Margins to Mainstream: The Story of Black Theatre in Britain is a documentary film produced by the Octavia Foundation and Nu Century Arts, Birmingham with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The groundbreaking film explores the history and heritage of Black theatre in Britain, examines the different interpretations of ‘Black British Theatre’ as a label and genre and catalogues the incredible contribution of black actors, producers and playwrights to the UK theatre tradition. Featuring previously unseen footage of seminal plays, fascinating interviews with theatre heavyweights, ‘Margins to Mainstream’ tells the story of a dynamic art.
Historians, playwrights, producers and actors that contributed and appear in the film include writer and playwright Courttia Newland, actor Javone Prince, actor, playwright and broadcaster Kwame Kwei-Armah and Pat Cumper, Director of the Talawa Arts Centre. The film was shot at locations including Theatre Royal East, London Southbank Centre, Royal Court Theatre, Old Vic and The Tabernacle.
From Ira Aldridge playing Othello in Covent Garden in the 1830s, to Bashy playing Markus the Sadist in a ‘rap opera’ in 2010; the richness of this story is in its diversity. The film looks at the forgotten treasures and the landmark performances in the huge canon of work that exists. The film is pioneering in its subject and approach, highlighting the battles and the triumphs of Black British Theatre, on its journey from the margins, into the mainstream.
THIS EVENT IS NOT TO BE MISSED!!
AN EVENT FOR ALL THE FAMILY!!
This event will take place on TUESDAY 10TH JULY 2018 from 6.30pm to 9pm.
Doors open at 6.30pm. Event will start at 7.00pm
This event will be held at St Ann’s Library, Cissbury Road, Tottenham, London, N15 5PU. Approx 10 mins walk from Seven Sisters Station. On street parking. Buses 67, 259, 279 stop nearby.
SEATING IS UNRESERVED AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS.
Admission will be FREE. Donations would be appreciated.
PLEASE ARRIVE AT LEAST 15 MINUTES EARLY.
Places for this event are limited so if you are interested in attending please secure your free ticket.
Watch the trailer: