A book inspired by a Salford mum’s dad who came to the country as part of the Windrush generation has been adapted into a play. Elayne Ogbeta’s father, Ashley Malcolm, would regale the family with tales about the great Anansi.
Inspired by the Anansi stories and her father’s journey, Elayne released her self published book Grandad Anansi and the Duchy Pot 11 years ago. The book tells the story of 10-year-old Abi who thinks her grandad is as smart and mischievous as the wily Anansi and realises that he is hiding something from her.
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As the story unfolds we learn that grandad is trying to find a way to tell Abi his plans to return to Jamaica. Speaking to the MEN about the parallels between Grandad Anansi and the Duchy Pot and her father, Elayne said: “I don’t think we ever noticed that my dad wanted to go home. He had it hard in this country.
“He came when it was winter and told us how cold it was, he’s spoken to us about the racism and discrimination he faced. He’s even spoken about the jobs he’s lost.
“When were growing up my dad always told myself and my siblings Anansi stories. Even up until now and he’s almost 90. He’s a family man, fun-loving as a father.
“Anytime he would get the opportunity he would share his stories with us, not only stories about Anansi but stories about his life. How he came from Jamaica to England, he told us that he took 60 days to get here back in the 1960s.”
Elayne studied for a degree in creative writing at Bolton University whilst her two children were young which she later followed up with an MA in children’s writing at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Along with her husband Mathias, Elayne has raised a two talented, high achieving children with her daughter Naomi Metzger who is a 10 times British triple jump champion and a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and son Nathanael Ogbeta who has was signed by Manchester City aged 10 and is currently a defender for Swansea City.
‘Proud’ father Ashley, 90, came to the shores as part of the Windrush on an eight-hour trip aboard the Ascania boat. Despite being met with the bitter cold, racism and lack of opportunities he still managed to make a life for himself raising Elayne and her siblings almost singlehandedly after the death of his wife..
Speaking about his experience, Ashley said: “When I came here, it was very rough. It was very cold, foggy and dark and it was difficult for me, it was very hard to get houses and jobs. To be honest, they never liked coloured people.
"When we went to seek a job there they would say there’s no jobs, even if there was a job we wouldn’t get it. I did think of going back but over the years all my family members passed away so I had nothing to go back to.
“I told Elayne the Anansi stories for many years. For her to take those stories and put it into a book I’m very proud that she got something out of it.”
Grandad Anansi and the Duchy Pot will be showing at The Met in Bury on 11 October, Oldham Library on 12 October and Astley Cheetham Gallery in Stalybridge on 16 October.
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