Every year migrants and refugees who are regular participants in LegalAliens’ free theatre classes create a show. The performances teach them how to reclaim full ownership of their stories; build a better connection with people from a variety of backgrounds; develop confidence; and for those interested in a career in the arts, it’s a way to discover different jobs not only on stage but behind the curtains. This year, a smaller, Bedford-based group, has also been offered the opportunity to develop material via a series of workshops run by our facilitators at The Place, Bedford.