LEATHER WOMEN

written by Raminder Kaur

dramaturgy and directed by Lisa Goldman

Archive footage of women celebrating Christmas in a Walsall leather factory in the 1970s

LEATHER WOMEN is a new theatre work-in-progress on the lives of working-class women in leather factories in the Black Country. Foregrounding the role of strong and feisty women, this gritty comedy spotlights their vibrant lives and how they played a formative part in Walsall's social and economic history when the town was one of the main centres of leather goods production in Britain, if not the world, before its slow decline. It also integrates stimulating oral histories and the contents collected by the Walsall Leather Museum.

Audience feedback

It reminded me how amazing women are, and what we have to go through in our personal lives and at work.

The play brought the factory to life.

Takes me back to the 70s

This is the subject nobody has touched before about women’s lives in the Black Country.

It took me back to the 1970s. Excellent performance.

It was a real learning experience as it brought the lives and labour of working class women alive. For me it illuminated the rhythms and humour of industrial Black Country.

Our history comes alive!!

I thought it was brilliant, and needs sharing with as many people as possible.

Womens stories need to be told. As do stories of leather workers!

The play captured real community spirit and shared experiences.

Although I didn’t work in the leather industry, the production brought back memories of the time. I worked at Walsall Lithoprinters and went through the struggle to join a union and get recognition. So I could relate to the subject matter a lot.

It illuminated the rhythms and humour of industrial Black Country.

It was smashing!

Funny and informative!

The play has brought memories of Walsall to life

Shocked to realise how little protection women had at work and that sick pay and maternity leave were not given.

With Kathryn Bond, Michelle Butterly, Miriam Grace Edwards, and Tanya Katyal. Thanks to Tracey Hammill, Anisha Debberman, David Mills, Francesca Cox, Eleonara Andronaco, Suraya Bains, Sohana Kaur, Rehana and women from Aina Community Hub.