Credit: Craig Fuller; Drayton Arms Theatre; Caroline Allinson
2 min read
In the mood for a theatre trip? Try one of these excellent plays that put Black talent front and centre.
As the weather begins to change, so too do our activities. Say goodbye to daytime parties and hello to evenings of storytelling. We all love a cheeky night out, but there’s nothing like escaping the worries of the day by being transported into the world of theatre.
Though there’s still so much work to do, the theatre world has become more diverse in recent years. You don’t have to turn to Netflix to fall in love with a Black story, you can hop on the Tube and see a show right here in London.
As we’re a few weeks away from Black History Month, why not set your sights on some performances that centre around Black storytelling? There’s a range to pick from. From a couple that fall in love during a clinical trial to a story about football and gentrification, Black stories are being told in a variety of ways. Here are five Black performances to see this month.
The Effect
Venue: The National Theatre
Dates: 1 August – 7 October
Think modern-day romance with a side of antidepressants. Connie and Tristan are volunteers in a clinical drug trial. Though the pair are brought in to analyse their side effects, they begin to experience feelings of romance. If you’re a Succession fan, this one is for you as it’s written by Lucy Prebble. It also features the talented Paapa Essiedu from I May Destroy You and Taylor Russell from Bones And All.
Red Pitch
Venue: Bush Theatre
Dates: 13–30 September
Omz, Bilal and Joey are living out their football dreams, though they’re far from their humble beginnings in Red Pitch, south London. What happens, though, when the place you once loved becomes unrecognisable?
Mlima’s Tale
Venue: Kiln Theatre
Dates: 14 Septermber – 21 October 2023
Mlima is an Elephant, known for his ‘great tuskers’. But, the very thing that makes him popular, causes his death. After Mlima is murdered, his ghost looks at the people connected to his death. From the government to poachers, this play shines a light on the ivory trade.
It’s written by the Pulitzer prize-winner Lynn Nottage, who has also written MJ The Musical and The Secret Life Of Bees, and directed by Miranda Cromwell.
Bystanders
Venue: Theatre Peckham
Date: 6 to 8 October
There’s something going on with M, and his partner, K, can sense it. He’s not being his usual self and things worsen when M is diagnosed with depression. This play is set in a Caribbean home and explores loss and love through the eyes of Caribbean spirituality.
The Legends Of Them
Venue: Brixton House
Date: 14 September-30 September
The critically acclaimed reggae artist Lorna Gee takes centre stage in this solo performance. It tells the story of Gee’s life after she went to India and completed a silent retreat with her brother.
On this retreat, Gee experienced a spiritual reconnection with past family members. The play watches Gee take us on a journey of discovery.
Images:
Sign up for our edit of what to buy, see, read and do, and receive a free mini-mag of the top 5 fashion trends you’re sure to see in 2024.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.