Wainwright Trust — Twenty Years' Hard Labour

Equality at Work's barrister, played by Naomi Taylor, defends her in court (Photo: Steve Teague Photography)

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Trust's formation and to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the death of David Wainwright a new theatrical production was commissioned from the Garnett Foundation. The play, entitled Twenty Years' Hard Labour, was written by Amanda Osborne. It puts Equality at Work on trial for her failure to deliver over these two decades.

The jury watches with rapt attention before reaching their verdict (Photo: Steve Teague Photography)

The witnesses were played by Michael Rochester, Equality at Work by Deeivya Meir and the prosecution by Nigel Miles-Thomas, who also directed the play. (Photos: Steve Teague Photography)

Click here for more information about the actors and the play.

An audience of 120 watched this outstanding and thought-provoking play, brilliantly performed by the Garnett Foundation's team of actors. Jenny White, a Disability Commissioner, summed up her reaction in an email to the Trust, as follows:

"Congratulations on an entertaining and inspiring celebration last night. I was so impressed by the play – a brilliant idea – and the whole evening was very well thought out. There was a really buzzy atmosphere over supper. I met lots of interesting people, most of whom were new to me, and everyone was friendly and bubbling over with enthusiasm for what we’d just seen. A great evening - thank you so much."

During the evening two presentations were made. A special Breakthrough Trophy was presented to Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC (Anthony Lester) for a lifetime's dedication to equality and human rights. For more information, click here.

Lord Lester speaks after receiving his Special Breakthrough Award (Photo: Steve Teague Photography)

The 2007 Breakthough Award was presented to this year's winner, Kulbir Pasricha. In addition to her normal duties as a crime support officer, she designed and ran a series of diversity workshops for the employees of Kent police. For more information, click here.

The evening ended with the Wainwright Trust's usual party,enabling the discussions to continue over a buffet supper and drinks.

Kulbir Pasricha is presented with the 2007 Breakthrough Award by Fitzroy Andrew, one of the trustees of the Wainwright Trust (Photo: Steve Teague Photography)

To return to the report of the 2009 Evening click here.

For information on earlier Wainwright Trust events click here.