TALAWA THEATRE COMPANY

SIZE OF COMPANY
5–12 on the road

SCALE OF VENUE
Small- to middle-scale

PERMANENT STAFF
Artistic Director
Patricia Cumper

Executive Director
Deborah Sawyerr

ARTISTIC POLICY
Talawa Theatre Company tells black British stories, develops the practitioners to best tell those stories on the middle-scale, and nurtures new audiences in order to enrich the mainstream of British theatre.

REVIEW EXTRACTS
‘Sparky, persuasively acted… the play has a force, warmth and immediacy… Clarence Smith is excellent.’ The Times (Pure Gold)

‘Although there is grit, there is also a fairytale quality… Mark Monero is excellent.’ The Guardian (Pure Gold)

‘Thrilling… riveting… compelling... Bhim’s writing really sizzles.’ The Stage (Pure Gold)

CURRENT PRODUCTIONS
Pure Gold A play by new writer Michael Bhim about the choices facing a young father in today’s London when he’s too broke to look after his family. Produced in association with Soho Theatre. (120 mins with 15 mins interval, 6 on stage, 9 on the road, contains some strong language.)

M-SS-NG Theatre in Education production on black British identity. Interaction using forum theatre. Suitable for age 11+. (45 mins, 4 on stage, 5 on the road, 5 x 5m playing space required.)

FUTURE PRODUCTIONS
Anansi Trades Places Family theatre for children of all ages based around the adventures of Caribbean trickster character Anansi when he arrives in Britain. (9 on stage, 12 on the road.)

WRAP-AROUND
A workshop examining issues around how identity is constructed is offered in advance of performances of M_SS_NG, for up to 30 children. Research on local role models unearthed in the workshop can be included in the performance.

TOURING AVAILABILITY
M-SS_NG from spring 2008
Pure Gold from autumn 2008