A collaboration between Forest Forge Theatre and African Activities, Nightjar follows the tale of a girl, Abena, as she migrates from Ghana to Southampton. It is a story about learning how to fit in, about differences and similarities, and ultimately how we can hold two homes in one heart.
Michelle Sakyi, who plays Abena, is at the helm of this production. In this blog, she tells us about her connection to the project and what she’s been excited for when sharing Nightjar with audiences.
What initially drew you to the Nightjar project?
What drew me to the Nightjar project was learning about the bird itself. When I discovered that the Nightjar migrates between Ghana to England, the same way many of my family members moved from Ghana to build new homes, I knew I had a personal connection to the project.
How have you found working and collaborating with Forest Forge and African Activities?
Honestly, I’m surprised they haven’t worked together before. The chemistry the two groups have is magical. Together, they have made the rehearsal process fun, hilarious, and unlike any rehearsal process I’ve experienced, in the most transformative way possible!
What is your favourite part of performing this story?
My favourite part of performing this story is being able to portray a fraction of what many immigrants go through when they leave their homes to face the unknown. It’s an honor to be the representation that I needed growing up as the child of immigrants.
What are you looking forward to most about tour?
I am looking forward to seeing the people that will be impacted by the Nightjar story. In rehearsal, we’ve talked about how many of the care homes I will be performing in have staff who are immigrants, and I’m excited to see how the message about having no shame in holding two homes in one heart resonates with people who have experienced it firsthand.
I’m also performing and camping at Camp Bestival, so I can’t wait for the beautiful chaos that comes with that too!
Tell us a bit about your work and recent studies.
I am originally from the States. I grew up in Lorton, Virginia and I came here for university in 2022. I’ve just graduated from Arts University Bournemouth where I earned a First Class Honours BA in Acting. I decided to stay here after graduating because I’ve taken all my first steps into my acting career here and I have built such an incredible network of people I now consider family. It would be hard to say goodbye!
Suitcase Stories: Nightjar is my first professional acting role and I’m grateful to begin my acting career with a project that reflects the kind of theatre I hope to create, where people like me can see themselves.
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The Suitcase Stories: Nightjar team delivered free performances to libraries and care homes across the New Forest and Hampshire in March and April 2026.
African Activities will be taking the show to festivals across the summer. To book a Suitcase Stories: Nightjar performance, please contact African Activities on adeola@africanactivities.org.uk. For Black History Month October 2026 enquires, contact Forest Forge on ellie@forestforgetheatre.co.uk.
Nightjar is a collaboration between Forest Forge Theatre Company and African Activities, and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.