Situated within the mid-Southern sky, the Lupus constellation consists of over 120 stars, it’s latin name translating as ‘wolf’. A component of Ché Walker‘s new work Wolf Cub, the allegorical tale of a divided, turbulent 80s and 90s America couldn’t be anymore prevalent, the show tying in the spiritual with a rugged, grounded reality – resulting in an incredibly resonant work exploring issues of race, class, politics, mental health, family and womanhood.
Courtesy of Robert Day.
Sometimes the harshest of situations can extinguish the most fiery of family dramas. In the case of bereavement, this can truly test the limits of a family’s circumstances and beliefs. A family can either become stronger in their bond, or disband and live fractured lives. Cue Ché Walkers, The Etienne Sisters. A tale of bereavement, sisterhood and disheartning truths.
Theatre Royal Stratford East are getting set for their autumn season, where they’ll witness Ché Walker’s, The Etienne Sister‘s take over the East London stage for the next month. A family drama placing the spotlight on three fiery characters, the production promises an evening of hard truths, confrontations and an original soundtrack. Ahead of the production’s opening night, Theatrefullstop were lucky enough to speak to actress and singer Allyson Ava-Brown, who plays Bo, about working with her fellow cast members, whether she identifies with Bo, and what it’s like working with Ché Walker!
The Etienne Sisters sets to warm up the Theatre Royal Stratford East Stage this autumn. Written and directed by acclaimed playwright Ché Walker, the drama also features a musical component. The songs featured however would no be made possible without the assistance of a composer and songwriter. Cue both Sheila Atim and Anoushka Lucas, who have teamed up with Walker to create a musical landscape in which the characters inhabit. Ahead of The Etienne Sister‘s debut in Sepetember, Theatrefullstop were lucky enough to speak to singer/songwriter Anoushka Lucas about collaborating with Walker once again, her approach to writing songs for the production and gives advice to aspiring singer/songwriters!
In the heart of East London, there’s a family of two lamenting the loss of a loved one, which in turn results in the unwelcome arrival of an estranged loved one. Well, in the case of Ché Walker’s The Etienne Sisters, this appears to be the character’s realities. Theatre Royal Stratford East will play host to walker’s fierce and fiery family centred tale, accompanied by a soundtrack courtesy of both singer and songwriters, Sheila Atim and Anoushka Lucas, whom have a proven track record with the critically acclaimed, Klook’s Last Stand, showing last year at the Park Theatre. Ahead of The Etienne Sisters premiere at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, Theatrefullstop were lucky enough to talk to Walker about the amount of strong female roles on offer theatrically, themes explored in the play and his inspiration for writing the piece.
Having received critical acclaim for his previous work, Klook’s Last Stand, award winning playwright and director Ché Walker sets to liven up the Stratford East Theatre Royal stage with his latest work, The Etienne Sisters! 
Continue reading
A talented singer and song writer in her own right, Sheila Atim has always had a passion to act. With both the Theatre and Music worlds working hand in hand, Sheila has been able to showcase her musical abilities within theatrical arena. She’s currently starring in award winning playwright, Ché Walker’s production of Klook’s Last Stand, where she plays the feisty Vinette. Ahead of press night, I was able to speak to Sheila about working with Ché, working in a small cast and why it’s important to surround yourself with artistic people!
You’ll be starring in Ché Walker’s play, Klook’s Last Stand at The Park Theatre (from Wednesday 11th June). Could you describe what the play is about?
The play is a love story between two people who are in very interesting places in their lives. I’d say the experience that they share together will change the course of their life, both of them forever.
Ché Walker’s newest work presented at the Park Theatre is yet another breath of fresh air in the scope of London’s music theatre. Set in an intimate space the audience becomes part of a conversational performance – a play with songs – in which the actors unpretentiously tell us their story, their past converging to a present of togetherness.
