We are elated to announce the return of The Blacktress Season. Launched for the first time in 2018 The Blacktress Season was the biggest season to come out of the John Thaw Initiative at the Actors Centre. An initiative giving a FREE platform to perform and get feedback on work-inprogress shows in the 50-seat studio space of the John Thaw Studio.
This time we are hitting the main stage of the Seven Dials Playhouse. We are interested in stories on race and identity, motherhood and sisterhood, faith and cultural practices, hair, gender, queerness, and everything in between. We want to encourage work that is unapologetic and specific to the experiences of Black British Women.
The Blacktress season is a celebration of Black British Women and Femmes of the African diaspora. It's about giving space and voice to the beautiful multifaceted nature of our many cultures and communities through theatre. We look forward to opening our doors Submissions will open in spring 2023, and the season will run for 7 weeks from 4th September to 21st October 2023.
More details to be announced January 2023.
Quotes
“Supporting artists/creatives/people is at the heart of everything we do at Seven Dials Playhouse and that is why the partnership with Blacktress UK is so special, and I am honoured to continue our longstanding collaboration with Cherrelle, Shiloh and the rest of the team. Though not subsidised as an organisation, we are able to provide in kind support in the form of space, or dedicated expertise in marketing, fundraising, or business development. If you want to work, or are working in the industry and you want some support and advice, or if you have an idea for a production, please do get in touch. We are here to support you.”
Amanda Davey, Chief Executive of Seven Dials Playhouse
“The most powerful tool we have is imagination, we all need space to experiment and play. As always we will continue to platform Black Women and Femmes because we know the value and wealth of not only documenting the times but living and feeling through them. Really proud to be back at Seven Dials Playhouse surviving and thriving.”
Cherrelle Skeete, Artistic Director of Blacktress UK
Previous Blacktress season alumni include Paula David, Chinenye Ezeudu,, Ariane Barnes, Marie Myrie, Endy Mckay, Naomi Cortes, Marlene Mckenzie, Lekharni Chirwa, Gloria Obianyo, Nkhanie Phiri, Karla Williams, Tiannah Viechweg, Melissa Saint, Chantelle Alle, Amba Rose Mendy, Elise Palmer, Ameera Conrad, Cassiopeia Berley-Agyepong, Simone J Ibbett-Brown, Brenda White, Lanaire Aderemi, Mogali Masuku, Kaleya Baxe.
Shows that have had a future life include
Shuck N Jive
By Cassiopeia Berley-Agyepong and Simone J Ibbett-Brown
Can I touch your hair?
By Lekharni Chirwa
Pyneapple
By Spyce Collective
Previous media
Timeout London
Whats On Stage
Vanity Fair
British Blacklist