Errol John's award-winning Moon on a Rainbow Shawl is being brought to Bristol by Eclipse Theatre.

The company was formed in 2000 to develop the profile of black theatre in the regions.

Productions are staged at Nottingham Playhouse, Bristol Old Vic and the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich before touring around the country.

Rainbow Shawl is in fact Eclipse's first offering and it comes to Bristol after a successful run in Nottingham.

Lost dreams

Set in Trinidad in the early 1950s, it explores people's dreams to leave the Caribbean and start a new life in England. It won the Observer new play competition in 1957.

Here's a flavour of the plot:

A mix of people live in apartments and share the same backyard.

Ephraim dreams of a fresh life in Liverpool, but Rosa has a reason for him to stay.

Charlie means well, but it is Sophia that works hard to provide for their daughter's future, while Mavis just works hard to survive.

A theft in Old Mac's shop puts them all under suspicion, and events over the course of a couple of days will change their lives forever.

Get involved

Roots is inviting people to write a piece of prose or poetry on the theme of 'lost dreams'...

The five best will published here on the website in the week leading up to the play opening at the New Vic Studio on 4th March.

Then there's the chance to vote for one of the five to be heard on BBC Radio Bristol.

If you'd like to enter, send your writing (no more than 400 words please) by email to chino.odimba@bbc.co.uk.

The closing date is 28 February 2003.