Outside of the family setting, our friendship bonds are arguably our most important, our peers crucial to our emotional and psychological well-being, networks we can turn to in times of need and for much needed support and guidance. Friendships from childhood incredibly powerful and resonant if they endure. An exploration of friendship and the detrimental impact of racism on a friendship dynamic, Orisun Productions present PlayFight as part of Theatre Peckham Fringe Festival.
Childhood is where we often establish life long friendships, a formative aspect of our lives, the school setting offers an integral opportunity to not only learn, but socialise. From a young age, we also begin to pick up on societal cues, cues that determine our life paths and shape daily interactions. Having debuted their production Playfight last year, Orisun Productions, consisting of producer Shereener Browne and director Leian John-Baptiste present an examination of the corrosive way in which racism determines the direction Black lives take, the show following best friends Kai, TJ and Zara who initially inseparable encounter change that challenges this. Currently playing at Theatre Peckham as part of their fringe festival, Shereener and Leian tell us more about the show’s pertinent topic, taking part in the inaugural Peckham Fringe Festival and what audiences can expect!
In Yoruba (a tribe located in Nigeria) tradition, it is believed that there were 17 original Orishas (Gods) that were sent to Earth, the Orisha Olodumare, the source of creation. A tradition shared by Caribbean and Southern American Spanish traditions also, this creation story forms the cultural heritage and spiritual well being of many. Obatala the creator of humanity, Osun (Oshun), the goddess of water, purity, fertility and love, Shango the god of thunder, Esun (Eshun), the trickster god, the divine messenger and Olorun, one of the supreme Orishas, the ruler of the heavens. A celebration of Nigerian mythology, Imagiphoria Studios present Message in a Clay River, an exploration of the Yoruba pantheon.
Mental Health Week falls between the 9th to the 15th May, within this time, the aim to break the stigma shrouding the topic of mental health and illness. With mental health issues impacting 1/4 of the UK population and common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression impacting 1/6 of the population (Mind UK), it’s clear just how vital addressing and implementing solutions to these issues are. An exploration of mental health within a sporting arena, in particular anxiety and depression, Lewis Aaron Woods presents Bones, a tale of camaraderie, the impact of mental health on both the individual as well as the community and the power of sport.
We live in a world whereby we’re defined by multiple markers, labels placed upon us from a young age as to what we are or how we should be. Our identities our most prized possession, and one noted by the various documents we hold to determine who we are. An exploration of the gender transitioning process from female to male, and the searching for identity within doing so, performer Tatenda Shamiso honestly shares their first hand experience of becoming their true selves in production NO ID.
The Bone Sparrow is a joyous and sensitive exploration of a harrowing story about a detention centre in Australia from the eyes of young Subhi, the first baby born in the centre. A compelling and moving story beautifully acted by every member of the company. Yet the star of the show is the set, staging, and ensemble work giving us a masterclass in how in a few square meters a team of creatives can come together to transport us to another world entirely.
Courtesy of Stuart McClymont.
Formed in 1985 by the Theatre Peckham Company, the theatre troupe would go on to found what we currently know as Theatre Peckham in 1991, it’s initial incarnation a single story building located next to the Peckham Town Hall. Fast Forward to 2014 whereby the company would relocate to the 2nd floor of Peckham Library before settling on Havil Street in 2016, its focus of reflecting the lives of its local community a through-line that to this day powers what they do. With a continued commitment to further its reach, both on a local and wider scale, Theatre Peckham have recently announced a new appointment to their board, Dr Anni Domingo bringing with her a wealth of experience in the fields of academia, law and the arts. Having recently had their first board meeting, Anni reflects on what needs to be done to achieve the venue’s aims of reaching wider audiences!
Transporting us back to the early noughties with their psychological drama ...cake, babirye bukilwa presents a complex yet honest portrayal of motherhood and mental health.
Courtesy of Seye Isikalu.
An era within theatre focusing on voices and perspectives often unheard, we’re witnessing important conversations, movements and art works responding to this need for representation on our stages. Told through a Black queer femme lens, babirye bukilwa’s production cake places the stories of the show’s two protagonists centre stage. Currently showing at Theatre Peckham until Saturday 7th August, the show’s director malakai sergeant tells us more about what inspired them to take part in the production, realising the show’s visual language with filmmaker and photographer Seye Isikalu and the importance of creating the production with an all Black and majority queer team.
Hi malakaï, you’ll be presenting babirye bukilwa’s production, cake from mid July until 7 August at Theatre Peckham. How are you feeling ahead of the run?
With a greater focus placed on the contributions made by those within the NHS during the pandemic, it became apparent just how selfless and resilient these everyday heroes are. Amongst these medics, newly qualified trainees would have experienced their initial year on the frontlines in what has now become a very significant period within our history. Inspired by her own experiences of working on the frontline, doctor and playwright Shaan Sahota presents ‘Under the Mask’, a 360 degree binaural experience capturing the sounds of the Covid wards. Ahead of the show, Shaan tells us more about what to expect.