Tales of Talawa

2012-01-31T04:28:00.001-08:00

We have been working tirelessly for the past four weeks and we are now hurtling towards our first preview. This Friday all of our hard work will be seen by the public for the first time.

This week has been spent working and re-working acts one and two. And from what I saw yesterday it’s going to be brilliant. The camaraderie between Vladimir and Estragon is bouncing along at a terrific pace, the lighter moments and the more bleak moments both pack a punch in equal measure.

Pozzo is bigger and even more pompous than ever before, his voice practically shaking the walls of our rehearsal room. Lucky’s speech has become one of the cornerstones of the show, the images becoming more vivid and the power of the speech leaving the few people outside of the cast who have seen it reeling.

From tomorrow we will begin teching the show, we’ll finally be able to see the finished set and wear our costumes. Techs can be notoriously long, but as there isn’t that much that changes lighting wise this one shouldn’t be too draining! And although the nerves are quietly creeping in, I have every faith that this production of Waiting for Godot will be something special!

For more information on the production check the Waiting for Godot production page on Talawa's website.

TOUR DATES SPRING 2012

The Albany, London
Tues 6th – Sat 10th March
Times: 7.30pm and at 3pm on 10th March
Prices: £8 - £14
Box Office: 020 8692 4446
thealbany.org.uk

Birmingham Repertory Theatre at The Old Rep
Tues 13th – Sat 17th March
Times: 7.30pm (7pm on 13th March) and at 2pm on 15th and 17th March
Prices: £10 - £28
Box Office: 0121 236 4455
birmingham-rep.co.uk

Theatre Royal Winchester
Tues 27th – Sat 31st March
Times: 8pm and at 1.30pm on 29th March
Prices: £18
Box Office: 01962 840440
theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
Tues 3rd – Sat 7th April
Times: 7.45pm (7pm on 3rd April) and at 2.30pm on 7th April
Prices: £8.50 - £20
Box Office: 01473 295900
wolseytheatre.co.uk

2012-01-27T03:33:00.000-08:00

"It’s been a little over a week since I was in Rehearsal Room 3 watching Didi and Gogo cope with Pozzo, Lucky and The Boy as they enter and depart their world. The first thing I notice is how much sharper the movement has become, each actor expressing his character’s inner world with gestures and posture as much as with the words. Gogo and Didi look more vulnerable, Pozzo more grand. Lucky’s spine curves with weariness, then straightens as he pours out the words of his impossibly long monologue. (Odd how you always feel like applauding every time he does it.) Now there are rough ramps and blocks to indicate different levels on the set and a bag of real carrots, green bits and all, sits on the table with the kettle, tea and coffee. Then there are the props: a small army of watches and pipes, baskets and stools, whips and ropes. They’re just a part of the picture now, not awkward additions. The actors are working easily with elements of their costume described so precisely by Beckett: the manifold pockets, the battered boots and bowler hats, the fitted waistcoats and skew-whiff ties. It’s all coming together. Everyone knows that the production is attracting a great deal of attention so there is an air of seriousness in the rehearsal room. Every now and then, as a line slips or there’s a particular pratfall works well, there’s laughter, then it’s back to work."

2012-01-23T02:26:00.000-08:00

WAITING FOR GODOT
Directed by Ian Brown
Written by Samuel Beckett

Cast: Fisayo Akinade, Guy Burgess, Cornell S John, Jeffery Kissoon and Patrick Robinson

West Yorkshire Playhouse
3rd - 25th February
0113 213 7700
wyp.org.uk

And on tour - details below.

Through The Boy's Eyes

It’s an odd sensation being away from the rehearsal room for most of the day, and only making a quick appearance for an hour each day to go through The Boys sections before rehearsals end. Especially when for the first two weeks I was in rehearsals everyday, mostly to watch the other actors and see what I could learn from them.

In those first two weeks I was able to watch the actors take the first steps to putting the play on it’s feet, and see the progression first hand. Whereas now when I get to rehearsal, everything seems to have come on in leaps and bounds as if by magic: lines are more secure, the blocking is becoming more organic and even more things are being added to the rehearsal room. When I arrived on Monday there was a new floor, which added levels, and gave the actors something new to explore and play with. Later in the week we had Mark Taylor Batty come in and share his thought on Beckett and Waiting for Godot. He lectures at Leeds University and is considered an expert on all things Beckett. It was a really enlightening hour, and we gained more clarity on some of the subtle references to Beckett’s life and the Second World War that appear in the play.

We are now coming ever closer to our first preview. We have a week and a half left and from Monday we will be attempting to run through act one, I say run through, it’ll be more like a stagger through, making sure all the things we have been working on for the past three weeks are in place, and hopefully by the middle of the week we’ll be hoping to run/stagger through the whole thing. Wish us luck!

The Albany, London
Tues 6th – Sat 10th March
Times: 7.30pm and at 3pm on 10th March
Prices: £8 - £14
Box Office: 020 8692 4446
thealbany.org.uk

Birmingham Repertory Theatre at The Old Rep
Tues 13th – Sat 17th March
Times: 7.30pm (7pm on 13th March) and at 2pm on 15th and 17th March
Prices: £10 - £28
Box Office: 0121 236 4455
birmingham-rep.co.uk

Theatre Royal Winchester
Tues 27th – Sat 31st March
Times: 8pm and at 1.30pm on 29th March
Prices: £18
Box Office: 01962 840440
theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
Tues 3rd – Sat 7th April
Times: 7.45pm (7pm on 3rd April) and at 2.30pm on 7th April
Prices: £8.50 - £20
Box Office: 01473 295900
wolseytheatre.co.uk

2012-01-16T06:50:00.001-08:00

Fisayo Akinade recently graduated from The Central School of Speech and Drama. He plays The Boy in this production of Waiting for Godot.

Through The Boy's eyes

'As we begin our charge into week three, things are really starting to take shape. Throughout week two, props and costume were introduced: bowler hats and tattered jackets for Vladimir and Estragon; basket, bag, stool and rope for Lucky; pipe, monocle, and pocket watch for Pozzo; and a mock tree to complete the stage picture. We have finished going through the first act and week three for the most part will be dedicated to the second act. This is a difficult time for all involved. We are getting nearer and nearer to running the piece, and with that comes a new set of pressures: remembering all the blocking that was done over a week ago; making sure the same impulses are there; remembering lines and intentions. And of course, what normally happens when you revisit something: the inevitable change. Scenes will get reworked because something new has been realised, and actors will have to do away with the old blocking and remember the new.

It’s an exciting and often frustrating time, but as momentum builds so does the knowledge that what we are doing something special with this fantastic play.'

2012-01-13T02:39:00.001-08:00

Fisayo Akinade

Photo: Richard H. Smith

Fisayo Akinade recently graduated from The Central School of Speech and Drama. He plays The Boy in this production of Waiting for Godot and it's his professional stage debut!

Through The Boy's eyes

'I was reminded today how important it is for us as a company to be connected. It occurred to me, and all of us, during warm up this morning. We were doing a follow the leader exercise led by the movement director, which then became a silent exploration of character relationships. By the end of the exercise we were all exhausted but there was a real sense of calm in the room. I don’t think the exercise could have worked if there wasn’t trust between us, and it’s from a place of connection and trust that real work can begin. Ian reminded us how special Waiting for Godot is, and told us that everyday we work on it, it becomes more special. It was a really nice way to start the day.'

2012-01-13T02:05:00.002-08:00

'It's the middle of the second week of rehearsals and finally Pozzo and Lucky together enter the rehearsal room. While the rest of the cast are in wardrobe, we block their entrance, whip, rope, basket, coat, stool and all. The whole thing is a welter of props, with pipes and chicken legs, picnic baskets and wine bottles all making their appearances. Interesting to see how a page of stage directions becomes a series of sharp orders and swift responses. I say swift: as swift as Lucky can muster.

A lunch hour catch up meeting with everybody who is working on the production, a quick photo in the lovely parquet floored studio downstairs and then its back into Rehearsal Room 3 for a strenuous hour and more of movement with the lovely Aline. By beating out complex rhythms with hands and feet, the actors are so thoroughly warmed up that they roar straight into the first twenty minutes or so. Best bit: the end of the day with four actors in bowler hats driving together to the end of the first act: the director is in conversation with an actor at one end of the playing area, Aline is creating movement with another actor at the other, two other running lines and revising blocking sitting at what will be the roots of the famous tree at the centre of the room. Every now and then, one or other of the actors looks at the play text and gives a disbelieving little shake of the head and then goes straight back to the task at hand. Everyone is sensing the potential power of this Waiting For Godot and everyone wants to get it right.'

2012-01-11T02:27:00.000-08:00

'Blissful weather and more hard work in the rehearsal room. It's odd watching the words I've read so often coming off the page in Caribbean accents that have been softened by years of living in Britain. It's not an easy text to memorise, so there are lots of stops and starts and going back over extended passages of quickfire dialogue and of course earning, and then playing, the silences described in the stage directions. Much business with hats and boots, sore feet and dicky prostates.

Guy had a good bash at Lucky's monologue today and in true Beckett fashion, he and the director teased more and more meaning, comedy and pathos out of a sentence that lasts three pages than the first pass lead me to expect was there. He's nearly off book with it too. Now that's dedication. The monologue is more than verbal pyrotechnics, it is a message bursting out of a man who hasn't been allowed to say what he thinks for a long time. Today the Boy finally stepped onto the playing area too, his character nervous after hearing the roaring and shouting that announced Pozzo's presence.

Tomorrow it's costume fittings for some, lines for everyone, an interview with the Big Issue for Jeffery and, joy of joys, Aline is back to work with the actors on their movement. And I've got to write 800 words on 'Why Godot?'. Easy peasy.'

2012-01-10T05:33:00.001-08:00

WAITING FOR GODOT
Directed by Ian Brown
Written by Samuel Beckett

Cast: Fisayo Akinade, Guy Burgess, Cornell S John, Jeffery Kissoon and Patrick Robinson

West Yorkshire Playhouse
3rd - 25th February
0113 213 7700
wyp.org.uk

And on tour - details below.

It's the second week of rehearsals in Leeds for Waiting for Godot and Pat Cumper, Talawa's Artistic Director, has been part of the process:

'It felt like Spring in Leeds today. Clear, sunny, and almost warm for the time of year. And in rehearsals, things are looking livelier too. The set box is on display, the stage marked out and the tree is being represented by a broom handle in the very middle of the room. As the actors come off book, we explore more of the movement and physical comedy that sometimes accompanies and sometimes counterpoints Beckett's inimitable, intricate, interlocking text. Jeffery is working with his hat on most of the time: completely right for Vladimir. Estragon looks to his feet for his focus of activity: he's developed a very convincing hobble. As always, the challenge is to find and hold onto the arc of the scene, to feel when the pace quickens and when it slows. And most of all there are those lovely silences that Beckett wrote into the text. A silence in which to contemplate, a silence in which to regroup, a silence in which to listen, a silence in which to savour events and the memories of events. Sometimes just plain silence. Tomorrow, more of Didi and Gogo, The Boy gets on his feet and Lucky starts to speak.'

2012-01-09T02:51:00.000-08:00

WAITING FOR GODOT

Directed by Ian Brown
Written by Samuel Beckett

Cast: Fisayo Akinade, Guy Burgess, Cornell S John, Jeffery Kissoon and Patrick Robinson

West Yorkshire Playhouse
3rd - 25th February
0113 213 7700
wyp.org.uk

And on tour - details below.

Pat Cumper, Talawa's Artistic Director, will be blogging throughout rehearsals at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds. This is the last blog from the first week of rehearsals which started on 3rd January:

'I know everyone in the rehearsal room falls in love with, and waxes lyrical about, a production as they work on it, but this week has been quite remarkable.

Death and the meaning of life, religion and those who use it to their own ends, slavery, Stephen Lawrence, Diane Abbott and the fleeting nature of happiness were just a few of the topics chewed over.

There were pratfalls and word games and Ipad envy too. But most of all there was focus and complete engagement, a little wrench at six each evening as the day drew to a close. For those who know the play, guess which section we called Leaves and Boots?

Monday morning bright and early we start to put it on it's feet. Can't wait. But then I have to, don't I. That's what it's all about. Waiting For Godot.'

WAITING FOR GODOT

2012-01-06T02:37:00.000-08:00

WAITING FOR GODOT
Directed by Ian Brown
Written by Samuel Beckett

Cast: Fisayo Akinade, Guy Burgess, Cornell S John, Jeffery Kissoon and Patrick Robinson

West Yorkshire Playhouse
3rd - 25th February
0113 213 7700
wyp.org.uk

And on tour - details below.

Pat Cumper, Talawa's Artistic Director, has spent three days in Leeds with the cast and creative team as rehearsals for WAITING FOR GODOT begin. This is her second blog:

'Having fought our way in through freezing rain, cast and director gathered in the rehearsal room at the St Peter Building to resume the existential wrestling match that is working on Waiting For Godot. If at first it looked as though the text was winning, well before lunch the room was once again ringing with laughter and full of suggestions. From the absurd to the profound, on what it is Beckett meant by each line. Jeffery is wearing his Godot hat, Guy bundles up when the room cools, gathering his energy for his assault on Lucky's epic speech. Character work continues with Ian (Director) regularly quoting insights into Beckett and the times in which he wrote. The differences between pals Didi and Gogo get clearer and clearer and we ponder how much-or little Pozzo's bling matters to him. Sun came out at midday and we left to go home under a cold, clear sky. As I cross the canal bridge, the water is turbulent. Like Godot, so much going on beneath the surface.'

For more information on the production check the Waiting for Godot production page on Talawa's website.

TOUR DATES SPRING 2012

The Albany, London
Tues 6th – Sat 10th March
Times: 7.30pm and at 3pm on 10th March
Prices: £8 - £14
Box Office: 020 8692 4446
thealbany.org.uk

Birmingham Repertory Theatre at The Old Rep
Tues 13th – Sat 17th March
Times: 7.30pm (7pm on 13th March) and at 2pm on 15th and 17th March
Prices: £10 - £28
Box Office: 0121 236 4455
birmingham-rep.co.uk

Theatre Royal Winchester
Tues 27th – Sat 31st March
Times: 8pm and at 1.30pm on 29th March
Prices: £18
Box Office: 01962 840440
theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
Tues 3rd – Sat 7th April
Times: 7.45pm (7pm on 3rd April) and at 2.30pm on 7th April
Prices: £8.50 - £20
Box Office: 01473 295900
wolseytheatre.co.uk

WAITING FOR GODOT

2012-01-05T03:38:00.000-08:00

WAITING FOR GODOT

Directed by Ian Brown

Written by Samuel Beckett

Cast: Fisayo Akinade, Guy Burgess, Cornell S John, Jeffery Kissoon and Patrick Robinson

West Yorkshire Playhouse

3rd - 25th February

0113 213 7700

wyp.org.uk

And on tour - details below.

It's the first week of rehearsals and Pat Cumper, Talawa's Artistic Director writes,

'With wind howling outside and the occasional sleet shower making the roof rattle, rehearsals for Godot got underway. Beginning with a wide ranging and often challenging discussion about the world Beckett created and the characters he peoples it with - he refused to explain either - the company went on to a movement session that was wonderful to watch, hard work to do and capable of provoking laughter, sympathy, empathy. I swear Aline David (Company Movement) can move not only each limb but each joint independently.

Afternoon and it's down to text, Ian (Director) leading a first exploration of the first half dozen sections. We're naming them as we go along. Guess which one is called Garlic? Pretty detailed discussion about costumes: phrases like over-checked tweeds, zoot suit with the drape shape and butler's uniform were bandied about. You'll have to wait and see!

At six, or slightly after, we bundled up and strode out into the wind and rain. A good day. And we had strolling players from the afternoon children's play serenading us at lunch. What more can one ask for?'

For more information on the production check the Waiting for Godot production page on Talawa's website.

TOUR DATES SPRING 2012

The Albany, London

Tues 6th – Sat 10th March

Times: 7.30pm and at 3pm on 10th March

Prices: £8 - £14

Box Office: 020 8692 4446

thealbany.org.uk

Birmingham Repertory Theatre at The Old Rep

Tues 13th – Sat 17th March

Times: 7.30pm (7pm on 13th March) and at 2pm on 15th and 17th March

Prices: £10 - £28

Box Office: 0121 236 4455

birmingham-rep.co.uk

Theatre Royal Winchester

Tues 27th – Sat 31st March

Times: 8pm and at 1.30pm on 29th March

Prices: £18

Box Office: 01962 840440

theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

Tues 3rd – Sat 7th April

Times: 7.45pm (7pm on 3rd April) and at 2.30pm on 7th April

Prices: £8.50 - £20

Box Office: 01473 295900

wolseytheatre.co.uk

2011-09-28T04:29:00.000-07:00

Director Don Warrington rehearsing with Gbemisola Ikumelo

Cast members Ashley Campbell, Akiya Henry and Terry Doe

Cast member Alana Maria

Musical Director, Dominique Le Gendre

The Colored Museum

Written by George C. Wolfe

Directed by Don Warrington

15 - 23 October

Victoria and Albert Museum

http://www.vam.ac.uk

http://www.talawa.com

Day 7 week 2 of rehearsals and we have a show full of songs. Turns out that Alana Maria, the actor playing Aunt Ethel and the Last Momma and Lala sings all the main songs. She has a fantastically versatile voice that can shift personality depending on the character that she’s playing and…. best of all…I roll, we all roll with laughter at each characterisation of her songs. The cast play chorus: they are tight,close and punchy. So we’re getting there as they work hard on keeping it all tight, alive and fresh..

Off now to continue rehearsing “Why Couldn’t He Be Born” with all of the movement as well. Omar (the choreographer) been tightening it up so that the singers are closer together. The performance space in the V and A is very live so the further apart they are from each other, the more disparate the sound becomes.

Dominique Le Gendre, Musical Director

http://www.talawa.com/emailers/thecoloredmuseum/14092011.html

2011-08-22T07:01:00.001-07:00

Talawa Young People's Theatre (TYPT:11)

TYPT is now in its fourth week. The cast are doing a run through this afternoon (22nd) in Talawa's studio before moving to the Lilian Baylis Studio to start their technical week before their performances of #I am England on 25, 26, 27 August, 7.45pm.

Palesa Mokoena reflects on her experience of the last 3 weeks:

"The TYPT process so far has been inspirational for me. I have learnt so much about how to put together a production through devising; and so much about the history of Black people in Britain.

Nazli is an excellent facilitator, she always ensures that everyone's opinion is heard and valued; but she also makes sure that the work is done to the highest quality. During the tech run she ensured that we were all comfortable with the material, and that we were all on the same page mentally.

The tech run itself was more of an opportunity for the cast to get their heads around the logistics of the show really, well for me it was anyway. There are so many different exits and movements to remember that it could easily get confusing. But I think what makes it all work, is the generosity of the cast and crew. Everybody was very accommodating.

One of the highlights of the process is having a professional DJ in rehearsals with us; especially when we are dancing. He worked very well to make sure that the music suits every dance and moment in the play; encouraging us all to step up our performance.

More than anything though, I think this has been and continues to be a great opportunity to learn about theatre, Black Britain and the role that the youth plays in todays society."

For information about #I am England and to book tickets go to:

http://www.talawa.com/emailers/iamengland/

2011-08-19T05:13:00.000-07:00

TALAWA YOUNG PEOPLE'S THEATRE (TYPT:11)

#I am England

25 - 27 August, 7.45pm

Lilian Baylis Studio

http://www.talawa.com/emailers/iamengland/

Rona Namudu writes about her experience of TYPT:11 three weeks in to the process in which participants devise an original piece of theatre for performance at the Lilian Baylis Studio:

"My experience at Talawa Theatre Company has been amazing I've gained so much knowledge in terms of how to start devising by letting a small idea naturally develop without questioning whether the idea will be right or wrong. Being able to voice your opinion in group discussions whether you think it's right or not, or if you don't voice opinion then it's alright because you're allowed to express yourself through performing and being able to challenge an idea and both come to an agreement.

At the beginning of the audition I was given a task which was to send the director of the show (Nazli) a picture that you think relates to This is England and brief caption why, five tracks released in the last 25 years that sum up This is England and a British figure that you think is worth noting and why. From the task we were given and the actual audition I knew that Talawa Theatre Company was about sharing our idea's together as a group which leads to creating a wonderful piece.

I really enjoyed the first week because it was about getting to know the performers including the whole team at Talawa. The director Nazli has inspired me in the devising side not to think my idea is right or wrong it's about whether the idea works in a particular scene, if it doesn't you could always fit it in a different scene. By the end of the first week I started to feel more comfortable with the performers and the whole team at Talawa. The whole team at Talawa are really welcoming and they give us good advice in terms of performing on stage, creating an actors cv and any other theatre auditions that are happening. The performers are friendly and respectful because at times some of us would challenge an idea but it would always come to an agreement that we both like or dislike but we would carry on with the idea without any arguments.

I'm a shy person when it comes to group discussion but I'm trying to break that barrier, but as I watch the members of the group giving idea's they really inspire me. As soon as the idea pops in their head they say it out loud regardless if it makes sense or not they would explain it through movement and being confident with the idea."

TYPT is Talawa's annual four week summer school, now in its 16th year. Past graduates include Nonso Anozie, Shanika Warren-Markland and Beru Tessemma.

2011-08-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

Talawa Young People's Theatre (TYPT:11)

Week 3, day 17 and Madeleine Kludje writes:

Week 3, day 17 and what a very interesting week it has been so far. # I Am England has been quite a journey. Beautiful personal stories from our generation have manifested into a play that really looks at England from different perspectives, at different points in time.

This week has been movement week and our bodies are aching. But hey, no pain no gain! Each member of the cast has pushed themselves to a new level to bring our work to life. Nadia, our choreographer, has taken us through our paces, challenging us and building our vision. Nadia has now added a new dimension to our work by creating dialogue only through movement , which just makes the play better and stronger as it crosses different art forms. The choreography has been challenging but looks amazing.

Cutting down our work to reach the final version of the script has been brutal but needed. Nazli has a great understanding of the version we are trying to create and having her lead us through this process keeps 11 opinions in check. It has been lovely to see everybody produce material for the script and it is also reassuring to know that everybody, equally, is pulling their weight.

This has also, I feel, made casting simple and truthful. Personal monologues within the play have more or less stayed with each writer and the other parts have been distributed amongst us all, working with our strengths and various qualities that make the characters truthful and interesting.

So far I am loving the Talawa experience. I'll be honest it has been exhausting, physically and emotionally challenging at times, but it has also been learning and eye opening experience that has produced a great piece of work that I am proud to say I am a part of.!

Can't wait to show you all.

#I am England will be at the Lilian Baylis Studio 25 - 27 August, 7.45pm. For more information and to book: http://www.talawa.com/emailers/iamengland/

2011-08-17T04:24:00.000-07:00

Talawa Young People's Theatre (TYPT:11)

#I am England

The participants of this year's Talawa Young People's Theatre are now in their third week of rehearsals. Eugene Osei writes about yesterday's rehearsal:

"Today has been really useful, really good. We touched more on the movement side of things and interpreted the text. We worked mostly on the Prologue and our dog characters within the Prologue. Nadia worked closely with us individually on a sequence of moves for our own section which I feel really excited about. After our movement had been cemented, Nazli then asked us to say our line three times. The first time plainly, the second time adding in the barking of our dog characters and the last time just the barks. That really worked!

At the end of the day we had a read through of our script so far and I was blown away by the talent in the rehearsal room. We all spent time over the weekend writing scenes and doing research and it really showed. In particular Toniche. She wrote a script for scene 9 that was gripping, I hope I get cast as a character in that scene!

Having Nadia, the Movement Director, this week has been great. Her warm ups and routines are hard but I like that. She has helped us choreograph the first couple of scenes with movements that are very symbolic. I really feel this week I have pushed myself physically. I cannot wait to find out who I have been cast as and to get my lines and start finding and experimenting with my character."

#I am England is at the Lilian Baylis Studio from 25 - 27 August, 7.45pm. For more information and to book go to http://www.talawa.com/emailers/iamengland/

2011-08-11T04:42:00.000-07:00

Talawa Young People's Theatre (TYPT:11)

#I am England

25 - 27 August, 7.45pm

Lilian Baylis Studio

0844 412 4300

http://www.talawa.com

This year's TYPT participants are now in their second week of rehearsals. As well as extensive and passionate discussions about the riots and disturbances in London and across England, they've worked with Zena Edwards (spoken word) and DJ Dex as they develop, #I am England - an eclectic, multi-artform performance.

Michelle D'Costa says of her experience of TYPT so far:

'TYPT has gone extremely well for me. I've come across like minded and positive people. It's nice to have a collective of people who think the way you do and have the same passion towards the Arts as you do. Its a breathe of fresh air as in this industry you can get people who are chasing fame and you can loose sight of what you actually want.

Its been a very creative and enlightening week. There are so many things I've learned about myself. I'm so please with the theme we have so far for #I am England and cannot wait to get it up and running! It's going to be a great performance.'

2011-08-08T03:17:00.000-07:00

A week in the life of the Queen of the Universe, Havana Wellings-Longmore (Talawa's Administrator)

The Alfred Fagon Awards closed last week so I have been processing applications and have seen a number of familiar names as well as lots of new ones. Thank you to everyone who has applied and good luck!

TYPT:11 started last week. The title of their show is #I am England, taking inspiration from ‘This is England 1986-2011’. The show will explore the historical and theatrical landscape of the UK since Talawa's inception in 1986. The group are a lovely talented bunch and I am looking forward to the usual explosive, dynamic theatre that TYPT audiences have come to expect over the past 15 years.

TYPT:11 also means that Production Manager Samantha Nurse is back in the office and we celebrated her birthday on Tuesday with strawberries and cream. Yum yum!

The Colored Museum is moving along nicely and casting auditions will begin in the next few weeks. Director Don Warrington will be looking for an ensemble cast who can act, sing, dance and improvise. If you think you’re interested and available from 19^th September until 23^rd October then please send me your CV and headshot.

Thank you to those of you who have got in touch to tell me that you like my modelling for Miss Pat in The Colored Museum. I really had to channel my inner ‘crazy-yet-overly-friendly air hostess’. We all have one, you know?

Theatre reviews; I had a magical evening at the end of July at a site-specific play by Teatro Vivo based on Alice in Wonderland at Manor House Library. The cast were truly amazing and I really felt like I had fallen into the story and wonderland! So would just like to thank the Mad Hatter, The White Rabbit, The Queen of Hearts and last but not least The Mouse for a lovely cup of tea. I have also enjoyed Antigone at the Southwark Playhouse, Queen Pokou at the Albany and of course Flipping the Script at the Young Vic.

Random things:

Ok again for all of you who asked how I see films before their release date; sign up to See Films First.

This weekend visit Notting Hill for the My Asho pop-up boutique if you like African designers at affordable prices.

My tune of the week is Joyce Sims All and All

2011-08-05T02:37:00.000-07:00

TYPT:11

#I am England

25 - 27 August, 7.45pm

Lilian Baylis Studio

Yesterday, the TYPT participants visited the Black Cultural Archives as part of their research for #I am England - their devised piece which takes its inspiration from 25 years of Black British history.

AdamTulloch said,

"I think today has been wicked! We went to the Black Cultural Archives. I learnt a lot. I found it quite touching actually in two ways; it annoyed me a lot that I didn't know that much about my history and also pushed me to ask more questions about myself as a performer and the responsibilities that come with that. Maybe I should start to educate young people so that they know more about themselves and the past.

Coming back to the rehearsal studio after was cool as well. We had some really good discussions and debates about what direction the piece we are devising is going to take. We added another layer of truth to it as the archives affected people in many different ways and made people passionate about certain themes and issues that they wanted to include in the piece. I love the debates. That one of my favourite aspects about doing Talawa's TYPT is that they give us a forum to voice and express our opinions on subjects that we are passionate about. It is also engaging to listen to all the views that people put across.

Today was a moving day. It was quite special."

2011-08-04T04:41:00.000-07:00

TALAWA YOUNG PEOPLE'S THEATRE

(TYPT:11)

1 - 27th August, 2011

Talawa's annual summer school started this week.

The successful applicants for this year's intensive four week course are: Winnie Arhan, Terri Ann Bobb-Baxter, Michelle D'Costa, Madeleine Kludje, Aiesha Lindsay, Eugene Osei, Palesa Mokoena, Rona Namudu, Adam Tulloch and Toniche Wallace.

Director Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh, the TYPT participants and a creative team including Nadia Iftkhar (choreographer), Hannah Roche (designer), DJ Dex and Pablo Fernandez (lighting) will be devising an piece inspired by 'This is England 1986 - 2011'.

Follow their journey here, on the #I am England production page on our website and on Facebook (TYPT), as they explore 25 years of Black British history. And get ready for a new order for England; a new movement led by Black British youth.

Toniche Wallace writes about yesterday's rehearsal:

"Today I feel very positive. We have done a lot of work and I feel like we are getting a chance to express our ideas. We've had the chance to structure our journey of the play and explain what we want to see and what we want to create as a performance. The idea's have been very out of the box and out of the blue, therefore constructing a performance that we feel is going to benefit us. The walking in a space and tableaux exercises have been beneficial. We have been moving around all day .

I feel like today I was able to express myself freely and experiment with different parts of my personality. I am letting go, loosing myself and taking chances a lot more; something I would not have done before."

#I am England will be performed at the Lilian Baylis Studio from 25 - 27 August at 7.45pm. Tickets: £7 (£5). Ticket Office: 0844 412 4300 or book online at: http://www.sadlerswells.com/book.asp?link+https://tickets.sadlerswells.com/

The Lilian Baylis Studio is located next to Sadler's Wells on Rosebery Avenue, London EC1.

(A booking fee of £2.20 will be added to telephone bookings, reduced to £1.50 for concessionary and online bookings. There is no booking charge is you buy your tickets in person).

Sections of #I am England will be performed at 1pm at N1 on Saturday 27 August.

Images by Oyin Solebo

The Queen of the Universe (Havana)

2011-06-24T09:20:00.001-07:00

Wow thank the good lord today is Friday!

This week-

Catching the Wind is a project led by JB Rose and Kwame Kwei Armah, where Black writers are collecting the stories from older relatives and friends about life in the UK for immigrants from the Windrush era. They held their meeting in the office on Thursday and are keen to meet with any writers who would like to get involved or people who have stories to share. If you’d interested or know somebody who might please email me hq@talawa.com

Pampaset have been in to discuss Occasions by Abby Ajayi, which explores dating in the city for Black women. It really paints a funny picture more of a sexless in the city, but one that I’m not sure all Black women would agree with! Guess that’s good TV, things that spark debate.

Flipping the Script continued its sell out fourth season at the Young Vic, with Take Me to Manhattan by Maxine Quintyne-Kolaru. I got the opportunity to have Fiston Barek and Sophie Benjamin back in the studio and finally worked with Dina Mouswasi. I was really impressed with the cast (I am casting director at Talawa, so pat on the back for me!) but particularly the new performers; Stacha Hicks, Kevin Murphy and Rupert Holliday Evans. The director Erica Miller did a great job on her birthday and her reward was not only a successful, sold-out reading but a JUG of Mojito!

I have begun casting for the next reading of House of Zerquera with the Director Anthonette Slatton so please feel free to email me your CV and headshot if you would like to be considered for any suitable roles.

I have already told you all that I was going to help shortlist a selection of short scripts for the Off Cut Festival, but haven’t fully told you about the project or my involvement.

The Festival’s reading panel selected 32 plays out of 722! All 32 plays were ones which the panel would be happy to have in the festival. From that 32, 24 are put into four groups to best reflect the diversity of writing style/genre/tone/casting in order to present the most exciting, interesting and varied programme for the audience. The remaining eight are presented in rehearsed readings to a panel of eminent theatre bloggers, who then choose their favourite four. Those plays will join the original 24; one in each group.

The blogger’s committee was made up of Alison Child, Ian Foster, Scott Matthewman, Luke Murphy and of course the Queen of the Universe (me people, catch up!)

After watching eight script readings, (having two glasses of Rose, a plate of cheese -literally just cheese- , a plate of grapes and a packet of crisps oh and a beer) we debated our favourite four. I got two outta my top three into the selection so think my not so subtle ‘crazy eye’ twitch helped me convince the others to support me! Or left them feeling that it might be dangerous not too!

The final four are -
They Fuck You Up, Your Mum and Dad by Michael O'Hanlon

Two Rings by Louise Taylor

Click by Mike Carter.

The Final Days of Fringe Theatre by Ian Townsend

I would tell you about them, but it would ruin the surprise when you all attend the festival 27^th September -15^th October 2011.

If you are interested in performing or directing one or more of the plays please visit the Off Cut website for application details.

Random Stuff:

I haven’t had much free time to find funny or weird things, however this just popped out at me….

The Telegraph does a weekly roundup of weird and wonderful news stories, it reads like an episode of Eerie Indiana but you get some really weird stories, like this one;

‘A former Coca-Cola truck driver, who claims he has never been in trouble with the law, has robbed a bank for just $1 to receive free healthcare while in prison.’

Have to say, this makes sense to me. I have been debating exactly how I’m going to pay for my yearly dentist visit which is coming up. It might be worth holding up the local subway for extra cheese and getting sent down and using the time to sort out my health and maybe learn some new languages free whilst I’m there? Things to ponder…

My video of the week is from Cameo- Back and Forth was sampled by a successful rap group in the 90’s, can you tell who it was?

‘Theatre is an artistic group relationship demanding the talents and energy of many people - from the first thought of a play or scene to the last echo of applause’. - Viola Spolin

Thought you might like to see the cast of Passing Wind, such a photogenic bunch!

Mini Tales from the Queen of the Universe (Havana Wellings-Longmore,Talawa's Administrator)

2011-06-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

June is always a great month for theatre, in the past seven days I have seen two dance shows, one reading, one comedy and a film screening! Women in Me was an experimental dance piece by Tonny A at the Blue Elephant theatre. It left me a little traumatised as I wasn’t expecting a male burlesque show when I turned up at the theatre, and the website mentioned nothing about nudity! Voices in the Alleyway at the Cochrane Theatre, is the latest production by Faith Drama and was a great chance to catch up with Jonzi D and his lovely wife. Passing Wind was a huge success in Ipswich and the only thing that could have been improved was my handling of dinner for the cast and crew. Let’s just say that at least 12 performers including Lil Miss Jocelyn saw the dark side of my personality- me when I’m hungry! I’ve had to send little thank you cards in the post just to try and sweeten them all up and stop any rumours spreading.

Before the week ends I have tickets to see Antigone at Southwark Playhouse and I am going to enjoy the sounds of Jerry Dammers, playing Ballroom Reggae, Ska and Rocksteady at the Southbank. What a busy bee eh? I have even double booked myself for Thursday as I have the Blogger Choice shortlisting for the Off The Cut Festival and tickets to the press night of TakeAway the new play at Theatre Royal Stratford East. As the Off the Cut Festival requires me to shortlist 4 new writers from a selection of 8, I think I’ll have to catch Stratford’s Chinese Musical another time.

Enough about me, let’s talk Talawa. From Passing Wind to Flipping the Script, next week FTS returns to the Young Vic with Take Me to Manhattan on 22^nd June. The casting means I get to work with some old faces, Sophie Benjamin and Fiston Barek. The writer Maxine Quintyne-Kolaru has sent in a new draft and I am looking forward to reading it.

Don Warrington has been in and out of the office as he prepares for Colored Museum. I was asked to model for the production’s poster, playing the character Miss Pat. Once I confirmed that my fee would include keeping the Air Hostess fancy dress outfit, I was on board and ready to go! Here’s a sneak peak of the shoot.
I really got used to having a stylist on hand to help dress me and touch up my make-up, and I think Tara Banks would’ve been proud of me as my ‘smyez’ (smile with your eyes) was on point.

Don has also given me the new Abby Ajayi screenplay to read, it’s been commissioned by Channel 4 so I am excited to take a look. Also have to set up a skype account for Pampaset so we can talk to Abby who is out of the country at the moment, I am having problems downloading the software to our new MacBook though. Why are Macs so different from their PC cousins? I mean Red Bull and its cheaper cousin Boost are exactly the same except for the price. Or KFC and it Cousins Sam’s or LFC have more similarities than differences.

Anyhoo, Talawa. So the Alfred Fagon Awards are open and Jackie and I are looking forward to this year’s submissions. Gail and I have received our certificates for our First Aid and Fire Marshall training, and I reminded Gail that in a case of a real fire to prepare for the possibility of there being a Havana shaped-hole through the front door rather than me battling any fire or blaze. I love Talawa but I love myself more, sorry! However I am super confident with my first aid, and almost eager to have someone injured so I can practice! Sounds crazy but all I need is someone to slip on the entrance stairs, and then I can do a support bandage or maybe a small spill of a hot drink on a hand so I can do a dressing. It’s not a lot to ask really, is it? Although I worry that I will injure myself and if Gail isn’t around…..who is going to give first aid to the first aider?

I have found a singer so amazing, so unique I had to share. I would like to add a disclaimer that I only really like her Chris Brown and Lil Wayne covers but talent recognises talent baby!

Karmin- Look at me Now

Karmin - Six foot Seven foot

Also as so many of you have asked, my secret to free film screenings and seeing the latest films first is See Film First, sign up via the link and maybe I’ll see you on the red carpet in Leicester Square for at one those Summer Blockbusters coming out?

Looking for free events this weekend? Look no further than the Sanctuary Festival on Sunday from 2pm at the Southbank, a festival that celebrates the arts within Refugee Communities.

This week’s More magazine pub dilemma was pretty easy for me; Would you rather be 10ft tall and look like Cheryl Cole, or average size and look like Heather from Eastenders? I don’t know about the rest of you, but I would rather have breasts and a large bottom with genuine talent and ability like Heather than be a female stick insect, who has no talent or skills other than a pretty smile (Ms Cole!).

I think the better dilemma would be; would you rather be a talentless woman who married well and has a nice smile or a successful career woman with a fan base based on your talent rather than your looks?

2011-05-17T04:39:00.000-07:00

The Queen of the Universe has not blogged in a while.....

I know…it’s been forever since I caught up with you all. It’s been non-stop since the Arts Council confirmed Talawa as a NPO and I have been completely run off my feet.

So - we have had a sell-out show for Flipping the Script at the Young Vic. Walking to Obama by Grant Buchannan Marshall was so busy that while I was setting up the camera, someone (with a standing only ticket) stole my seat! By the end of the reading, my ankles were so swollen that I haven’t been able to wear any shoes with ankle straps! The cast of Walking to Obama were amazing and really demonstrated what skill it takes to hold an audience for two hours after only a day and a half rehearsal.

Flipping the Script will continue in June and July and I have been meeting with the Young Vic director’s Erica Miller and Anthonette Isioma-Slatton to cast the up-coming readings. If you are a performer who would like to be considered for casting opportunities at Talawa please email me your CV, headshot and/ or Spotlight link.

On 8th June Talawa is presenting a reading of Oladipo Agboluaje’s newly commissioned play, Passing Wind (working title) at the Pulse Fringe Festival at Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre which I am producing. It will be directed by Femi Elufowoju, jr – founder and original Artistic Director of Britain’s leading African theatre company, Tiata Fahodzi. I am really looking forward to working with Femi and Oladipo, and have already had endless puns and jokes off the working title! For instance,’Talawa are ready and looking forward to Passing Wind!’ I know, I can be really immature at times.

The first TYPT:11 audition was on Saturday 14th and the second will be held on 24th May. To tie in with our 25th anniversary, the theme this year is This is England 1986-2011, and the TYPT participants will be invited to explore how England has changed over the past 25 years.

Christopher has been working hard on Colored Museum and updating our Company Handbook.

I have been waiting for my free eye test forever! If anyone can make an eye patch look good, it’s me!

The office is falling apart slightly; there are quite a few light bulbs not working and if you use the large W.C it feels like you’ve stepped into the twilight zone as the light flickers eerily. I have decided to use a women only handyman company and so we have Home-Jane coming into the office to sort us out!

Samantha Nurse, producer and stage manager, has been in the office quite a lot over the last for weeks and somehow she has managed to break ITunes on my computer! Although we’ve tried hard to make it up with YouTube playlists and 1Xtra or Radio 2, it just doesn’t feel the same.

Last week Gail and I attended a fire marshall training course which has made me worried that I now may actually have to put out a fire. Gail has natural hair but I am addicted to the creamy crack (relaxers) which contain so many highly flammable chemical ingredients that fighting a fire would be counter-productive and downright dangerous!

Tune of Week is Square One- The Plumber

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dJy7kC9mLk

Website of the week is The Gregory Brothers who create auto-tune songs out of the news.

http://thegregorybrothers.com/video.html

2011-03-30T04:42:00.000-07:00

Arts Funding Announcement

Talawa Theatre Company is pleased to be an ACE National Portfolio Organisation.

Talawa staff have been sitting together for most of today, collectively trying to make sense of our 22% cut, posting comments on Twitter - Winston Churchill is proving popular - emailing the Guardian, chewing over what's happened to whom and now writing this blog!

Sustained Theatre are in our studio - Arcola (very smiley), Zendeh (extremely happy) - to discuss their business plan.

Life goes on.

Here's what Patricia Cumper, our Artistic Director says:

"Despite the 22% cut, we will continue to deliver quality work which includes our October production of George C. Wolfe’s The Colored Museum at the Victoria and Albert Museum in October and Waiting for Godot with West Yorkshire Playhouse early in 2012. We are also working with award winning playwright, Oladipo Agboluaje, on a comedy to tour later that year.

We remain committed to taking theatre beyond the stage to explore issues around identity and Britain's many hidden histories, and to investing in the development of Britain's finest Black writers.

We are one of only three remaining Black led NPO theatre companies however and this has to be a cause of considerable concern for those who value diversity in British theatre."

Small but feisty. Talawa lives to survive another day!

For those of you who prefer pictures to percentages, take a look at this visualisation of the Arts Funding announcement: http://bit.ly/h3xmdn

2011-03-11T04:36:00.000-08:00

Mini Tales from Talawa by Havana Wellings-Longmore, Company Administrator

Another week, another blog detailing what we’ve been up to…

The Krunch run at the Albany sold out last week. The show was received well by audiences and critics alike. To read the review by Afridiziak News and Morning Star see the links below.

http://www.afridiziak.com/theatrenews/reviews/mar2011/krunch.html

http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/news/content/view/full/101932

I travelled to Birmingham yesterday to organise and install our 25^th Birthday exhibition #BlackBritish at the Drum. Using a projector and computer the art installation is projected on a wall in the foyer. It’s made up of your answers to the question, ‘To you, what does Black British mean now.’ Check out the News item #BlackBritish for information on how to contribute and to see some examples of how people have responded to the question. Thank you to all those who have submitted answers so far; this week my favourite response was from Gaia Lambert- ‘Some days I feel Black British and other days I don’t feel British at all.’ The more people contribute, the better the piece. Please join in!

I have found a couple of activities to do whilst I’m in Birmingham from the Sustained Theatre website: the usual Auntjies looks funny, if I can get a ride to Coventry! http://sustainedtheatre.org.uk/whats-on

Or I could attend the HandmadeBirmingham Arts and Craft Fair. So much choice, so very little time! http://whatson.visitbirmingham.com/handmade-birmingham-arts-and-craft-market-261637807

Officewise this week, I have been ensuring that all the health and safety requirements are up-to-date including PAT testing, checking the A/C units and just for good measure I have donned combat trousers and re-painted parts of it.

Due to the demands of the Studio I have been running around trying to ensure that all three companies hiring this week had access and understand the fire procedure. The good thing is that I managed to put up all four dance bars and tidy the store cupboard in which I found an old spotlight borrowed from the Hackney Empire in Spring 2010! Doh! Sorry Hoffman, I’ll return it next week….

Office Gossip-

Chris has been working hard on our new and improved Disability and Diversity action plans which we will all review and put in place by the end of the month.

Gail has been her usual superwoman self by working more hours than God provides in a week to ensure that Krunch continues its successful run and that the education workshops accompanying the show are of the highest standard possible.

Jackie has been working with Hans de Kretser ironing out the last few glitches in our new look website, and working on TYPT:11 and Flipping the Script.

Zewditu has been busy working on ensuring all the Krunch cast and crew are paid on time as well as finalizing the details of the office space that we have available for rental here at Talawa.

Wacky websites for you…

I found a great website that tells you all about the wacky events taking place across the country. Events during March include; 4^th Annual Wife Carrying Race and the World Pooh Sticks Championships! http://wackynation.com/default.aspx

Tune of the Week- Wiz Khalifa’s remix of Black and Yellow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWAGLkyxQG0

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. - Eleanor Roosevelt

MINI TALES FROM TALAWA by Havana Wellings-Longmore, The Queen of the Universe (and Talawa's Administrator)

2011-03-04T06:47:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys,

I guess you’ll want to hear all about Krunch, huh? Where to start? The show went up on Wednesday afternoon to one of the most packed matinees I have ever seen. This was topped by a sold-out evening performance too! So the audiences are travelling out to see our fantastic show, in fact my cousin saw it on Wednesday and said; ‘it’s better than you hyped it up to be, Van.’ I mean that’s the highest praise I can get, as I live with her and she has heard me talk about Krunch since its inception in 2009!

Just a brief break from Krunch to fill you in on all the news around here….

Talawa are finally 25! Wow, I can’t believe how time flies. To think when I started the Company was a fresh faced 21!

To celebrate our birthday and 25 years of bringing Black British theatre, writers and audiences to the mainstream we have created an exciting online digital artwork. #BlackBritish is our way of exploring what the term means to our audiences and fellow practitioners. http://www.talawatheatrecompany.co.uk/25th_anniversary_2011.php

When Talawa was founded in 1986 by Yvonne Brewster, Carmen Munroe, Mona Hammond and Inigo Espejel, Black British was a relatively new term. Black British in the 80’s to me meant the struggle we faced to achieve respect and equality in the UK. It meant claiming the land and culture of Britain as our home. Black British still means this to many people today but the term has grown and evolved. Black British represents a number of cultural attributes, peoples and sayings; from using Hot Sauce with everything to being the very definition, and leaders, of youth culture and British fashion. To me, Black British are people of the Black Diaspora who love and cherish their heritage and parentage. They are eager to learn and reclaim our shared history before the Black Holocaust that was the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Black British people have embraced and redefined British culture and understand that our contribution to the society and wealth of the Nation will be undervalued and unacknowledged by those in power because we still have work to do to be seen as equal British Citizens. Black British means promoting shared interests and understanding that the colour of your skin does not interfere with your ability to be patriotic.

I just wanted to get that out, as Jackie has only included my comments on food and fashion in the digital artwork and I need to have a somewhat intelligent response out there too!

If you would like to share your thoughts on what the term Black British means to you please visit our website http://www.talawa.com/25th_anniversary_2011.php or email us your answers to hq@talawa.com or you can tweet your response including the hash tag #BlackBritish.

So with our other production; Chris has met with the Young Vic’s young Directors and given them the shortlist for the scripts, selected by the lovely Neil Grutchfield. Flipping the Script will take place on 10th May/ 22nd June/ 28th July. I will be reviewing casting in April/ May and June so please send any CV of Spotlight links to havana@talawa.com

TYPT Summer School 2011 is coming up soon. Watch this space for application and audition information we will be working with the fabulous Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh again and are all very excited about this year’s theme ‘This is England 1986-2011’.

We have the dates of our production of Colored Museum at the V&A in October and will begin to focus on this after Krunch wraps in Birmingham.

And of course there’s Waiting For Godot at West Yorkshire Playhouse next spring. What a way to end our 25th year.

Next week I am up in Birmingham with the Krunch production as we have performances at the Drum. http://www.the-drum.org.uk/event/krunch

I hope you’ve all noticed our new and improved Website? Check it out http://www.talawa.com/ and send us your comments hq@talawa.com

Pampaset have been working incredibly hard over the past month and now have a series commission from Channel 4 to develop Occasions by Abby Ajayi. They also have meetings with BBC and Film4 regarding treatments and scripts by Michael Bhim, Paula B Stanic and Jonny Wright. If you would like to send Pampaset a script or find out more information visit the website http://www.pampaset.com/

Wacky websites for you…

This week I have one tune of the week, is a nice mellow house track, so enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JnA0lc6H-M

I have recently found a website with some great pub dilemmas and unanswerable questions http://www.wouldyouprefer.co.uk/
My favourite unanswerable one so far; would you prefer to lick an old man’s hairy armpit or chew on a rotten yellow toenail (that’s not yours!)? I can’t bring myself to answer, can you?

I also tried the celebrity look-alike site this week and was shocked to find my celebrity double is none-other than Angelina Jolie! Must be the lips! http://celebrity.myheritage.com/FP/Company/try-face-recognition.php

2011-02-25T03:28:00.000-08:00

Krunch - observations from this week by the cast.

Krunch opens at the Albany on 2nd March and runs until 4th March. Evening performances are at 7.30pm and there's a matinee on 2nd at 2.30pm www.thealbany.org.uk 020 8692 4446.

The Drum 11th & 12th March, 7.30pm and a matinee at 1.30pm on 11th March www.the-drum.org.uk 0121 333 2444

An Audience with Krunch at Tara Arts 17th March, 7.30pm www.tara-arts.com 020 8333 4457

"A very emotional and effective rehearsal today. Some fantastic releasing exercises for the solo pieces. Krunch gets better and better each day." Emmanuel Koduah

"All we need to do is 'fine tune' and to remember that Krunch isn't just one big party. LOL! We definitely have alot of fun, but we need to make sure we're clear in what we're saying and in our movements." Sapphire Joy

"Wow, today was an emotional day. We really stripped ourselves bare." Stephanie Yamson

"Today was another great day of rehearsal. I enjoyed Brown Dream and I am looking forward to performing it. I like the way we all played with our characters, and our use of movement." Shaun Blackstock

"Voice session with Claudette Williams was awesome. I really took some good advice on how to use my voice for the show. Feeling pretty good about the whole thing!" Reuben Massiah

"Another fantastic day. Having Claudette Williams for voice was amazing. Now my writing has all the power it needs. Can't wait to perform." Stephanie Yamson

2011-02-23T06:21:00.000-08:00

Krunch

The idea was that the lovely Krunch cast and crew use post-it notes to write down their thoughts during rehearsals which I then put into the Krunch blog. As I sit here trying to decipher their handwriting and with post-its fluttering to the floor, I'm not so sure it was a good idea! However, I digress, read on:

"The foundations are there. Glad we had the extra week of rehearsals. We're in a good place." Sapphire Joy

"Krunch is well underway. We've made rapid progress in a short amount of time. The brothers of Krunch are doing our thing today. All guns blazing. Good times." Anthony Lowe

"Rehearsals today amazing again. I really enjoyed it. I was stunned by all the cast members' performances; they were fantastic." Shaun Blackstock

"I'm loving every minute of our rehearsals. Black Man and Brown Dreams are changing into something stronger. I really can't wait for the performances. Saw the model box for the new set and I am loving it!" Reuben Massiah

"The whole cast are on top of their game right now and it's nice seeing everyone working together so well. As the time draws closer to the first show at the Albany (2nd March) rehearsals are becoming more intense, but I am looking forwards to every single second." Emmanuel Koduah

"Today was fabulous!" Stephanie Yamson

"Today has been so exciting. Seen all the pieces everyone has been working on and everything looks so strong already. There is a new energy to Krunch and we all seem so in tune with each other. It feels fresh and strong and I'm very proud of us all." Shanika Warren-Markland

2011-02-18T04:47:00.000-08:00

Krunch

2nd - 4th March, The Albany 020 8692 4446

11th & 12th March, The Drum 0121 333 2444

17th March, Tara Arts (An Audience with Krunch) 020 8333 4457

Susannah Henry Wood brought in the model box for Krunch this week. See pics. The Krunch cast are over the moon. 'All I can say is WOW! We asked for colour and Susannah has given us colour.' Stephanie Yamson.

Rehearsals have started and cast member Emmanuel says, 'We are well on our way to an amazing show. I can't wait to see the new stage. It feels like everyone has brought more to the table. It's wonderful to be working with such a talented cast again.'

The great thing about Krunch is that the cast have been able to work on the show over 2 years and this will be its third incarnation for stage. In the process, Krunch has evolved into a really tight piece which takes a sharp look at young Black British identity. 'We are all yet again bringing another range of dynamics to Krunch which is wicked!' Stephanie Yamson

http://www.talawa.com/emailers/krunchtour/tour.html

2011-02-04T03:26:00.000-08:00

SOUTH AFRICAN NEW PLAY WRITING PROGRAMME (SANPWP)
Christopher Rodriguez - Executive Producer

My first time in South Africa and I was half expecting a winter holiday break. Oh how wrong I was. From arriving one day late (yes, I almost came to fisticuffs with Heathrow check-in staff) to being introduced to playwrights with scouring expectations, I realised that this was going to be a test that would give as much as it demanded.

The hunger remains the same. Playwrights want to entertain yet deliver ground breaking work that touches the soul. I often wonder why they go on courses like the one Ola Animashawun and I were asked to deliver and decided, perhaps cynically, that they're just networking to be produced. But with our South African writers, there was an urgency, a dead earnestness to speak of a country changing quickly and in some ways not quick enough. The room was filled with bristling ideas along with considerable script writing skill for television, poetry and film. These were not the uninitiated. They knew, they demanded, they spoke - and I was completely exhilarated; and suddenly discovered how I could be useful to them.

The most I could hope for was a deeper relationship between the writers and their writing. Open new pathways to enjoy, control and analyse their work by applying specific questions and considerations that remind of drama. Yes, I felt we were counsellors; not there to teach, but to listen, advise and help a writer feel that they're worth it - All of It.

Did it work? From the overwhelming responses and enthusiasm, I think it certainly did. Whether it was Jo'burg or Cape Town, or having an imposing Oscar award nominee in the room, the common word was 'inspired'. Yes, 'inspired'. Add to that a quirky bunch of playwrights and artists prepared to explore anything and South Africa doesn't feel like a world away. It's just a long flight to be at home with peers and friends.

2011-01-14T06:03:00.000-08:00

MINI TALES FROM TALAWA by Havana Wellings-Longmore, Talawa's Administrator

This week it has been pretty uneventful in the office. Highlights include: a rather long budget meeting on Tuesday morning, a reading of a new script on Tuesday afternoon, and a Skype call to South Africa on Thursday. Most of the excitement has taken place outside of the office - Pat and Chris have been busy having meetings with Claudette Williams, the Young Vic, the V&A and the Arts Council.

Tuesday afternoon’s reading of Underwear Night Shoes by new playwright Francis Olufunmiliyo was interesting. The script broke many conventions and lead to an interesting debate after the reading.

Oladipo Agboluaje submitted his commissioned play to us last week and this week I had a chance to read it. I think it’s fabulous and it’s really excited me. I can’t wait to start work on it.

Claudette Williams has asked for our support on a project to showcase and promote Writer’s of Colour past and present. An event is being planned for the end of February so keep your eye posted to my blog or the Noticeboard for more information.

We are finalising the dates and scripts for our sell-out series Flipping the Script which brings new, challenging writing to the Young Vic.

We have been talking to the V&A about producing our Autumn show in one of the many spaces they have available in the museum and Pat and Chris went down to view the choices.

We have also agreed to work with and develop writers in South Africa and Chris will fly out there from 23^rd January to start the project. We had a Skype conference call with our partners to finalise details. Jackie and I had some problems setting up the call, as my computer doesn’t have a microphone or webcam and Jackie’s Mac does but she then had problems accessing the right functions. Typically two heads are better than one and we sorted it out after an hour…or two…or three!

As the producer of Noticeboard – our weekly newsletter (subscribe via our website) - I thought I would inform you of some of the activities taking place that did not make this week’s edition;

Remembering the New Cross Fire http://www.thealbany.org.uk/

London Fashion Weekender http://www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk/

BFI Africa Odysseys http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_southbank/events/african_odysseys

London’s A Cappella Festival http://londonacappellafestival.co.uk/

Tunes of the week both come from Stateside:

Diddy Dirty Money- Ass on the Dancefloor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90-SWwtpdZU&ob=av2nm

And say what you like about her, she is entertaining the masses right now…

Nicki Minaj- Moment 4 Life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gco520LsjPo

2011-01-10T06:31:00.000-08:00

Mini Tales from Talawa from Havana Wellings-Longmore

Happy New Year!!

I didn’t have time to blog at the end of last year but just to let you know that we had a fabulous Christmas party in the office, which included a supermarket sweep style present hunt and singing lessons from world famous opera singer Ronald Samm. http://www.ingpen.co.uk/artist_detail.php?aid=73

Back to work and there is no rest for Talawa's staff. First day back last Tuesday saw Jackie and Pat meeting and recruiting Press agents for 2011 as Talawa Theatre Company are officially 25 from March! That’s right, we’re no longer a spring chicken and have been entertaining and educating British theatre goers for a quarter of a century. To celebrate and commemorate our birthday we have some exciting productions and events taking place over the year, so keep an eye on our website for all the details.

Of course you all know by now that the first show of the 2011 year will be Krunch, and we had a production meeting on friday. http://www.talawa.com/productions/index.html

Also last week, Pat met with Alex Burger about his play Whose Blood, which will go into rehearsals in our studio at the end of January before hitting the stage at Old Operating Theatre in February.

We’ve also received the first draft of Oladipo Agboluaje’s commissioned play and I am looking forward to reading it this week. We have also received an unsolicited script by playwright Francis Olunfunmilayo which is so exciting and different that I have cast a small team of talented performers to come in and read it for us tomorrow.

Gail Babb, our Participation and Education Officer, has sorted out an M.A work experience student for me. She will start in the next couple of weeks and has agreed to blog so look out for her posts towards the end of this month.

Last week we went to see Fela at the National Theatre, I had a great time although the show broke my usual rule that theatre shouldn’t be longer than two hours including a 15 minute interval! However the music and dance within the show was so enjoyable, I was able to ignore the growling of my stomach and really get into the show. The run is nearly over but if you can catch it, it’s worth the effort. http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/57358/productions/fela.html

We had a Disney Day last week as we found a great playlist online http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=3C8720058C4BF3CE

However my tune of week has to be The Recluse by Plan B (Nero Remix) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLopP8OTt6M

2010-12-10T06:06:00.000-08:00

Mini Tales from Talawa by Havana Wellings-Longmore

The Alfred Fagon Awards proclaimed this year’s winners and I would like to congratulate again Roy Williams and Rachel De-lahay for sharing the joint prize for their scripts Sucker Punch and SW11 respectively. I enjoyed the rehearsed readings and thought Simeilia Hodge Dallaway did a fantastic job directing.

We had a small Sustained Theatre meeting on Wednesday followed by a meeting with the V&A museum’s Geoffrey Marsh to discuss a collaboration for next Autumn. The meeting went very well and Pat will be visiting the museum next week to see which space will work best for us. I’m afraid I have to keep the production details to myself at this stage, but I will tell all as soon as my gag has been removed.

I visited IKEA on Thursday with the lovely Stephanie Yamson, who helped me carry a load of new poster frames and other little things that the office needs. The office is now a-glow with the Christmas spirit and the soft lights are helping Jackie, as she usually complains that the normal lights are too strong for her eyes. We even have candy canes on the Christmas tree and the traditional huge tin of Quality Street chocolates, although Jackie has already eaten all the purple ones!

I don’t really have the time to blog today. Christopher is next door in the studio developing his script Losing the Race with Neil Grutchfield from Hampstead Theatre, whilst Andy my Handyman fits a new hand towel dispenser to the ladies loo! Meanwhile on the office side, I am rushing to meet a fundraising deadline, send out the Christmas cards and frame and mount the TYPT posters and painting (finally). Zewditu and Jackie are in the office working hard, but both helped me clear the back office and finalise the touches to our Christmas grotto.

The Panto season is finally here and I have tickets to three of the best shows this weekend; Southwark’s Anansi tonight http://www.littleurl.net/3d2b9b , Hackney’s Jack and the Beanstalk tomorrow http://www.littleurl.net/e92bb9 and the Lyric’s Dick Whittington and his Cat on Sunday http://www.lyric.co.uk/whats-on/ . You never get to old to enjoy screaming ‘behind you’ or ‘oh no it’s not’! I’ve got Stalls tickets for all shows and hope to catch the sweets and be selected as the ‘volunteer’ in all three performances.

Last weekend was the Soul Train Awards and this year’s ceremony celebrated the careers of Anita Baker and Ronald Isley, I have selected a tune of the week from both of these fantastic artists.

Sweet Love - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB5qhBnEOHk

Between the Sheets - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glhdcJ7K3XM

2010-12-03T06:21:00.000-08:00

Mini Tales from Talawa by the Queen of the Universe (Havana Wellings-Longmore, Talawa's Adminstrator)

What a week! It has taken me at least an hour and a half everyday to complete my usual 40 minute journey to work! Not one of my buses has been completing the full route and I have been forced to walk from Moorgate and even London Bridge to Old Street. It’s not really far from the office but in these temperatures I have felt like an arctic explorer! Needless to say that all staff members have experienced some disruption to their journeys and at times were unable to make it in to the office at all. Does the whole of London Transport really have to stop working when ever we see some settled snow? I love the snow not just because it means I get to wear my Timberland Snow boots and all the lovely Hat and Scarf sets I have collected over the years. But because I get to play games in the snow, I have found a list of family games that you can try this weekend too if there’s enough snow in your local area http://www.littleurl.net/6ab613

These travel upsets led to many cancelled meetingz and visits to the office. Our Board meeting was rescheduled from Monday 29^th November to Monday 6^th December. Our meeting with Arts and Business representatives was cancelled as they were unable to travel on South-eastern trains on Wednesday 1^sthttp://www.artsandbusiness.org.uk/. The London Hub meeting was rescheduled as well as our visit to Tara Studios to meet with the lovely Jonathan Kennedy http://www.tara-arts.com/ .

However, if I was hoping that the weather might slow things down around here I was mistaken. Pampaset did make it in this week to work on their Channel 4 commission and the National Sustained Theatre team managed to meet at the office too this week. I always arrange for office maintenance to take place at the beginning of December and so we had our windows cleaned, the A/C units checked and I’ve booked a Handyman to come in and do some odd bits and bobs that I can’t do (in heels or without changing into grubby overalls). The Krunch team will be happy to know that their lovely painting they brought for the office will finally be mounted on the wall next week.

This week I have also completed a proposal for funding support for workshops and events surrounding the Krunch UK tour http://www.talawa.com/productions/index.html , as well as update our Christmas card list. If you don’t get one I apologize now and wish you many happy season's greetings, I had to bring the list down from the 500 we sent last year to 200! At the same time I was accepting RSVPs for the Alfred Fagon Awards (AFA) and have names and addresses swirling around by head http://www.alfredfagonaward.co.uk/ . The RSVP list for the AFA closes today but I am looking forward to the ceremony and reading of the winner’s script on Monday.

We celebrated Pat’s Birthday on Monday with our long-awaited Chocolate Day! We had a chocolate melting pot with strawberries, mango, biscuits, fudge, brownies and chocolate mousses with hot chocolate upside down cakes and of course some Gu treats! I definitely felt sick but we all got loads of work done due to the extreme sugar rush we experienced and I literally skipped all the way home! I won’t be touching any chocolate until the Christmas holidays now…the chocolate Jaffa cake bar by my desk doesn’t count neither does the tin of Quality Street on the Touchdown tables!

The tunes of the week come from the fabulous Somalian born rapper K nnan. These songs are not new but maybe new to you so check ‘em out.

ABC’s- http://www.littleurl.net/983b45

T.I.A (This is Africa) - http://www.littleurl.net/f8bc2b

2010-11-26T06:11:00.000-08:00

Mini Tales from Talawa by the Queen of the Universe (Havana Wellings-Longmore, Talawa's Administrator)

We have a lot of visitors to the Talawa offices and this week has been no exception. Don Warrington popped in on Tuesday to let us know that Occasions (Abi Ajayi) has been commissioned by Channel 4, and then Paulette Randall was in on Wednesday for a lunch meeting with Pat. That same day Tony Hendriks had a late afternoon meeting in the office. He gave me a wallet that he’d found on the way to us and we found two different identities inside! This caused a little confusion and we were unsure which person to contact regarding the wallet. I mean, if we called the library card contact number then the person whose driving licence was inside may never get that back! Or maybe we’d stumbled across a MI6 agent, though it seemed more likely that Tony had found the wallet of a pickpocket! In the end we called the library card (this matched some credit cards within the wallet) as it was the only telephone number we could find. I got through to a lovely gentleman who was very distressed at losing his wallet as it had his friend’s driving licence inside. Although this explanation was not as dramatic or exciting as I had hoped it was plausible enough so we arranged for the wallet to be collected and were given a £20 reward!

So I treated everyone to one of their favourite little indulgencies, Chris got kettle crisps and caramelized onion hummus dip (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it); Pat got fresh seedless grapes (her birthday chocolate day is Monday so she will completely overdose on chocolate then); Zewditu got ground cinnamon to sprinkle on her coffee; Gail got a pack of the limited edition Jaffa Cakes with cranberries; and Jackie got the nearest alternative to her favourite chocolate buttermilk biscuits as Tesco had sold out of her favourites and my old retail training means I automatically think ‘alternative’ when what the customer wants isn’t there. However, I must say that it does annoy me when sales staff offer me an alternative. If what I want is a pair of red studded, peep-toe sling-backs then why show me pink court shoes?

Talawa and Sustained Theatre are moving quickly on our project to develop writers in South Africa. I have to ensure that communications between the two countries will be quick and easy so I will be shopping for webcams and microphones http://www.littleurl.net/033df6 and I may sneak a cordless headset phone in the basket for me!

Soho’s Bea finishes rehearsals in our studio today http://www.littleurl.net/dc594c Next week there will be a series of Kinesiology classes http://www.littleurl.net/ebbd18 and the week long development of Christopher Rodriguez’s script Losing the Race.

One of my favourite weekly responsibilities is creating Talawa’s Noticeboard. The Noticeboard is our way of keeping our subscribers up-to-date with the latest Black and Asian events and theatrical productions across the UK. The Noticeboard has a double benefit; it helps me help you guys and at the same time help myself! I am never short for weekend event ideas and always know where to go for top notch entertainment at no cost! This weekend I will be visiting both the V&A exhibition Impressions of Africa and The African and African-Caribbean Design Diaspora’s Portfolio. You can find more details on these events and more via our website www.talawa.com where you can view the Noticeboard and sign up to receive it. Most events and items on the Noticeboard are sent to me in advance but at least once a week I will check the Afridiziak Theatre News http://www.littleurl.net/73819 and Catch a Vibe http://www.littleurl.net/46db20 websites just to make sure that I haven’t missed anything.

Both the events I have mentioned above are FREE as I am now saving for my own Christmas presents as Santa sent my letter back to me saying the recession in the North Pole is serious and this year he can’t afford to spoil me with:

· the deluxe GHD set http://www.littleurl.net/9393dc

· and the Extreme Choice Experience gift pack http://www.littleurl.net/943341

· as well as my usual selection of new books which are selected at random from the Booker Prize winners http://www.littleurl.net/9ca2ff

· a huge box of bath goddies from Lush http://www.littleurl.net/3977

· and he hates to disappoint me but he can’t afford a new limited edition MAC makeup kit either http://www.littleurl.net/c60a71

So Santa said what he can do is make sure there are two packs of Chocolate coins in my stocking but if I want the other items I’ll have to handle it myself! Just so you all know, the meaning of Christmas is not measured or found in a pair of fabulous straightening irons but in spending time with your loved ones. It’s just that...I’m my favourite loved one!

I have been obsessed with these two 90’s classics all week and am definitely on the look out for a ‘Back to the 90’s’ New Year Eve party so I can hear these BIG tunes!

Strike- You sure do http://www.littleurl.net/baa

Guy- I like http://www.littleurl.net/dd9c55

2010-11-19T06:20:00.000-08:00

Mini Tales from Talawa by the Queen of the Universe (Talawa's Administrator, Havana Wellings-Longmore)

I know something you don’t know….and I am afraid I’ve signed a confidential agreement not to tell anyone….but I know who’s won this year’s Alfred Fagon Award! Yep, that’s right the final decision has been made but the results will not be revealed until 6^th December at the AFA Ceremony. I’m quite good at keeping my mouth shut when I need to, so don’t think about trying to get me to reveal anything! I am working with Jackie to make sure that all the invites for the ceremony go out this weekend, but they were saved in an awkward format and the whole list must be entered into a spreadsheet. Again! Not the best task for a Friday afternoon…

However, I am looking forward to heading off to Soho Theatre today, for the second time this week (I went to see the fabulous Gina Yashere there on Wednesday evening http://www.ginayashere.com/ ) to watch a reading of the latest script by theatre company Standing On the Shoulder’s of Giants, which is run by the extraordinary Jenny Buckman. Love you Jenny! http://www.giantstheatre.com/

Speaking of Love…Stephanie Yamson, the talented new writer I was telling you about last week, has called me to tell me off for not showing her enough love in my blog by promoting her exceptional acting and singing abilities! Stephanie is one of the stars of Talawa’s Krunch show, which we toured to South Africa earlier this year http://www.littleurl.net/e1129d . I would like to wish Stephanie the best of luck with her latest West End (third recall) audition and to say get prepared for the UK Krunch Tour next spring girl, as we are going to work you…hard!!!

In the office we are gearing up for our big Chocolate day to celebrate Pat’s birthday (although I don’t really need an excuse) and throwing ideas around for our annual Christmas Fun-day. So far I’ve received four party invites and am looking forward to trying to recreate the latest Boots advert at my desk! http://www.littleurl.net/dbbdd6

There were a couple of news stories this week that I’d like to share with you. The first is the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. I know I should be happy but I can’t help feeling like Kate has stolen my man! Deep down I felt that God’s plan for me was to become the first official Black Queen of England - many people argue that Queen Charlotte was a Black women http://www.littleurl.net/024ba5. Time to make my move on Harry perhaps? I know, I’m not ambitious enough, am I?

The other story is a comical one about the fearless Cat who took on two Alligators and won! This demonstrates the fantastic courage of the noble feline and makes me wonder what has happened to my Cat Steelo, who’s afraid of the front doorbell! http://www.littleurl.net/b7fe78

If you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift look no further as I have found the best gift ever! An ingenious way for people to remember their youth; I want the My Little Vivienne Westwood! http://marikasurinen.com/sculpting

My tune of the week is the SOS Band – Weekend Girl, because there really aren’t enough days in the weekend! http://www.littleurl.net/767883

Mini Tales from Talawa by the Queen of the Universe (Talawa's Administrator, Havana Wellings-Longmore)

2010-11-12T06:35:00.000-08:00

I’m back!

I’ll get my holiday out of the way first and then tell what you’ve missed in the Talawa offices.

I went to New York for 12 days to visit family and for Halloween. I’d read that their Halloween parade was named as The Greatest Event on Earth by Festivals International for October 31 and featured in a book I got for Christmas 100 Things to Do Before You Die: Travel Events You Just Can't Miss. So, I had to go and it did not disappoint http://photos.halloween-nyc.com/ . I had a fantastic time as an evil, blood thirsty Vampire.

I even met and danced with the model out of the new Nicky Minaj Video (he’s the stunner on the left of screen) http://www.littleurl.net/c8c40a . I also did a ton of shopping, of course! I had to include the photo of all my shopping bags as I really did shop til I dropped and I’d like to take this time to acknowledge my feet, for going that extra mile in order to satisfy my shoe obsession. Even though technically my feet have received their thanks through the six pairs of boots and heels I brought them!

The consequences of my holiday are I cannot stand to look at another McDonald’s or KFC burger until after Christmas. I ate my way through the menu at McDonald’s (I recommend the Angus with Mushrooms and Cheese), Wendy’s (go for the Chicken Club with extra crispy bacon), The International House of Pancakes (it is all about the full breakfast of bacon, eggs, French toast and hash browns with all-you-can-eat buttermilk pancakes) and of course Red lobster (where the only thing you order should be the full fish platter of Lobster, Crab legs, fried Shrimp and garlic Shrimps). Needless to say that I didn’t eat enough vegetables whilst on holiday and I am now on a strict no-fast food diet for two weeks. I have limited this diet to soup or salads whilst in the office and have been absolutely miserable every lunchtime as a result. I don’t know why, but I feel like a failure looking down at a plate of mushroom soup and a roll. The upside to my fast-food NY diet was that I’ve had a few compliments on the expanding size of my bottom! Yep, that’s right, I’m now dragin’ a pretty lil’ wagon behind me! I don’t want you all rushing out there and eating unhealthily to try and achieve a larger gluteus maximus, so I have found a list of do’s and don’t for how to get a booty like Beyonce (cause Jlo doesn’t really have much!) http://www.littleurl.net/ead82d

On to the office gossip…

Since I’ve been away the Alfred Fagon Award committee has met and agreed the shortlist for this year’s award. The first thing I did when I got back was send out the letters of congratulations and commiserations to those who submitted. This year’s selection was very strong and the committee took a long time to whittle down the shortlist. The winner will be announced on 6th December but I’ll know by the meeting next week. I have my favourites but it wouldn’t be fair to say, would it?

Talawa also had two shows touring nationally within the same week with Rum and Coca Cola in Birmingham and Unzipped in Leicester. Rum and Coca Cola has been well received in the regions and it’s been a pleasure working with English Touring Theatre on this tour. I have just sent all the cast and crew a little token of our appreciation in the post, as the tour ends this weekend in Exeter.

We have also managed to secure the dates and details of the Krunch UK tour next spring. We’re off to The Albany and the Drum yippee!!!!

Soho Theatre has begun their month- long hire of our Studio, funny as Clean Break have just left the Studio for Soho with their co-production Charged2! http://www.sohotheatre.com/pl1924.html . I am already taking bookings for next year December! So if you need to want Studio space next year, you better be quick as space is going fast.

Since being back a week I’ve jumped straight back into the UK theatre scene and seen a playreading by Stephanie Yamson and Tiata Fahodzi’s Blue/Orange http://www.littleurl.net/ac98a5 . Stephanie is definitely a writer to look out for, her characterisation is fantastic and her use of dialogue appears to come naturally. Blue/ Orange was a very enjoyable piece of theatre on the fascinating topic of mental health and ethnicity. I left seriously debating whether mental health institutions should consider the differences between cultural ideologies, stereotypes and signifiers during assessments, to better diagnose mental health risks and factors in different races and cultures. What do you think?

I couldn’t decide on my song of the week… again, but figured that as I haven’t been blogging for the last couple of weeks I can give you two to enjoy.

The first is by the Far East movement- G6
http://www.littleurl.net/304f7c

The second is the by the unstoppable Rihanna ft (my Man) Drake- What’s my Name
http://www.littleurl.net/178e28

Mini Tales from Talawa by the Queen of the Universe (Talawa's Administrator, Havana Wellings-Longmore)

2010-10-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

My right eye is twitching and has been since Tuesday afternoon! I have been in Administration overdrive this week as I prepare for my annual leave next week (yippee!). I always get this eye twitch when I am working super long hours and have a lack of sleep. Nevertheless this week I have transformed into my alter-ego Havana- the Administration Superhero! Where there is stationery, she’ll be there. No matter the task size her shoes will be bigger. I have even found a photo of what I look like in my superhero outfit!

The Rum and Coca Cola tour has officially started and Pat and I had a lovely, (if late) evening in Southampton’s Nuffield Theatre http://www.littleurl.net/fc4232 . The show was great and I enjoyed the new partnership between Shango Baku and Okezie Morro. I was sat next to an elderly gentleman who knew all the calypso songs and informed me that he hadn’t heard the version of Rum and Coca Cola performed in the show for over 50 years as it had been banned by Coca Cola for copyright purposes. I hope we checked that out and the company’s representatives don’t turn up at the office, unless it’s one of the Diet Coke guys then I’ll be more than happy to drop everything for a meeting!

I have had to upset a few people this week as I have informed unsuccessful candidates for the admin assistant role and Alfred Fagon Awards submissions who have not made the longlist. I felt so bad whilst making the calls and typing up the letters that I went through three packs of Malteasers, two packs of Quavers and a cinnamon, iced bun with a cherry on top. I find that comfort eating makes me felt much better about shattering people’s hope and dreams….

During Black History Month I get to search the internet for Black facts for the Noticeboard. This year, I have more facts than Noticeboard editions so have decided to include one or two of the random facts I came across within my blog. Did you know…The Nile is the longest river in the world, flowing through Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt - if all the bends in the river were straightened out, it would flow from the Equator right up to the Scottish Highlands?
Or that in 1974, the skeleton of “Lucy,” a hominid who lived approximately 3.2 million years ago and has been considered a common ancestor to the human family, was discovered in Hadar, Ethiopia. In 1979, a 165-foot trail of the earliest hominid footprints was discovered in the Kibish region of Tanzania. The two discoveries indisputably marked north-eastern Africa as the birthplace of humanity. http://www.littleurl.net/bb3814

Gail was in the office yesterday and told me about some of the incredibly interesting conversations and debates she has been having with Students across London and the UK about and around Black British History and Culture. According to one school debate, Gail informed me that I have a ‘White’ way of dressing as I love dresses and putting flowers in my hair! I would like to say the fashion is for fun and should be explored and experimented by everyone. As Miss Jay from America’s Next Top Model says ‘Fashion is for everyone, but trends aren’t!’ http://www.littleurl.net/82e5b9

My tune of the week comes from Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith’s daughter Willow. Does this even sound like the voice of a nine year old?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSdW7RrQ6iQ

2010-10-11T03:36:00.000-07:00

How to follow Tales from Talawa

Contributors to Talawa's blog include actors, directors, stage managers and staff members - our most regular blogger is Havana Wellings-Longmore or the Queen of the Universe as she insists on being called.

Subjects can vary from the sublime to the ridiculous - Havana often supplying both - and are mostly entertaining, sometimes funny and always informative.

We think that Tales from Talawa is worth reading, and hope that you do to. To regularly follow the blog, just click on the Follow sign to the right. So far we have 6 followers! Please be the 7, 8, 99 and 100th!

You are one click away from getting closer to Talawa. Go on, you can do it. Just click on the Follow button.

2010-10-11T02:58:00.001-07:00

Mini Tales from Talawa by Queen of the Universe, Havana Wellings-Longmore

Thanks for all the emails discussing my views on stereotypical theatre and comedians, I appreciate all your views and for getting in touch.

The first thing to say about last week was the hugely successful Sustained Theatre London Hub launch that took place on Thursday http://www.thelondonhub.com/ . Lindsay John (Journalist) and Paulette Randall (Director) had a lively debate with Ben Yeoh (writer) about the state of BAME Theatre in the city. It was a great turnout and thought-provoking discussion, so ‘great job’ to the Administration Co-ordinator Pauline Walker!

I also had the opportunity to meet with the MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch, Meg Hillier last week http://www.meghillier.com/ . Meg was great and really understands the dangers faced by the Arts ahead of the proposed cuts which will be announced on 20^th October. She also expressed a genuine appreciation of the Arts and how they serve and reflect her diverse constituency. It was refreshing to meet a Politician who even with the budget deficits want to champion supporting the Arts and raising awareness of how important they are to our society and enriching peoples lives.

This week the Rum and Coca Cola tour opens at the Nuffield Theatre in Southampton and all systems are go for Talawa, English Touring Theatre (ETT) and Nuffield and we are working flat out to ensure that the show is even more exciting and dynamic than it was at West Yorkshire Playhouse. http://www.littleurl.net/9fab4d

Now that Black History Month is in full swing I rarely get to see my P.I.C. (Partner in Crime) Gail Babb as she is rushing around delivering workshops and debates across London, although she was at Clacton on Sea last Friday. I miss her! However I must think of the ‘Greater Good’ she out there entertain and educating the masses and I’ll just have to wait for her amazing DJ skills and ability to explain the foolish actions of X Factor judges to me.

The fabulous Tony Hendriks (without a C) was in the studio last weekend for rehearsal of a film he is working on and also came into the office to meet with Pat http://www.tonyhendriks.com/ . Tony and I have enjoyed some interesting conversations about weddings and whether or not a bird emptying their bowels on you is good luck!

Two tunes of the past week;

Cee Lo Green http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ven9wtJ8guk

And a Classic Mariah Carey track http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NreMkXWXdnU

Quote for the day? "Never take life to seriously, nobody gets out alive anyway"!!

Mini Tales from Talawa by the Queen of the Universe (Talawa's Administrator, Havana Wellings-Longmore)

2010-10-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

1st of the Month! I cannot believe that we are already in October!

Black History Month comes back around http://www.blackhistorymonthuk.co.uk/ and Nigeria celebrates 50 years of independence yippee!

I went to see Estate Walls last Friday; it is part of the Oval House’s London Nigerian Independence Festival http://www.littleurl.net/70f041 . Someone should tell Oval House that there was nothing about Nigeria or any mention of independence in the play; however the playwright was Nigerian so….maybe that’s enough eh? I have read some of the writer Arinze Kene’s work before and I think he is talented with a great ear for dialogue but I didn’t enjoy this play. I think it would be perfect for the education circuit, but was far too preachy and predictable for me. Besides I am bored of plays written by young, gifted Black playwrights which confirm all the negative stereotypes about the young, Black experiences and ideologies here in the UK.

Black History Month and independence celebrations usually encourages me to reflect with pride and wonder at all the millions of achievements Black individuals and Black Nations have contributed to the world and Western civilisations throughout history. However after a visit to the newly reopened Hackney Empire to watch some of the UK ‘finest’ Black comedians in Strictly Come Laughing http://www.littleurl.net/022115 , I was left feeling ashamed and tired of the divides between us. Cultural and physical divides which the comedians waste 10 minutes of their sets to expand upon. When will we accept that we are the same regardless of which island or country our ancestors were born in? I am Black British and I am sick of hearing offensive jokes about Jamaicans or Nigerians. I would also love comedians to produce a more challenging cultural comparison between Black and White cultures then ‘White people go bungee jumping and Black people don’t!’

It was Bob Marley who popularized the words "Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds." To free oneself from mental slavery, first one must have the self-determination not to allow others to dictate how one speaks or behaves.

Sorry I just had to get that all off my chest.

This week’s bad weather has started affecting my mood. I suffer from SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder and the shorter days and gloomy weather are clashing with my usual sunny disposition!

We had a Board meeting on Monday evening and I have been enjoying the leftover GÜ chocolate treats! Gail was the first to introduce these culinary badboys to me and now they have become an office favourite http://www.gupuds.com/ . Interesting enough there is a direct correlation between how much of these we have been eating (everyone apart for Pat) and office complaints of toothaches. Pat has been on a self discovery challenge to remove chocolate from her life! I know…why would she torture herself? It’s not even lent! Pat has now been without chocolate for five months! Five whole months! Wow pat on the back Pat, I can’t go more than a week. Even as I type this…I have a box of GÜ Millionaire’s Flapjacks and a box of GÜ-EY Chocolate Rolls at my desk that I periodically dip into and enjoy a small taste of paradise. I know I said I wouldn’t eat at my desk anymore, but obviously didn’t say anything about not snacking. Did I?

The deadline for the Administration and Marketing Assistant has closed and I have been reading through the applications and will be contacting the cream of the crop to arrange interviews for next week.

Tonight I have tickets to see The Decypher Collective at the Albany http://www.littleurl.net/1f078d . I always enjoy seeing a new company or artist perform and the Albany is round the corner from me so I don’t have far to go home if I don’t enjoy it!

Gail has been DJing for most of this week and so we have enjoyed the smooth sound of 90’s RnB and she treated us to a medley of 60’s classics. I am posting links to a few as we can’t decide on the tune of the week.

Sam Cook- http://www.littleurl.net/862c6b
Aretha Franklin- http://www.littleurl.net/a6e153
My personal favourite by Barbara Lynn- http://www.littleurl.net/823b27

2010-09-24T05:29:00.000-07:00

Mini Tales from Talawa by the Queen of the Universe (Talawa's Administrator, Havana Wellings-Longmore)

Whoop, whoop today is PAYDAY! R. Kelly said it best, ‘Thanks God it’s Friday!’

This week has felt like a six day one, probably because I’ve worked late twice and I’m trying to juggle four projects at once. If I wasn’t the Queen of the Universe I would have had real problems, but instead I have managed to submit a new proposal to the BBC on behalf of Pampaset Productions; sent out all the scripts to the Alfred Fagon Award’s reading panel; set up Rum and Coca Cola in Talawa’s rehearsal studio; and hosted the TYPT:10 and Sustained Theatre South Africa debriefs as well as source the rehearsal space for Unzipped in Leicester and cast and contract the performers! Of course on top of all this I had to complete my usual admin tasks including completing Talawa’s weekly BAME Arts update, Noticeboard.

Come on, admit it. I am London’s Premier Administrator!

I saw Alvin Ailey at Sadler’s Wells this week http://www.littleurl.net/f5d7bf and I’m going to see Arinze Kene’s new play Estate Walls tonight at the Oval House http://www.littleurl.net/139057 .

Alvin Ailey was a pleasure to watch and I was memorised by the movement and music in Revelations. Ailey’s masterpiece really epitomizes the emotion of the Negro spirituals and I found tears in my eyes during the performance. As a person with a passion for dance I can see how original and spectacular the piece would have been when it was devised in the 1950s. However the newer work with Otis Reading music felt completely unoriginal and the movement was out of date.

Chris (Talawa’s Executive Producer) recently saw a reading of Arinze’s work and was very impressed so I have high expectations of tonight’s gala performance at the Oval house. The only problem with the Oval House is the lack of decent cocktail bars near by. Tonight is Friday and I definitely would enjoy a Cosmopolitan or two after the performance!

Anyhow. Now to the real news of the week! If any of you follow Talawa on Twitter or Facebook, you will know that I fell out with Chris this week because of what is being referred to in the office as the McMuffin Gate Scandal – he went to McDonalds and failed to bring anything back for me. You’ll be pleased to know that we have sorted out our differences and he knows never again to visit Mc D’s without asking or taking my order!

I have been playing 90’s classics in the office this week and Talawa staff have agreed that this song is completely underrated and should be played more often. http://www.littleurl.net/e92d3c

2010-09-23T04:17:00.000-07:00

Rum and Coca Cola rehearsals in Talawa's studio

Rum and Coca Cola, Mustapha Matura's funny and touching play set on the beautiful island of Trinidad, is touring with a new cast this autumn; Shango Baku is playing Professor and Okezie Morro, Slim.

This week, Shango and Okezie have been rehearsing with Dominique LeGendre, Rum and Coca Cola's Musical Director. Here's her diary of this week's work:

Day three of rehearsal and we have a music call. The big challenge of Rum and Coca Cola is making all of the singing, acting and composing seem like the most natural thing in the world, when in fact, the combination of all three requires huge stamina and concentration just to make it appear effortless. To achieve this, I thought that a stick fight between our two actors as they sing Santimanitay, or Sans humanité in correct French, would be the perfect exercise (see photos).

The two actors, Shango and Okezie, size up each other calling out “Come out in the road Warrior”…the typical call to a stick fight. As they circle each other eyes locked into their opponents, they sing/chant to the glories of the rum that fuels and peppers the fight. They tap their sticks closer and closer to their opponent in the imagined circle around the opponents’ feet and lock sticks with each other as they attack and defend their own space and honour: Shango with the grace and erectness of his age and experience and Okezie with the fire and surge of his youth.

Dominique LeGendre, Musical Director, Rum and Coca Cola

Rum and Coca Cola tours to Nuffield Theatre, Southampton 13-16 October, Greenwich Theatre 19-23 October, The Drum, Birmingham 28-30 October, Cheltenham Everyman 2-6 November and Northcott Exeter 10-13 October.

Click on this link for more information: http://www.e-flier.co.uk/ett/rumandcoca-cola/autumn2010/

2010-09-17T04:54:00.000-07:00

Mini tales from Talawa by the Queen of the Universe (Havana Wellings-Longmore, Talawa's Administrator

The Alfred Fagon Award (AFA) is the pre-eminent Award for playwrights of African and Caribbean descent http://www.alfredfagonaward.co.uk/ . It was established in 1996 in memory of the late Jamaican playwright and actor, Alfred Fagon, one of the key Black British playwrights of the 70's and 80's. He died of a heart attack at the age of 49 in the prime of his career. The AFA honours his memory and legacy by raising the profile of Black playwrights and supporting their careers in British Theatre. Advisors to the award include Talawa founder Yvonne Brewster and Talawa has assisted in providing administrative support for the awards for several years.

This year is the first time that I will be assisting with the administration of the Award and last week AFA Director, Winsome Pinnock, brought me up to speed. I have spent this week copying the vast number of scripts that need to go out to the Award’s Readers' Panel, and creating templates for the letters that go out to the writers at each stage of the Award. It is very hard not to read the scripts while you’re copying them, as words just jump off the page. But, from experience it is nice to arrive at the Awards and listen to the winning play being read and to compare how good the raw script was to the directed reading.

I have had a full evening schedule of theatre this week with tickets to Oikos at Jellyfish on Wednesday http://www.littleurl.net/a720d7 Five Guys Named Moe at Theatre Royal Stratfored East on Thursday http://www.littleurl.net/fa5f76 and then Tryst with Destiny at Tara Arts tonight! http://www.littleurl.net/14a824 Jellyfish did not go according to plan; I forgot the Talawa credit card, and the Box Office wouldn’t let me collect the tickets even with a copy of the card’s details and so ended up admiring the recycled Theatre from the outside!

Five Guys Named Moe was the expected toe-tapping, jazz feast I wanted on a Thursday night. I had last seen the show in the West End Lyric Theatre all those years ago and couldn’t remember what the show was actually about but remember joining the actors on stage and dancing with Paul J Medford and shaking my thang! That night cemented my love of all things musical - being a big show-off - and my bond with Medford (who is still totally fierce and choreographed this revival). Last night made me realise that the show isn’t really about anything! It’s just a big song and dance! Some of the content of the songs is a little old fashioned but the vocal performances were really enjoyable. Paulette Randall, a former Artistic Director of Talawa, directed the production and it’s obvious to all how well she knows and understands the play and its characters. The only downside? I booked seats in the dress circle which prevented me from joining in the conga line in the Stalls at the end of the first half (the rest of the Talawa staff were holding me down in my seat to stop me from diving into the Stalls).

This week is London Fashion Week! http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/ I have tickets to see some catwalk shows at Somerset House over the weekend and now need to think of what to wear! I am predicting a lot of masculine meets feminine; earth tone aviator jackets with nude or African inspired print skater dresses with - of course - sky high ‘killer’ heels. Other looks coming back will be 1920’s hairstyles and hair accessories, worn with natural make-up and strong deep red lips. I hope to catch Naomi again at the House of Holland catwalk show, she was absolutely amazing and I felt blessed to see her do what she does best. Strut!

Song of the week comes from Ike and Tina Turner. I watched What’s Love Got to Do With It this week and can’t get this song out of my head! http://www.littleurl.net/0f284c

2010-09-13T04:49:00.000-07:00

Mini Tales from Talawa from Havana Wellings-Longmore, Queen of the Universe (Talawa's Administrator)

Last week flew by: not sure if it was all the late nights and excitement or just because time always seems to speed up between September 1^st and December 23^rd. Don’t you find that you finish the summer holidays and then suddenly there’s Christmas decorations and festive songs playing everywhere? I saw an email on Monday from a Christmas hamper company. I mean come on, can a girl at least get to enjoy and savour Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night first! Writer, Edwin Way Teale, once said ‘Change is a measure of time and, in the autumn, time seems speeded up. What was, is not and never again will be; what is, is change.’

Anyhoo…Custom Practice rented the Studio last week and my old mate (old as in we’ve known each other a while, not old as in wrinkly) Susan Lawson Reynolds was participating in the classical development workshops for actors. Both Susan and I have an obsession with the colour purple (not the novel) and have had a healthy purple rivalry going on for a while. Last week Susan won, hands down, although I put up a good fight.

Last Tuesday I went to see Shoes at Sadler’s Wells http://www.sadlerswells.com/show/Shoes . I wore these Iron Fist badboys…..see pic. Needless to say, I killed it on the red carpet and had everyone asking where my fabulous shoes came from. The show was very entertaining and the live singers were amazing. I enjoyed the dancing, especially the scene about Wedding Shoes. The show focused on every aspect of a shoe lover’s life but not enough homage was paid to High Street shoes. Most women wore designer shoes to the show, but all choose boring, plain, black court shoes. A singer from the 80’s quoted ‘Age shouldn't affect you. It's just like the size of your shoes - they don't determine how you live your life! You're either marvellous or you're boring, regardless of your age or shoe size.’ I, friends, am marvellous!

Gail, our Participation and Education Officer, came back off annual leave last week. Gail lent me a copy of Grease 2 ages ago, after a dispute we had in which she claimed that it was better than the first one! I finally watched it, and must say I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the musical numbers Reproduction http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLuDMlTOLAY and Girl for All Seasons http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1bUfAG8CEc&feature=related However, the first Grease is still the better movie in my opinion.

Last week I had meetings with a number of the UK’s top Black writers about a new exciting project, Winsome Pinnock chair of the Alfred Fagon Awards http://www.alfredfagonaward.co.uk/ , and finally posted the details of the vacancy for an Admin and Marketing Assistant on our website. I am really looking forward to getting an assistant hopefully someone who will bring fresh ideas and energy to the office.

I have started working on arranging our transport and travel to the venues for the Rum and Coca Cola tour http://www.talawa.com/productions/rumandcocacola/index.html I wanted to get the sleeper train back from Exeter, but it leaves at 1am and the show finishes well before that. I have never been on a sleeper train before, but the idea makes me think of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express!

Last week Chris and I were stuck on repeat. Chris has been playing The Gap Band’s Outstanding http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjtOzLfebgY while I have opted for the Blackstreets remix You Blow my Mind http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaCLJ_YxMBs .

2010-09-03T05:34:00.000-07:00

Mini Tales from Talawa by Havana, Queen of the Universe (Talawa's administrator)

So…I haven’t done a blog for a couple of weeks as I was struck down by a horrible, hacking cough and forced to take to my bed. However, I am back and ready to go into administration overdrive. First I have to fill you in on what’s been happening around here….

Sold – our summer school participants’ show - was better than I expected. In fact the whole day of events at the National Maritime Museum was entertaining and informative. At the end of day we all walked down to the Thames and Shango Baku read the most moving speech about the millions of lives lost and sacrificed during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Then we all walked down to the shore of the Thames, threw in rose petals and watched them wash away with the river towards the sea, making the same journey the English ships would have made as they left London toward Africa to trade in human cargo. The day’s events were memorable to say the least, and I have been left with a thirst to discover more about the resistance and rebellions led by the enslaved Africans. My favourite quote from the day is; "They will remember we were sold, not that we were strong. They will remember we were brought, not that we were brave." - William Prescott 1937 (former slave). Photos were taken on the day, check them out at http://www.flickr.com/photos/talawa_theatre_company/ My lovely friend Elizabeth Cocker writes for the Morning Star and she came to see a dress rehearsal of Sold. This is her review http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/news/content/view/full/94276

Olu Alakija is a talented writer who has been working with Talawa during this past year, he wrote The Only Way which was the second play read in the last season of Flipping the Script. Olu also took part in our BBC radio workshops and recently sent me a link to listen to the recordings online. http://www.audiotheque.co.uk/

This week we had a Sustained Theatre London Hub meeting in the office, which means that the office was filled with the Artistic Directors and Executive Directors of London BAME led and/or focused Theatre companies. Sustained Theatre is an initiative of ACE that focuses on issues relating to BAME theatre, artists and practitioners http://sustainedtheatre.org.uk/ The members of Sustained Theatre are organised into regional hubs and the Administrative Co-ordinator (Pauline Walker) of the London Hub is based at Talawa’s offices. Pauline has recently put together a brochure of all the London Hub members http://www.thelondonhub.com/ and is working towards a launch event. Yippee, I think it could be a good excuse to buy new shoes!

We have started to look at our autumn season it’s going to be busy; Unzipped at the Curve, Leicester and the Rum and Coca Cola tour with English Touring Theatre http://www.talawa.com/productions/unzipped2010/index.html http://www.talawa.com/productions/rumandcocacola/index.html

It’s also our 25^th Birthday next February and we absolutely need to celebrate in style, so we will be putting the finishing touches to our birthday plans happening in early Spring.

I saw the scariest story online this week, I don’t think my cat Steelo would be able to handle one of these badboys! http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3104027/Gnaws-II-Giant-rat-caught-in-Lincoln.html

Today I will be sorting out the leaky air conditioning unit in the studio and preparing for the Custom Practice workshops taking place in there from Monday. Also have salsa classes taking place on Saturday morning only, nobody has turned up yet to collect the key……..and there is no way I’ll be here tomorrow morning, I plan on having a nice lie-in then full English breakfast on Saturday!

I have recently moved to Deptford and have found the coolest café and cinema for myself right near the Albany http://www.thedeptfordproject.com/ They will be showing 80’s classic movies for three consecutive weekends from 9^th September, find me down there for Heathers, An American Werewolf in Paris and A Clockwork Orange.

However it’s an outdoor cinema and the weather for the weekend is always typically poor. Read a funny quote the other day about that actually; 'There is little chance that meteorologists can solve the mysteries of weather until they gain an understanding of the mutual attraction of rain and weekends.' -Arnot Sheppard

I have just realised that my blog from South Africa wasn’t fully uploaded. If you would like to read it, email Jackie on jackie@talawa.com she says if she receives ten requests (from 10 individuals, not 10 emails from one person - Jackie) she’ll put it up. So come on guys!

Tune of the week? I have had it in my mind all day…it’s a carnival classic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySPMK1U3HdY

2010-08-27T04:11:00.000-07:00

TALAWA YOUNG PEOPLE'S THEATRE (TYPT:10)

SOLD was performed in front of 300 people at the National Maritime Museum on Monday 23rd August as part of International Slavery Remembrance Day. At the end of a memorable day, people came together on the banks of the Thames for a closing ceremony to scatter rose petals in an act of remembrance. Here are some reflections on TYPT:10 and SOLD from some of the participants and creatives:

Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh, Director TYPT:10

"Creating SOLD in collaboration with such an inspiring company and thought provoking partners has been a meaningful experience in translating our world history. SOLD is a new performance piece that collides theatre and dance engaging with space and audiences with sentivity and courage. The process was at once brutal and beautiful always respectful and with moments of humour brought forth through our humanity.

I still reflect on the motto of the revolution of France and Haiti; Liberty, Equality, Fraternity - it is the echo of resistance, not only survival but adaptation.

SOLD has a personal and international relevance as the legacy of transatlantic trade and the enslavement of African peoples some 18 million that we know of continues to affect our modern lives. SOLD begins to excavate this history spanning 500 years, it does not offer conclusions rather gives voice to the human stories that are by nature complex and contrasting from one to the next.

It would be an honour to revisit SOLD by taking it to new spaces and contexts not only to respond artistically but to engage with audiences in new geographies who have yet to meet SOLD.

Directing this incarnation of SOLD has been an honour and I will always remember company coming together at the banks of the Thames at the end of the closing ceremony and scattering Rose petals in remembrance of all those souls whose memory still endures."

Dominic Le Gendre, Musical Director

"Rehearsing with this year’s group of young people I was pleasantly struck by a number of things: 1^st that this was a group of bright, confident, self-possessed and highly individual women and lone man, who consistently, at least when I worked with them, supported each other in their work. 2) They had a great capacity to move fluidly and rapidly from 1 new idea to another filling in with their own musical and physical vocabulary. 3) They seemed to be completely at ease with a performance style that incorporated drama, physical movement, creating soundscapes and singing all at the same time. 4) They were certainly fearless, open and receptive in their attitude and conviction. They were great to work with."

Kayleigh Benoit, TYPT:10 participant and performer

All I can say to Talawa is a massive thank you! Not in a million years did I expect I would learn so much in such a short space of time. 4 weeks flew by so quickly! I have met the most amazing people on this journey who I will forever remain close to.

This has truly been an intense learning experience. The amount of history that I have learned has been more intense than my GCSE History! And it isn't even the history where I have discovered new things; I have learned so much about myself too. I know I can physically push myself when I didn't think I could (thanks Emmanuel cough cough!) I didn't even realise I could sing!

Being part of TYPT:10 has really opened my eyes to new opportunities and realise the potential and impact that performance can have on people's lives. I am going to find it so hard going back to work :( I want to perform forever! I was always in two minds about my acting dreams but after experiencing TYPT the acting bug in me just won't go away, I know now that this was what I should be doing for life, so thank you Talawa for making me realise that. For any potential actors out there I would highly recommend TYPT as your starting point. I pray that in a few years time I can look back at TYPT as the start of my blossoming acting career :D

Abena Bentum, TYPT:10 participant and performer

One of the first things they tell you when you begin your journey with Talawa is that once you work with them, you’re forever part of the family. You will never know how true a statement this is until you begin your own Talawa journey. Being part of TYPT:10 has allowed me to grow as an actor, developing different skills and getting more involved with devising as well as performing. I believe the historic importance of the issues and stories addressed in Sold made me more determined to give everything I had to the project. Having historical boundaries such as dates and people was challenging but with the help of Nazli, Coral, Dominique, Teleica, Emily … (basically the entire Talawa team) we were able to put our own artistic stamp on the show. My favourite part of the whole experience is a toss up between two things, the people and the costumes! The deep and meaningful side of me knows that my summer would not have been the same without Kayleigh, Tash, Faith, Tatum, Allia, Raymond and Elizabeth. However, the more shallow side of me simply loved the sequins and fairy lights! The combination of these two things alone was pure brilliance! I would not have traded my TYPT:10 summer for all the chips in London (TYPT:10 will understand, lol).

All photos: Richard H. Smith

2010-08-17T04:05:00.001-07:00

TALAWA YOUNG PEOPLE'S THEATRE (TYPT:10)

The dress rehearsal for SOLD is Thursday, the technical rehearsal Friday, and the performance is on Monday 23rd August at the National Maritime Museum. Board members, and past TYPT participants will see the dress rehearsal, and hopefully Richard H. Smith will be back from Spain to shoot the piece on Friday! There's a steady stream of performers coming through the office for costume fittings and the smell of starch is wafting through the office. Thanks to Everton Wright (http://www.evewrightstudio.com) for the stunning image, and to Hans de Kretser (http://www.dekretser.com) for turning it into an e-flyer - link to follow.

Emmanuel, SOLD's Creative Assistant grabbed a few minutes to write:

HERE WE GO!!! Guys, the pressure is on and we’re working harder than ever. It is now the beginning of Week 4 and the show has finally taken shape after plenty of research, commitment, motivation and teamwork. We go into the Atlantic Worlds Gallery at the National Maritime Museum in two days and it’s going to be very different from the rehearsal room. We've had to bear this in mind when we’ve done our blocking in the Talawa rehearsal room. It’s going to be a challenge but so have the previous 3 weeks and we’ve pulled through. Performance day is only 4 more rehearsals away.....HERE WE COME!!!

2010-08-16T03:01:00.000-07:00

Talawa Young People's Theatre (TYPT:10)

26th July - 23rd August

The TYPT performers are in their last week of rehearsals at the Talawa studio. The dress rehearsal is going to take place at the National Maritime Museum on 19th August; and the performances will take place as part of National Slavery Remembrance Day at the Atlantic Worlds Gallery in three, 1/2 hour long parts on 23rd August at: 12noon, 2pm and 3pm http://www.nmm.ac.uk Last week, Richard H. Smith took some great shots of rehearsals, a couple of which are posted here. Samantha, our Production Manager, is constantly on the phone sorting out access to the museum, what sound equipment is required, the best times to do the technical set-up while the museum is open etc. etc - the list is endless and growing daily! Here's a word about last week's work from TYPT's Creative Assistant, Emmanuel Koduah.

Week 3

The piece is all starting to come together. We now have some scripted work for Part 2 of the show with help from Pat (Talawa’s Artistic Director) who has also helped us with the language from that historic time period. We now have several songs throughout the piece that have proven to be very effective in delivering the emotional content of the issues that we are dealing with for this show. Physical warm-ups have also become more intense to increase our stamina and strength as our SOLD includes a lot of physical movement. Rehearsals still seem to be reassuring and we are moving forward and bonding more as a company as the performance day gets closer and closer. The pressure is starting to kick in…..but we all love it!!!!

2010-08-13T04:50:00.001-07:00

Mini Tales from Talawa from Havana Wellings-Longmore (Talawa's Adminstrator Extraordinaire) or the Queen of the Universe as she likes to be known as.....

Have I told you that Talawa Theatre Company has a subsidiary company called Pampaset Production Ltd? www.pampaset.com They are a film production company that focuses on bringing more diverse stories to UK cinemas. They aim to broaden the number of screenwriters in the UK and, in doing so, contribute to a sustainable UK film industry. At the moment, Pampaset is made up of three very hard working Executive Producers; Don Warrington, Tara Prem and Peter Ansorge. The Pampaset team have been in the office three times this week to finalise their submissions to some potential funders. Usually I give them the meeting room but this week we have had costume fittings for TYPT:10 in there so I had to put them in the back office.

Thanks for all the suggestions for Zewditu’s birthday present and comments on my festival photo. Some of you are really sweet and some of Talawa former staff members need to stop being so hateful (you know who you are Richard). It not my fault I was born with this fabulous bone structure!

On Thursday I was suppose to go to a Blogger Breakfast hosted by The Redroom, however when my alarm went off at 5.30am I was totally confused and thought I had set it wrong and went back to sleep. Needless to say I missed it, doh! I was really looking forward to it as well.

We all had a social media training day session on Thursday. Hans De Krester came in and showed us how to really use and work the functions on Twitter and Facebook. My head is still reeling. It was very informative as I knew nothing about Twitter and really underestimated Facebook. Hopefully if you are friends with Talawa on Facebook or follow us on Twitter you will be able to see a positive change in our use of them. If you have any suggestions or comments about our social networking sites, let me have them havana@talawa.com

Protech IT Hygiene www.protech-it.co.uk sales rep Mark Walters came into the office on Friday and gave us a demonstration on my computer which completely embarrassed me. Mark took a bacterial reading of the PC’s keyboard before cleaning it and the reading was 424 which equated to 10,000’s of bacteria! The most embarrassing thing was the piece of hard dough bread trapped in between the keys…..oh the shame of it! So from now on I vow never to eat at my desk. I don’t care if I am in the office by myself, or rushed off my feet. I will sit down at the Touchdown tables and have a civilised lunch without the addition of my keyboard and mouse. You realise this means the answer machine will be on a lot more though?!!! (In my defence the PC I work on has been at the company longer than me and belonged to my predecessor).

This week I have been playing old school funk and RnB classics in the office, I have two top tunes of the week check them out on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVj1m8uy5AM&feature=av2e

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH3rx8LhrQo&feature=av2e

We had some fun during our lunch breaks playing originals verses remixes but I think that these two original jams cannot be imitated or duplicated and like fine wine or cheese get better as time goes on. No school like the old school!

2010-08-09T03:03:00.000-07:00

Mini Tales from Talawa from Havana Wellings-Longmore (Talawa's Administrator Extraordinaire)

Wow, last week was very busy. Many of you know that of Talawa’s six members of staff only myself and Pat are full-time, so some days it’s just lil’ ole me in the office. This week we’ve had seven meetings and two conference calls, and the rest!

There have been so many people coming and going! I always enjoy these busy periods. On Wednesday we had two Sustained Theatre meetings back to back in the touchdown area, whilst Pampaset Productions discussed film projects in the meeting room. Then Diana (Sound Engineer of TYPT:10) locked the studio keys in the studio! So the whole team of TYPT:10 were milling around in the office too.

As it is now the month of August, everyone is beginning to take their annual leave. Jackie has been off for the week; the office is very dull in the mornings without Jaks. Normally she gets straight to work on her Mac, but she always brings in some fresh fruit and shares this with me before our morning cigarette on the office steps. It’s weird, without this ritual I don’t feel properly prepared for a day’s work! I tried to do it by myself, but the grapes I brought from the local shop were mouldy (can you believe they refused to take them back?). Zewditu is also off today, it’s her birthday next Saturday and we are debating what we should buy her. If anyone has any suggestions email me at havana@talawa.com

Today I will be sorting out the office, you know, putting up new photo’s and poster (including the lovely South African print given to Talawa by the TYPT:09 participants), changing light bulbs and tending to the needs of the office plants. Of course this will all be done in my…..12cm heels (just measured them)!

I am taking Samantha (TYPT:10 Production Manager) to the all you can eat Chinese for lunch. It will be my first meal since the weekend, as I caught a nasty bug from the festival which left me eating Ready Break and dry Bread all week!

I also got a lil’ upset yesterday when I had four phone conversations with supplies and even the Arts Council and nobody got my name right. I had, Halawa, Hermoine, Hervarna and Savannah. It’s not that hard people, HAVANA. Although I was asked to spell it phonetically and couldn’t remember the phonetic alphabet so said Horny, Apple, Vandalism, Apple, Negro, Apple. Needless to say the person on the other line was in snitches and has never forgotten my name starts with H for Horny!

2010-08-09T02:47:00.000-07:00

Talawa Young People's Theatre (TYPT:10)

23rd July - 23rd August

Rehearsals for the TYPT:10 performances at the National Maritime Museum on 23rd August as part of The Message, International Slavery Remembrance Day continue. We've had meetings with Everton Wright, Talawa's graphic designer, and the first roughs for the e-flyer have been sent through. The title of SOLD has been agreed. Copy has been drafted. And here's the blog....

Week 2 rehearsals:

It is now the second week and we have been discussing many of the issues involving the Haitian revolution, the transatlantic slave trade and highly significant people that were around at the time. On Monday, we spent the whole day working physically with Coral Messam. We did emotionally and physically intense scenes of the slaves working on plantations as well as doing a long warm-up to start the day. We also mixed theses physical forms with some of the vocal percussion that we have been creating.

On Tuesday we spent the whole day at the National Maritime Museum working with Ruth Fisher. Ruth gave us a more in-depth look into the history of slavery and how it has still caused some effects in the present day. We learnt about how slaves were sold and also managed to talk about how slavery began and how it ended. We were taken on a tour in the gallery, which also helped us to understand who were the leaders and main slave traders, how slaves resisted to being torn away from Africa. It was a very interesting day with plenty of key facts to discuss and consider.

2010-07-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

Talawa Young People's Theatre (TYPT:10)

23rd July - 23rd August 2010

Day 4

Over days 4 and 5 of the first week of rehearsal, we have established a skeleton for the show. As of the beginning of day 4, our Creative Assistant, Emmanuel has been doing intense physical warm-ups in the morning to enhance our strength, flexibility and stamina. Day 4 was a quite intense day, we spent the whole day working with our Musical Director who helped us with our breathing techniques. We have now created character profiles and explored different vocal expressions to illustrate our characters and create vocal ensemble percussions. By the end of day 4 we had put together a sequence of freeze frames and we have suggested several titles for the show.

Day 5

Today we have been creating running orders for each part of our show. As we have been going along, we have discussed each part and how to fit them together. We have already made some cuts and additions to some scenes to see how they work. We have also researched some slavery songs to see if they work well in any part of our show. Some of the scenes we have worked on have proven to be very emotional and difficult to tune into because of the level of controversy. This is the last day of our first week and as a cast we have formulated many ideas and learnt a lot about each other as performers and as a group. Next weeks seems to be full of even more hard work and dedication!

2010-07-30T03:48:00.000-07:00

Mini Talawa Tales every Friday from Havana, Queen of the Universe (our Administrator)

This week has been really busy in the office as TYPT:10 started on Monday and we have 9 participants and 7 creative members coming in and out of the office and studio. We had a meet and greet for staff and performers on Monday afternoon, I hadn’t timed going shopping for everyone’s lunch. When I got back to the office everyone was sitting around the Touchdown table looking ravenous, I had about 30 seconds before people were clearly going to turn on one another in hunger. To be honest it was all staff members looking miserably hungry, in particular Gail and Christopher who have to eat at the first sign of the hunger monster or else…

The Talawa staff are all super excited about a new TYPT especially as this year is the 15^th Anniversary and last year’s show has just returned from a successful tour to South Africa’s National Art Festival in Grahamstown. The energy is contagious and performers and staff alike are gearing up for a cracking performance at the National Maritime Museum on 23^rd August.

The festivities of lunch were followed in the evening with the fastest Board meeting in Talawa History. After all the hard work preparing for it, I allowed myself a treat on Tuesday of Chicken Pad-Thai Noodles from Whitecross Street market. If you are every near Old Street during lunchtime, this market is the best lunch you will ever find in this area. No need to thank me, just remember I like mine with sweet chilli sauce and peanuts.

Speaking of peanuts, Gail is allergic and on Wednesday we decided even though Pat is on a ‘no chocolate diet’ until her Birthday on 28^th November (send in any chocolate gifts to the TTC office- address on the website) we’re not. Gail went to the shop and what did she bring back? Fruit and Nut Turkish Delight! I know, who actually likes Turkish Delight? Turns out the only person beside Gail who eats the stuff is Samantha (TYPT:10 Production Manager). I was not impressed to say the least.

I have been taking a steady stream of bookings for the studio next door this week and Autumn in the Studio is practically booked up. So if you want hire a space, get in touch quick.

Thursday is my last day in the office this week, as I am off to Global Gathering 2010 this weekend. Yippee! Although I am not happy that campers (yes, me the heel queen will be wearing a pair of wellingtons and braving the mud and dirt) are not allowed to cook or smoke near their tents. Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes you just want a fag!

Spread Love not Marmalade x

2010-07-28T05:21:00.000-07:00

TALAWA YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE (TYPT:10)

23^rd July – 23^rd August 2010

Talawa Young People’s Theatre is our annual summer school for budding actors, designers, stage managers, workshop leaders and technicians. It is a remarkable opportunity to work with Britain’s foremost Black led theatre company.

Now in its 15^th year, past TYPT performers have gone on to work as writers, actors and directors with major theatre companies, venues and broadcast companies. In June, TYPT:09 performers appeared at the National Arts Festival, South Africa with KRUNCH, a refreshingly entertaining and thought-provoking piece about young Black British identity.

This year, TYPT:10 is directed by Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh of Zendeh and performers will be working with the collections of the Atlantic Worlds Gallery at the National Maritime Museum to create a piece which will be performed in the gallery on 23^rd August, International Slavery Remembrance Day.

http://www.nmm.ac.uk/23August

Day 1

Today performers practised a range of exercises to enhance some techniques with our director Nazli http://www.zendeh.com/press.html. Exercises included burning a matchstick and telling a story before the match burnt out.

Performers have also been asked to bring in articles that relate to the abolition of enslaved Africans in Saint Dominigue (now known as Haiti and the Dominican Republic) during the 18^th century, which was lead by Toussaint L’Ouverture. We also read through a poem To Toussaint L’Ouverture by William Wordsworth. Performers then had to split into small groups and create a two minute piece relating to the poem. The three two minute pieces worked in a linear sequence so performers were given another 30 minutes in order to link them together.

We wanted to explore how Toussaint felt about the responsibility of leading his people. So we did some hot seating in which the performers questioned the person in the hot seat about their leadership, faith and belief in a time of desperation.

Day 2

Today we visited The Atlantic Worlds Gallery at the National Maritime Museum http://www.nmm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/on-display/atlantic-worlds/themes/.

We had a look at the space we will be using and we also took part in some activities with the Museum staff about the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Performers had the chance to learn about different slave ships and slave owners. We came back to the rehearsal room at lunch time to continue rehearsals. We then mapped out different ideas and sketches for three different parts of the show.

Day 3

Today we have been exploring different physical techniques with our choreographer Coral Messam. Coral started the day with a team-working based physical warm-up as well as separate activities to help with team-work, trust and unison as performers.

2010-07-02T02:52:00.001-07:00

Photo: Richard H Smith

IT'S KRUNCH-TIME FOR THE YOUTH

Review by Theresa Edimann

Cue contributing editor

This is the fourth production to open in the newly established Arena at the Festival, but the first to come from beyond South Africa's borders. The cast is made up of young people from London, who deliver an entertaining and energetic work-shopped piece focusing on a range of British identities and diversities.

The actors all identify themselves as Black British Youth and the production reflects on what this means for them at a time of social, economic and political turbulence in that country. The commentary on current issues within British society if fascinating. For example, there are frequent references to the threats posed by the resurgence of the British National Party (BNP), with a sense that the already constrained and complex social spaces that young black people feel subjected to, would become even more challenging to negotiate if BNP policies were to gain greater credence within British society. The relentless sense of being monitored by surveillance cameras and the risk this creates of being disparagingly judged of discriminated against, provide a fascinating insight into what London life is like for not only young poeple.

The similarities and differences between South Africa and Britain make this piece particularly interesting for local audiences. Issues of cultural and gender stereotyping, marginalisation from perceived Western norms and struggles to negotiate personal relationships across racial boundaries (and the inevitable class issues bound up in racial dynamics) have profound resonances with local dynamics.

There are also issues that apply to all young people in this day and age. One of the strongest scenes in the piece is about a Facebook addict group, with all the ructions and ramifications around who befriends whom, who gets poked by whom and whose friends do (or don't) appear in profile photographs. Another scene deals with a Britain's Got Talent-type event in which contestants' success or failure depends on how they've been stereotyped rather than how they performed. Other themes explored include the desire to be more than just a number, the need to have the freedom to dream about a fulfilling future and the longing to be loved for the person beneath a particular tone of skin.

This is a talented young cast, who seem to have enjoyed being part of this innovative and inspiring project. The facilitation and direction of the piece have clearly been highly skilled and those involved need to be congratulated. The inspired incorporation of turntablist DJ Matman as the central visual image onstage, and source of the excellent sound track, gives the production a delightfully funky edge. Inevitably, a piece of this nature is always a work in progress. Issues of audibility, projection and polish obviously need to be addressed going forward.

It would be wonderful if this cast could work with local youth around some of the issues - this production is far too important for the cast and crew's engagements not move beyond the confines of the stage. Here's hoping that there's an element of that cross-pollination soon.

2010-06-25T03:04:00.000-07:00

Travelling to South Africa

Who would have thought that 9 hours after leaving Heathrow we would be sitting in a cafe in Addis Ababa watching the Ghana v Germany match.

Our flight was relatively uneventful, except Ethiopian Airlines didn't do any flight safety. It was also funny to see the hostesses try to understand some of the performers requests for Wheat free dinners (yeah right)! For breakfast this morning I was fed a fruitcake slice. Anyone who knows me, will know that I am sitting here typing this blog dreaming of an English fry up!

Our flight to J-Burg is delayed by an hour and a half and so we are entertaining the masses by doing short snippets of krunch and general dancing and singing.

See to in J-Burg then xoxox

2010-06-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

It's been a productive yet challenging weekend.

We have worked on every single piece now. Taking each one apart and then

putting them back together; taking time to remember why we wrote the

poetry in the first place and, if we've made changes, why we've

made them.

Over the weekend Ché Walker was in on rehearsals. And he whipped us back into line regarding DISCIPLINE!

"You have to be a parent, to your talent......Real art stings......If you love 'em (word)s, share 'em" Ché Walker

Yasmin (dance/movement tutor) showed us that when it comes to warm ups

we don't even need to leave the floor to get warm and be dripping with

sweat. Through various floor exercises Yasmin worked every muscle in

our bodies.

What became very clear as we ran through KRUNCH is that our fitness

levels need to be up. Throughout KRUNCH we are talking, singing,

dancing and sometimes doing a mixture of all three. In South Africa we

will be doing up to three shows a day; STAMINA is KEY.

Unfortunately we won’t have individual mics when we perform in South Africa, therefore

PROJECTION is also really important. Thanks to Claudette Williams we have vocal exercises and they are becoming more and more useful.

We no longer have a blackout in between each poem We now have transitions which link the previous poem to the next one. The transitions consist of dance, singing and snippets

from our poems. The piece feels far more integrated this way.

2010-06-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday 30th May

On Saturday we had another amazing voice session with Claudette Williams.

Not really feeling how Havana took pictures when we were making some unflattering faces and poses though!

Sunday really felt like 'krunch' time. We always knew that not everyone would be able to come to South Africa. And that due to other commitments (college/university, work) rehearsing would be tricky. But as we did a stagger through of the new KRUNCH and it was clear to see who was on point, and who was not. From the
beginning KRUNCH has been a group effort and on Sunday we spent a little time considering that.

The stagger through itself went well. We may be young but our minds aren't what you think they should be! We spent the beginning of the rehearsal saying, 'i can't remember what we did after that' and 'didn't you do something there?'.

However once we'd warmed up our brains, everything came rolling back:

The MUSIC (even though we didn't have DJ Matman, Lakesha did an amazing
beat box); the DANCING (Stephanie’s been working on her pirouettes); the SINGING and
all the FUN!!!

Sapphire ('-',)

2010-05-26T05:28:00.000-07:00

KRUNCH REHEARSALS

Krunch rehearsals have stepped up a notch. They are now two days a week and everyone is busy trying to enhance their pieces.

I asked Maria (Yarjah) what she's been working on:

"Over the weekend me and Lakesha worked on 'Let Me In'. We have both changed our individual verses so that they coincide with the way we are feeling now (the other ones were sooo last year and we have moved on!!). We also wanted to reinforce the 'ensembleness' of the piece so we've completely changed the ending. And we've been experimenting with our voices and harmonies, giving ourselves more of an opportunity to show what we can do with them."

On Sunday afternoon we had a voice lesson with ‘The Magic Woman’ Claudette Williams. She listened to us individually and then gave us exercises based on our individual needs, as well as giving us a little schooling about life:

"Understand that you are change, and you bring change. So don’t be foolish, go out there and create something they want." Claudette Williams

Sapphire Joy

2010-05-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

Rueben and I have decided to cut Love Takes Time as every time we think of it the word ‘CHEESEY’ pops up! Instead, because we’re taking Krunch overseas and we might be changing or developing people's impressions of Black British - who are the Black British, what makes a Black British man or woman - we’d like to write something different. Here’s what I’ve come up with (so far):

‘First and foremost

I'm human
I am a human being
And the sex, race, colour I've been given
It's just genetic make-up
Which often we break-up, over these simple things
That everyone has,
Everyone needs
To be some-bod-dy
Just a body, within a society
And Black British speaks for me
Two cultures intertwined
Where my colour is defined,
But it's not a red traffic light
It's green!
With each past,
I'm making history.
And as a black woman, what a great position to be in!
Challenging,
Changing,
Alternating.
Creating,
Expanding,
Cultivating,
A new sphere for my kin, your kin, her kin, his kin
I will not be apologising

For I wont be carrying the weight of my race upon my shoulders

Nor will I look to whites to give me orders.

But I will demand my space on this earth,

Cause no matter if your red, yellow, pink or green,

I am,

You are,

We are, human being’.

Sapphire Joy

2010-05-18T03:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday 16th May, 2010

So the ball is rolling on KRUNCH in South Africa. New posters, new flyers, injections!!!!! The room became filled with 'I’m scared' and 'isn't there a tablet instead' as we arrive at the Talawa offices to kick off the rehearsal.

The main aim of this rehearsal is to update on last week,
see what needs to be done in the near future, and present any new or changed work.

But.........

It's just not possible to come to Talawa and not get into a
DISCUSSION! I don't know if they put something in the air, but it
happens EACH and EVERY time. In all fairness, the discussions are borne out of the poetry featured in KRUNCH: we talk about being Black British to drama school, education and channel 4 documentaries, which race is smarter and the 1980 New Cross fires.

Pat (in her own words) says 'my job is to nag you'. Yet many, if not all, of our open chats are fuelled by her enthusiasm to share the past, present, and future struggles, successes and general interesting points we don’t, but ought to know. Gail feeds the natter more by asking questions and showing us pictures of the things we discuss.

So at the end of the rehearsal I think it’s clear to say that through the art of conversation, with the help of the knowledgeable Pat, and the learned Gail, we (the TYPT: 09 participants) are still striving to use our ever growing knowledge to adapt, build and mould Krunch so that it will not only draw in audiences, but represent Talawa and us as young people.

Sapphire Joy

KRUNCH

2010-05-11T04:18:00.000-07:00

Last year, the participants of Talawa Young People's Theatre, created KRUNCH - a refreshingly creative, entertaining and thought-provoking expression of young Black British identity. The piece combines music, dance, film and spoken word, and features a live set by award winning turntablist DJ Matman. (You can check him out on MySpace).

This year, we're taking it to the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown in South Africa from 26th-28th June. It's going to be hard work (in fact, it is hard work already), and very exciting. And this is how we're going about it.........

At the moment, Havana, Talawa's Administrator, is sorting out travel insurance and inoculations amongst other things and rehearsals have started for KRUNCH. The TYPT team are doing some re-writes to start off with and then they're rehearsing every Saturday and Sunday until 20th June. (And it might not look like they're not doing much in the pictures, but they did work really hard last Sunday!)

Here's a sample of some of the TYPT team's writing for KRUNCH:

"Brown skin, brown eyes, caramel coloured hair

Attached to the toughest black scalp out there

Five foot four, full lips heavy hips

Deriving straight from my African bits

But Sunday ain't Sunday without Sunday roast

Neither are pub crawls, chees on toast

Big British rock tuns, that what I jam to

Oasis, Blur, I salute you'

What I'm tryna explain is despite the layer of skin

I'm as British as the next person

That's how it's always been

And yes, I'm African

I'm aware of my roots

But ask me to define myself

Black British yout"

Maria Yarjah

"What legitimately defines who you are?

I ask you!

My brother, sister, mother, father. WHO ARE YOU?

Who Am I?

No I'm not the girl them sugar

And I don't want to make love in a truck. Pass me my keys

Zimmer!

That's not..who...I...am

I'm not the brother walking down the street with my neck and wrists full of so many carats that even Bugs Bunny wants to rob me.

My sister you are not the girl that venerates MTV or verbally, bodily,

mentally holds yourself responsible for not looking like Halle Berry!

NO!

Instead try and look like someone like Rosa Parks and instead of being concerned with whom or what you look like..START...to realise!

Your confusion about who you are makes you nothing more than a similitude of a plant with no roots, like a phone with no ring, like a star with no bling, like...."

Emmanual Keduah

2010-03-08T03:31:00.000-08:00

Talawa posed some questions to Mustapha Matura who wrote Rum and Coca Cola in 1970s.

When was Rum and Coca Cola first staged?
Rum and Coca Cola was first staged in 1976 at the Royal Court Theatre.
You’ve re-written some sections of the play. Where were the areas of major rewrites and why?
I always felt there were too many unexplained questions regarding the relationship between Slim and Professor, and not enough of how their past histories affect their present life. When the opportunity arose to return to it, with the benefit of time and distance, I was able to explore the basic relationship deeper, and alter the emphasis of other elements to the outcome of their story.
How did the theatre scene in 1976 differ from today especially for getting plays like Rum and Coca Cola on and accepted? Do you have any personal memories of prejudice around you or your plays?
There seemed to be fewer opportunities in the sixties in getting work produced than today, but there were fewer Caribbean writers at that time. There were also more Black theatre companies producing fine work exploring the Diaspora. I think I was lucky to meet and work with directors who had a liberal perspective at the time. The only examples of prejudice I found were the unspoken atmosphere among some theatre staff to working with non Europeans, but that was part of the times, outside theatre and in.
Was it hard to find Black Actors then?
It was not difficult finding Black actors, they were all hungry to breakout of the limiting and foreign roles they were offered. There was a tremendous energy and hunger to express the Caribbean and American theatrical experience.
Were there many Black people in the audience in 1976?
Not many non-whites attended, except a small hardcore of political activists, because theatre and civil rights politics had become linked through the subject matter of the plays.
What was white and mainstream response like and how were the reviews then?
The reviews were positive and supportive, mainly because we were introducing to the English culture a voice of another life and their artistic expression.
Why did you decide to rewrite classics of western theatre e.g. Playboy of the West Indies and Trinidad Sisters? I was always toying with the idea of Caribbeanising some European classics because of the universality of human life, and the opportunity to study other writers considered great and there’s a challenge in making their work more meaningful to my self and audiences.

Rum and Coca Cola runs at the West Yorkshire Playhouse until 3rd April www.wyp.org.uk

Photos: Richard H. Smith

2010-03-03T03:42:00.000-08:00

Rum and Coca Cola

West Yorkshire Playhouse

5th March - 3rd April

www.wyp.org.uk

Rehearsal Diary continued

Last week we had our first run of Rum and Coca Cola and lots of the people working on the show came to watch to see how things were progressing; Anthony Lamble (Designer), Jason Taylor (Lighting Designer) as well as Beth Stocks (Costume Supervisor) and Jules Greenan (Hair and Make-up Supervisor). Mic Pool (Sound Designer) was operating so we had the addition of his fantastic, evocative sound design throughout which adds a wonderful atmosphere. If you close your eyes for a second you can really believe you’re on the beach in Trinidad! Watching a run of the show was very exciting, you realise the how well the audience get to know the wonderfully crafted characters of Slim and Professor as you are enticed into the twists and turns of their journey together over the course of the play.

All Rum and Coca Cola rehearsal photographs by Richard H Smith

2010-02-26T02:32:00.000-08:00

New World Steel Orchestra, Leeds

Don Warrington and Rum and Coca Cola actors, Victor Romero-Evans and Marcel McCalla, joined members of the New World Steel Orchestra at their rehearsals this week. Leeds Carnival is the oldest West Indian Carnival in Europe. To see images from the Carnival visit http://www.leedscarnival.co.uk.