Based on the novel The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis
Source material: Ellis, D. (2000) The Breadwinner. Toronto: Groundwood Books.
The Breadwinner
A New Musical based on the best selling novel by Deborah Ellis.
Music & Lyrics: Joe Partridge
This coming-of-age story follows eleven-year-old Parvana, growing up in Kabul, Afghanistan, at the beginning of Taliban occupation during the 1990s. Life under this oppressive regime is extremely restrictive: women and girls are not allowed to leave their homes without an escort, to work, or to go to school. After Parvana’s father is arrested, she must become the family breadwinner—cutting her hair and going out to work in order to survive against all the odds.
Development
This musical has been developed through workshops with the BOOK, Music & Lyrics workshop, with support from the Royal Academy of Music and Arts Council England.
A rehearsed reading is planned for April 2026 in London, supported by Arts Council England funding, to further explore the score and share the piece with potential producing partners
An early rendition of opening number ‘Letters’, testing the themes with students at the Sylvia Young Theatre School.
Support & Collaboration
The Breadwinner is currently seeking producing partners and collaborators for a future workshop and production opportunities in the UK.
For enquiries, please contact: joe@joepartridge.co.uk