We Sing In Fire & Blood:
The Bloody Neighbour
A True Story Of Survival
An extraordinary new play
Bristol 2027
“Uplifting and impossibly moving.”
Phil Gibby, Arts Council England“An incredible project. Extraordinary.”
Charles Hazlewood, Paraorchestra
One night in 2010, alone at her home in Bristol, the writer-director was brutally attacked by an intruder and left for dead as the house burned. The attack became a national news story, leaving every woman who heard it saying, "It could have been me."The attempt to totally erase the survivor’s life was catastrophic but miraculously she escaped & was found by a woman neighbour, a stranger who acted heroically. Immediately the city of Bristol went above and beyond to help — but not only the survivor herself but police officers, nurses, friends and neighbours were all deeply affected by the attack.The survivor soon began to tell her story in different art forms. Going back and meeting people involved in her care and in getting her justice — except she and the heroic female neighbour have yet to meet again.An amazing tour de force, We Sing In Fire And Blood is a mesmerising, dark, funny, exhilarating tale of recovery and rebirth. While the survivor battles with her own demons and with the failures of the justice system she discovers to her surprise she is part of a loving community. Can she find her way to the light? Years later, will she and the good Samaritan who saved her ever meet?Music
Outstanding original music and songs by Sarah Anderson & Duncan Speakman, with Hazel Grian
About The Writer-Director
Hazel Grian is an established writer, performer and games director.
"This is a story about the love that holds us all together. It belongs to those who care for the survivor, as well as the survivor herself.
Her attacker plays no part in it."
“I believe this project will help to show how all those involved drew comfort and strength from the collaborative approach to tackle a crime which shocked the local community.”
DC Paul Austins, Avon and Somerset Constabulary*
