Our Crossing is a moving and visually powerful performance that celebrates the legacy and contributions of the Windrush generation through firsthand stories, music, movement, and immersive visuals. Inspired by the voyage of the SS Ormonde, which sailed from Jamaica to Liverpool in 1947 carrying 241 passengers a year before the arrival of the Empire Windrush, the production brings to life histories that have too often been overlooked in Britain’s national story.
At the heart of the performance are deeply personal reflections from artist and dancer Ithalia Johnson and award-winning poet Hannah Lowe. Ithalia shares the story of her father, who arrived from St. Lucia in 1955, while Hannah reflects on the experiences of her Jamaican Chinese father, who travelled to Britain aboard the SS Ormonde.
Through their memories, both women explore what it meant growing up with Caribbean fathers in Britain during the 1980s, recalling moments of racism, cultural difference, pride, and resilience.
Our Crossing brings together an outstanding artistic team, featuring a solo performance by Ithalia Johnson, poetry by Hannah Lowe, direction by Esther Simpson, and an immersive sound and set design by Whispered Tales. Together, the artists create a powerful and intimate experience that honours migration, identity, and the enduring influence of Caribbean culture in shaping modern Britain.
Funded by Near Neighbours / Windrush Day