Soon Gone: A Windrush Chronicle

Episode eight: Michaela (2019).

Teenager Michaela Williams has always considered herself as black, but looks white. Fighting for her right to self-identify at school she was puzzled when, years earlier, her great-grandmother Eunice seemed to approve of the fact she looked like she did.

She was close to Eunice, but went to her great-aunt Yvonne for answers. Now, the Windrush scandal of enforced repatriations, detentions and denial of healthcare and provisions has brought the question of heritage and belonging into sharp relief. A school project gives Michaela an opportunity to look at her own family, explore the wider implications for the Caribbean community in Britain, and consider how much longer the community can survive with a discrete identity.

Rising star Olivia-Mai Barrett (Disney’s Alex & Co, Penny On M.A.R.S.), pictured, plays the role of Michaela.

Written by Carol Russell (House Of Usher, Comin’Atcha, The Story Of Tracy Beaker) the episode was directed by Dionne Edwards (We Love Moses, That Girl).

Publicity contact: CR3