The mother/daughter bond is one of the most sacred ones we’ll experience, this taking on various forms dependent on one’s own circumstances. Cultural expectations a layer that inevitably shape how this bond develops. An honest exploration of the mother/daughter bond within a working class Muslim household, writer Ambreen Razia presents Favour, a multi-generational take on the resilience of women and cultural clashes between tradition and progression.
Courtesy of Suzi Corker.
How we process grief is unique to us individually and how families mourn together can either bring everyone closer together or drive everyone further apart from one another. The process of a funeral an incredibly emotive one, a ceremony offering that vital opportunity for all to say their final goodbyes, cultural roots governing how funeral rites are observed. An exploration of loss, family and migration, writer Beru Tessema presents House of Ife, a drama observing a family confront the unsaid and traumas that they’ve lived with after the loss of family member Ife. Due to play from the 29th April until 11th June at the Bush Theatre as part of their 50th birthday celebrations, Beru tells us more about exploring the show’s themes, working with Artistic Director Lynette Linton and what he’s learned from the show’s creative process!
Lava is more than a play, more than a compelling spoken
word piece; it’s Benedict Lombe’s unfiltered, loud, angry,
joyful, unapologetically black female expression – all wrapped
up in a narrative that runs parallel to the history of the western world.
Natasher Beecher, Afridiziak Theatre News
The impact of an aquired brain injury (ABI), an injury sustained via various causes including a fall, road accident, tumour or stroke can vary dependent on the patient both in the short term and long term. ‘Behavioural and emotional changes, hormonal imbalances, difficulties with cognition and memory, communication problems and fatigue (Headway Brain Injury Charity) issues that can arise as a consequence. Inspired by her own personal experience of her father dealing with a brain injury during her childhood, writer and performer Kristin Mcilquham presents Headcase, a one woman comedic monologue delving into the impact of a brain injury on families supporting their loved ones and the impact of this years post the initial diagnosis. Forming part of the Bush Theatre’s Essex:On Stage Season, Headcase will play from 11th to 16th April. Ahead of the show, Kristin tells us more about exploring this personal story further, working with the Headway Brain Injury Charity to help realise the show, supporting particularly within the research process and what audiences can expect from the show.
Tyrell Williams’s first full length play directed by visionary Daniel Bailey makes its stunning debut at the Bush Theatre to rapturous applause, laughter, and cheer. As I join the audience in their standing ovation, I struggle to find a single piece of constructive criticism. I whoop and whistle even though my throat is parched from laughing throughout. This play is perfectly written, perfectly produced, and perfectly performed by three incredibly talented young men who tell Williams’ story with comedic genius, high energy, and emotional mastery.
Courtesy of Craig Fuller.
Within the past decade, we’ve witnessed the brave and pioneering work put in by sporting legends of the past really making its mark. From sponsorship opportunities, to support for mothers, to the awareness brought towards women’s sport, the battle for much needed endorsement and support within women’s sport has been a lengthy one, and one that continues to be battled, both on and off the sporting arena. Examining the advocacy aspect of sport within her sporting drama Fair Play, Ella Road crafts a complex portrayal of training, competition and the advocacy that goes on behind the scenes to help ensure a fairer playing field.
Courtesy of Ali Wright.
Standing tall across the Neretva River, Old Bridge (Stari Most) – located in what was formerly known as Yugoslavia has overseen many a couple and passer by – two years younger than Shakespeare, the landmark having withstood the elements for centuries, making it of cultural and historical significance. Spanning from 1988 until 1992, Igor Memic‘s 2020 award winning Papatango New Writing Prize Old Bridge traces the mighty landmark’s final years before the the Croat-Bosniak war would see to its destruction, via the eyes of four residents.
Courtesy of Marc Brenner.
Driven by the metaphorical symbol of Mount Nyriagongo, a volcano located in the Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Benedict Lombe’s fiery production Lava vividly etches out the unpredictable, complex journey of the lead’s pursuit to gain UK citizenship.
Courtesy of Helen Murray.
Temi Wilkey’s debut play is a tour de force, and cements itself in history as a keystone piece in the Black queer canon. It is truly sensational, and the entire evening’s performance is a treat from start to finish. Get yourself down to Bush Theatre to see this impressive work.
Courtesy of Helen Murray.
Sexuality is a component of ourselves that makes us who we are, it’s a personal preference that only we should have the right to own. However when there are laws and societal expectations placed stopping you from living your truth, this can often leave many feeling isolated with nowhere to turn to. Addressing this topic further in her debut play The High Table, Temi Wilkey talks to us ahead of the show about the importance of exploring LGBTQ+ issues and culture, how both the Bush Theatre and Birmingham Repertory Theatre helped realise her story and her journey towards co-founding ‘Pecs, The Drag King Collective’.