Currently on its second UK outing, Run, Rebel is the stage adaptation of Manjeet Mann’s award-winning verse novel of the same name. Directed by Tessa Walker, it confronts issues of control and power, questioning how we can break cycles of inherited trauma. Mann, an award-winning children’s author and former actor, describes her protagonist as ‘a flawed heroine who is questioning the foundations that her family has been built on’. Amber struggles to navigate school, crushes and friendships while dealing with an abusive father. At home, with both of her parents unable to read or write English, she bears the brunt of organising the family and eventually realises that her mother yearns for freedom as much as she does.

‘The character of Mum really resonated with a lot of readers,’ says Mann. ‘She still has a whole life ahead of her and makes people realise that it’s never too late to change. I wrote it for my teenage self and the story that I wish I’d had. You certainly don’t see a strong empowered young Asian girl on stage often.’ As its title suggests, the play focuses on running as an escape for Amber. South Asian women are rarely represented in sports, and Mann believes this is ‘partially to do with being visible. Running means being out in the world. Because of my upbringing of not only being Asian but also being working class, it was always “keep your head down. Don’t look at anyone. Don’t make a show”. Strange that I became an actor… my little rebellion!’

After tackling hardships head-on, Run, Rebel is ultimately a story of hope. Mann shows us that you can grab hold of life at any age, that it’s ok to make mistakes as long as you find your path eventually, and that it’s always possible to reverse the narrative.

Run, Rebel is on at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Thursday 7–Saturday 9 November; main picture: Pamela Raith.