Have you read the award-winning book or seen the film The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind? The remarkable true story of William Kamkwamba has already inspired millions around the world — and now it’s taking on a brand‑new life as a bold, uplifting musical heading to London’s West End. Open Arms Malawi is thrilled to be partnering with the production from 25th–30th May, helping to ensure William’s story continues to spark hope for families across Malawi today.
In drought-stricken Malawi, 13-year-old William dreams of saving his village. Nobody believes he can – not his father, his friends, nor his community. As crops fail and hope runs dry, he finds inspiration in scraps of old machinery and a handful of library books. What he lacks in resources, he makes up for in determination, grit and imagination, and a windmill begins to take shape. William defies expectations and harnesses the power of the wind to bring energy, life, and hope to his people.
William's determination emerged at a time when drought, crop failure, and food shortages were affecting his family and community — pressures that remain familiar to many in Malawi today.
At Open Arms we meet families facing similar challenges every day. When food and income becomes scarce, it’s often the youngest children who are most at risk and are referred to us for support. But we know that helping a child also means strengthening the whole family.
That’s why, alongside providing lifesaving nutrition for the child, we work with families to build up their farming to increase their livelihoods. By improving their ability to grow food and earn a stable income, families can stay together and build brighter futures.
This is the reason the story behind the musical resonates so strongly with us. It's a powerful reminder of challenges faced in Malawi, but also the resilience of Malawian communities.
We couldn’t be more delighted to join forces with a show that celebrates Malawian strength, creativity and community. Throughout the week of 25th–30th May, the production will be fundraising at every performance to support Open Arms' vital work to help build sustainable, self-sufficient futures for families in need. It means that William’s story continues to inspire real, lasting change for communities across Malawi.
If you have the chance to see it, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is running at Soho Place, London, from 29th April to 18th July. It promises to be a moving and unforgettable experience.
Get your tickets here: https://sohoplace.org/shows/the-boy-who-harnessed-the-wind/
Can’t make it during the partnership week in May? You can still support the show’s fundraising for Open Arms Malawi:
Simply text
WIND to 70450 to donate £10
Every donation helps us continue to build brighter futures to children and families in Malawi.
Our heartfelt thanks to Kenny Wax productions, Soho Place Theatre, the cast, crew and everyone involved in making this partnership happen!
Your donation will help children in Malawi grow up healthy with the love of a family
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