IDENTITY, migration, exile and celebration of the human spirit, are all issues central to a challenging piece of theatre heading to The Dukes.

Fresh from its premiere at Hull’s City of Culture, The Suitcase runs at the Lancaster theatre from Wednesday-Friday, September 27-29, marking the return to the UK, after five years, of the internationally renowned ‘Theatre of the Struggle’ - The Market Theatre, Johannesburg.

Based on a true story with live music composed by the Grammy Award-winning South African musician, Hugh Maskela, the play is set in 1950s South Africa and follows a newly married couple who leave their rural village for Durban hoping to return home rich and free.

However, alienated in the city, unemployed and poor, Timi starts to lose his moral compass. Desperate to provide for his pregnant wife, he steals a suitcase left on a bus not knowing what might be inside: an act which brings frightening consequences, dramatic twists and unexpected turns.

James Ngcobo, The Market Theatre’s artistic director, said: “We are so excited to visit the UK with a story set in South Africa - yet anyone can relate to this universal tale of a man who wants to change his life.”

The Market Theatre, Johannesburg, challenged the apartheid regime and dared to stand up against social injustice. Its 21 international and more than 300 South African theatre awards bear testament to the courage and artistic quality of its work. Today, it remains at the forefront of South African performance.

Among the cast are acclaimed and award-winning South African television and stage actors and the musicians have worked with some of South Africa’s best artists.

There will be a free post show talkback following the September 27 performance.

Meanwhile, two ghostly performers will tell three chilling tales at The Dukes on Wednesday and Thursday (September 20/21) as the Lancaster theatre kicks off a national tour of the gothic storytelling show - The Book of Darkness and Light.

Writer Adam Z Robinson and musician Ben Styles use original ghost stories and live violin music in this spooky, mesmerising and charming show which will include some short, local ghost stories and legends specific to Lancaster.

With the ancient book in hand, The Storyteller tells three chilling tales as The Musician fills The Round with a beautiful, haunting score.

The stories range from moving to macabre.

In Plagued, a cruel politician gets his comeuppance when he returns home one wintery night. In Girl, Dancing an ageing stage star becomes jealous of her step-daughter’s fame, making a ghastly decision to get her out of the picture and in The Bonehouse, a historian comes face-to-face with the gruesome history of an abandoned village lock-up.

Recommended for anyone aged 14 plus

Wednesday's performance starts at 7.30pm; Thursday, 6.15pm and 8.30pm

Box office on 01524-598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org.