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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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’.

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The elephant in the room is the elephant in the room, I just wish the well thought out comments of prejudice and misconceptions hadn’t played second fiddle to story-telling and romance.

Courtesy of The Other Richard.

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A beautifully intimate cry for help, User Not Found poses the question of the role technology plays within legacy and intimacy and touches on the dangerous impact that social media and isolation can have on mental health.

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When between jobs and working in a pub one day, Richard Gadd never expected one kind action he made as a barman to lead to such an extensive series of events. Martha was this kooky enigma who appeared as initially harmless, but quickly became a huge problem, following Gadd everywhere – turning up at his gigs and house, attacking his girlfriend and harassing his friends.

Courtesy of Andrew Perry.

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There isn’t much to fault in Nancy Medina’s production of Caryl Phillips’ Strange Fruit, currently running at the Bush Theatre. Part of the Passing the Baton initiative, the play details the lives of those that struggle to imagine their futures; people that are trapped by oppression, anger and cultural difference.

Courtesy of Helen Murray.

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Due to current political affairs, Brexit encompasses the majority of television, social media and conversation. These discussions are had nationwide between family members, close friends and even strangers. Within these conversations, immigration is often thrown around as a pawn upon a bigger chess board, a throw away part of a larger playing field. Estelle Savasta’s Going Through (originally Traversée) delves into the arduous and lamentable trials of a young girl, having to embark on a journey of immigration that would be dangerous for any adult, let alone a child.

Ali Wright, Going Through, The Bush Theatre

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