3. dismantling 'neutral' acting techniques.
modern black british theatre.
(thinking about different styles of performance - the choreopoem)
centering the experiences of marginalised communities.
(scenes that give voice to experiences of Black British culture & tradition)
embracing embodiment.
(thinking about how we can explore our own cultural and personal identities through movement and voice)
building solidarity across difference.
(exploring how we can create safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue and reflection as artists)
5. modern black british theatre.
the choreopoem.
often created collaboratively by a group of performers,
writers and directors - which allows for multiple
perspectives to be incorporated into the performance
and creates a sense of community & shared experience.
often used to address issues that affect marginalised
communities (particularly women of colour), including
racism, sexism, homophobia, poverty, etc.
can also incorporate the personal stories and experiences
of the performers, adding depth and authenticity to the
performance and allowing the audience to connect with
the performers on a more emotional level.
used as a form of expression and storytelling, which can
be improvised or choreographed, and is often used to
illustrate and amplify the themes and emotions in the
performance.
some fundamental elements of a choreopoem.
collaboration.
political & social themes.
personal stories.
dance.
6. modern black british theatre.
the significance of the choreopoem, in the context of contemporary Black
British theatre.
the choreopoem's combination of poetry, dance and music creates a dynamic and multidimensional theatrical experience that
engages the senses and emotions of the audience, also reflecting the diversity and complexity of Black British culture - which draws
from multiple traditions and influences.
the collaborative process builds a sense of community and solidarity among Black British artists which extends beyond the rehearsal
room and performance space, and creates opportunities for networking, mentorship, and support.
challenges the traditional boundaries of theatre by incorporating elements of spoken word, dance, and music - which have historically
been excluded from mainstream theatre - the choreopoem opens up new possibilities for artistic expression and innovation in Black
British theatre.
provides a platform for Black British artists to share their experiences and perspectives, particularly those who have been historically
underrepresented in mainstream theatre - which presents a challenge to dominant narratives of British society and expands the
boundaries of what is considered "legitimate" theatre.
combining multiple art forms.
creating community.
breaking down barriers.
giving voice to marginalised communities.
7. jasmine lee-jones.
seven methods of killing kylie jenner.
explores cultural appropriation, queerness,
friendship, and the ownership of Black
bodies online and IRL.
a play that blends real life and online
culture, a young Black woman takes to
Twitter to voice her frustration with white
women profiting off Black culture and
stereotypes.
combines theatre with film, GIFs, memes
and emojis to explore stereotypes of Black
womanhood, white capitalist exploitation,
and the politics of social media activism.
modern black british theatre.
8. debbie tucker green.
truth and reconciliation.
set in a post-apartheid African country and explores
the aftermath of a period of political violence and
human rights abuses.
the title references the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission, a real-life organisation established in
South Africa in the 1990s to investigate the crimes of
the apartheid regime and promote national healing.
structured as a series of interconnected monologues,
each spoken by a different character who is grappling
with the legacy of the country's violent past.
the play explores themes of trauma, memory, guilt,
and forgiveness - offering moments of hope and
humanity as the characters begin to find ways to
move forward and reconcile with each other.
modern black british theatre.
9. ryan calais cameron.
for black boys who have considered
suicide when the hue gets too heavy.
confronts the current crises consuming and confining
contemporary Black males, challenging traditional
conceptions of Black masculinity and notions of a
monolithic, centralised and authentic Black manhood.
the title acknowledges and pays homage to Ntozake
Shange's seminal *choreopoem* for colored girls who
have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf.
articulates the heartache, confusion, rages and
desires of young Black men.
explores how the pressures placed on Black men
contribute to emotional and mental trauma and the
threat of additional Black suicides.
modern black british theatre.
