Roy Williams Talk @ Talawa Theatre on 24 Nov 2009 (6.30pm to 9.30pm)

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London Black Expressions and Afridiziak Theatre News
Annual Theatre Talk: Black Theatre – Never Been So Good?

24 November, 6.30pm for 7pm, held at Talawa Theatre Company

Join us for a night of theatre discussion with playwright Roy Williams (Fallout, Sing Yer Heart Out for the Lads, Category B and Days of Significance).  We hope you will enjoy hearing about his experiences and sharing your knowledge - whether you love theatre, are a critic, playwright, director or actor, or have an opinion on black British culture and politics.

With special guest speaker: Che Walker. Che’s first play Been So Long premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in 1998 and in July 2009 a musical version played at the Young Vic and was nominated for an Evening Standard Award for best musical. He has taught at the Royal Court Young Writers programme and at the Feltham Young  offenders’ Institute.

          Info: http://www.afridiziak.com/theatrenews/whatson/june2009/been_so_long.html

Hosted by Patricia Cumper, executive director, Talawa Theatre Company

Programme

6.30pm - arrivals

7.00pm PART 1:  Debate - "Black Theatre:  Never Been So Good?"

Based on Roy Williams’ article in the Guardian [http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2009/sep/27/black-theatre-roy-williams], the issue of how well black theatre is doing today will be discussed. Topics will include: a) History - how we have got here; b) What effect the Credit Crunch and reduced public funding may have on its future (e.g. Hackney Empire's financial issues). Plus the sustainability of black theatre companies will be examined.

7.45 COMFORT BREAK

8.00 PART 2: Roy Williams and Che Walker will discuss themes from their work

Discussion will include: a) What inspired them to get into playwriting; b) The journey they have come along from earliest to current work c) what their influences have been d) what are their projects for 2010?

9.00 READING: Roy Williams and Che Walker will read from their work

9.30 Close

Where: Talawa Theatre Company, 53 - 55 East Road London N1 6AH (nearest tube: Old Street)

We have to make a small charge to cover the cost of nibbles and drink, but the first 10 people to sign up get a £2 discount! You need to buy your tickets in advance here: http://roywilliamstalk.eventbrite.com/. Price: GBP5.00 per person

Related links:
Check out Roy Williams’ play "Category B" on until 19 December at the Tricycle Theatre.
Afridiziak Theatre News  - five star review of Category B by Karla Williams
http://www.afridiziak.com/theatrenews/reviews/review-category-b-not-black-and-white-season.html
Guardian interview with Roy Williams:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2009/jan/20/portrait-artist-roy-williams
Observer interview with Roy Williams
http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2008/feb/10/theatre1 

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Founder and Editor, Sophia Jackson
Broadcaster and journalist, Chloe Thomas
Visit www.afridiziak.com  or email info@afridiziak.com  

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          Meet others who want to discuss topical issues affecting the black community and beyond in a warm environment, share experiences and make friends. Come and ‘express yourself’ – all you need is an opinion.

Organisers – Nanette Daniels and Raymond Rweyemamu
Email: blackexpressionslondon@gmail.com