Spotlight / Young, Gifted and Black: 2021

Theatre Peckham will champion new writing, promote poetry, film and most of all, celebrate young Black artists.

Exciting times lie ahead for Peckham’s important cultural centre that constantly delivers an exciting programme of events  – even through the dark days of Covid. It is a theatre that informs and entertains its audience in equal measure, opening their eyes to the worlds they know and some they can only imagine. It is a place that is broad in its brief and specific in its goals – and at its heart is a multi-art form programme that is always about excellence, creativity and inclusivity. Therfore, it is pleasing that Theatre Peckham presents its third seaon celebrating the vocies and work of young black artists in London. They will focus on film, experimental theatre, film and poetry, all woven together with discusions addressing themes of migration while considering what it is to belong. It has been curated by Associate Director Malakai Sargent working with the Artistic Director, Suzann McLean.

Theatre Peckham has been lauded near and far for its eclectic and creative approach to its work. It is an award-winning cultural venue for artistic excellence and social change founded in 1986. Through the power of theatre, they illuminate young voices, provide skills and opportunities, and platform excellent creatives by producing new writing and performance focusing on young, culturally diverse talent

Theatre highlights include new writing in the form of OJÀ (The Market) by John Akinde which launches the season. This story which uncovers the impact of the black market on communities and survival by any means necessary; it is powerful and peppered with Afrobeat Rhythms. Voices of Black Folk: In Unexpected Places by playwright and historian Khareem Jamal is an insightful and energetic retake of history, amplifying voices that many have tried to erase. Queer Nigerians Regi and Babs put their friendship to the test by planning to marry to fool the authorities.

Poetry and the soken word will be celebrated. Pen-Ting:South, an open mic night promises Hip Hop, politics, poetry and speaking truth to power. Poetic Unity presents The Poetry Foyer, the first of their new monthly spoken word events, with some of the UK’s best young Black poets. And film too is focused on with Obsidian Film Night. Stage and screen actor Simon Manyonda and artist Monaè Robinson presents a film night

Artistic Director Suzann McLean adds: ‘When I first launched the Young, Gifted and Black season at Theatre Peckham back in 2019 my hope was that it would grow as a festival which celebrates and honours the Black experience in the UK and all of the intersectionalities within’.

Theatre Peckham has been a great success on many fronts and this festival is one of the ways in which they give purchase to the local community – and increasingly beyond. Important to Peckham and essential to the enrichment of London.

Catch the talent at Peckham Theatre

30 SEPT – 2 OCT, 7.30PM, £15, £12 & £10 concessions

Author: Paul HegartyPaul is a reviewer and an experienced actor who has performed extensively in the West End (Olivier nominated) and has worked in TV, radio and a range of provincial theatres. He is also a speech, drama and communications examiner for Trinity College London, having directed productions for both students and professionals and if not busy with all that he is then a teacher of English.