Black Joy
Talawa and Birmingham Repertory Theatre announce major new collaboration and producing partnership - Black Joy
Chanté Joseph
Where society has told Black people to “be quiet”, or that we’re “too loud”, revelling in joy is an act of resistance.
Black Joy is an artistically ambitious body of new work by Black creatives and artists presented by Talawa Theatre Company, the UK’s leading Black theatre company, and Birmingham Repertory Theatre.
Black Joy will premiere on The REP’s three stages in 2021 and will play in Birmingham, London, and nationwide.
Funded by Arts Council England’s Sustained Theatre Fund, the ambitious co-producing relationship will present a major musical production for The REP’s 800 seat The HOUSE and two new commissioned plays for the 300 seat The STUDIO and the 150 seat The DOOR.
In addition, there will be six seed commissions for theatre makers of all disciplines plus training and work opportunities for off stage and technical teams.
In commissioning the season, Talawa and The REP are continuing to take a leading role nationally in foregrounding the work of Black people in the arts.
#BlackJoy
Michael Buffong, Artistic Director and Joint CEO, Talawa Theatre Company
As a Black theatre company, now more than ever, we are determined and proud to be celebrating and shining a spotlight on great Black British talent, on and off stage, as well as ensuring that Black talents and creativity are at the heart of building back better. I’m so excited to be working in partnership with Birmingham Repertory Theatre. This brilliant theatre at the heart of a truly diverse city.
Sean Foley, Artistic Director, The REP
We are thrilled to be working with Talawa to create new work across our three auditoria, as well as develop the UK Black theatre artists of the future. This relationship forms a major part of The REP's commitment to celebrating and representing the diversity of Birmingham and the UK across producing and technical departments and on its stages.
Chanté Joseph is quoted from 'What Black Joy Means – And Why It’s More Important Than Ever', Vogue, 29th July 2020