The fight for Josh’s soul. George Jozana (Maynard Eziashi) is carried by Josh Gilmore (Austin Hardiman) while Papa Louw (Paul Herzberg) reminds Josh who’s boss. Play: The Dead Wait Theatre: Park Theatre Playwright: Paul Herzberg Review by Joy Francis South Africa’s troubling legacy of apartheid, and its largely secret role in the brutal Angolan war,… Continue reading The Dead Wait

The highs and lows of love in Venus/Mars are well realised. Michelle (Charlyne Francis) and Daniel (Adrian Decosta). Play: Venus/Mars Theatre: Bush Theatre Playwright: Patrice Etienne Review by Joy Francis Playwright Patrice Etienne, backed by inventive directing by Rikki Henry, has injected a fresh and contemporary spin on romantic relationships with his play Venus/Mars, part… Continue reading Venus/Mars

The Body Narratives is hosting a fundraising event with a special screening of the acclaimed Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975. This evening of film and poetry by Indigo Williams, the 2012 Generation Slam winner, is to support a forthcoming exhibition and workshops entitled A Different Mirror, which will explore socially constructed ideas about race and gender… Continue reading The Body Narratives fundraiser

Griot Chineye, with musical accompaniment from Theo Calliste, will tell the enchanting story of two children who searching for the sacred Torch and its mysterious knowledge. Audience members will be encouraged to help them unravel the secrets. The event will also feature Divine MC and Bishop Ngoma Date: Saturday 23 November 2013 Venue: Arcola Theatre,… Continue reading Enchanted Tales 2

WORLDbytes, an online citizen TV channel, is launching a multimedia project on the life, ideas and impact of renowned historian, writer and black activist CLR James. The project will develop a knowledge portal, a feature-length documentary, archive workshops and live-streamed debates. The theme of the launch debate is Should CLR James be fodder for a… Continue reading CLR James multimedia project launch

The second Triforce short film festival 2013 is taking place at BAFTA. Shortlisted films of less than 20 minutes will be screened to an audience and an invited panel of judges. The festival provides a free platform for up and coming filmmakers to showcase their work to industry professionals and to a loyal network of… Continue reading Triforce short film festival 2013

The many faces of pain. Elayne (Nadine Marshall) is brilliantly realised. Photograph by Stephen Cummiskey Play: Nut Theatre: The Shed @ the National Theatre Playwright: debbie tucker green Review by Joy Francis A new play by debbie tucker green always arouses great expectation. Nut, her latest production (which she also directs), delivers her customary beautiful… Continue reading Nut

The calm before the storm: Haywood Patterson (Kyle Scatliiffe, centre) sings optimistically about the future. Photograph by Richard Hubert Smith Play: The Scottsboro Boys Theatre: Young Vic Book by: David Thompson Review by Joy Francis The African American experience of racial brutality and injustice is nothing new to the stage or screen. Last year’s Django… Continue reading The Scottsboro Boys

Boys in arms: Mauricio Brandes, Luiana Bonfirm and Duane Palmer. Play: Like Enemies of the State Theatre: New Diorama Theatre Playwright: Tommy Lexen Review by Natalie Gormally Like Enemies of the State is a powerful piece of political theatre on the brutal real life stories of child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo… Continue reading Like Enemies of the State

Culture clash: Olivia Poulet (Izzy), Susannah Doyle (Natasha), Amy Robbins (Mo) and Jacqueline Boatswain (Angela). Photograph by Mark Douet Play: Adult Supervision Theatre: Park Theatre Playwright: Sarah Rutherford Review by Natalie Gormally Sarah Rutherford’s female-led debut play looks at the underlining racial tensions and social embarrassments of modern day ‘Beige Britain’.