The Bush Theatre will be presenting brand new weekly monologues. “Monday Monologues”, will see the Bush premiere new short work on its social channels which started on Monday 18th May.
Artistic director, Lynette Linton said: “Even though our building is closed, we are committed to supporting and working with our wonderful community of writers and artists. For every play you see on stage, there are often years of hard work, personal development, and commitment to the art of writing that has been part of that journey. We want to do our bit to support and honour that process. We are really excited to share this series of brand new monologues with you all and would like to thank the actors and writers for helping us find a way through these difficult times.”
1 June – Patrick Gibson in Beds by Shaun Dunne
From that first night I think we both regretted it.
Laying there stiff and quiet.
On a bed like a rock.
They should be hard. Relationships. Beds. Hard is good for you. Isn’t it? Patrick Gibson (Sweat in the West End) performs Shaun Dunne’s bittersweet reflection on the end of a relationship.
Shaun Dunne is a Dublin based theatre and film artist that makes work about the here and now. Recent work includes Restoration and Rapids at Project Arts Centre.
15 June – Maymuna Abdi in Clarissa by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu
I woke up in the most psychedelically wallpapered home I had seen since I went to my Gran’s yard when I was 10. I said, “Heaven is clapped man.”
Takeshi provides vibes upon vibes in her infamous Instagram live stream, but memories of a fight gone wrong and an unearthly chance encounter keep surfacing in Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu’s Clarissa, starring Maymuna Abdi.
Maymuna Abdi is part of the Almeida Young Company and alumni of the National Youth Theatre.
British-Ghanaian theatre-maker Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu’s work aims to stretch the imagination of his audiences with his unique brand of storytelling. Previous ‘Offie’-nominated work includes creating Sweet Like Chocolate Boy (Jack Studio & London Tour) and directing Little Baby Jesus by Arinzé Kene (Orange Tree Theatre).
29 June – Anjana Vasan in Contradictions by Natasha Brown
I keep telling myself I’m not in love with you and I’m not so don’t worry. It’s just I don’t skip over all the love songs that come up on my shuffle anymore…
Okay, the mornings do seem brighter. Phone calls with family members aren’t such a chore. And, yes even food tastes better right now. But Natasha Brown’s protagonist, played by Anjana Vasan (A Doll’s House, An Adventure) is definitely, definitely not in love.
London theatre-maker Natasha Brown’s work centres on themes of identity and belonging. Her previous work includes I Am [Not] Kanye West (Bunker Theatre).
13 July – Stefan Adegbola in Anything for Cash by Sophie Ellerby
You see him more than I do! On your television. Stood behind a little podium. Looking all smart and sexy and serious in his suit.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder? Not when your lover is busy keeping the country calm in a time of crisis. In Sophie Ellerby’s monologue, Stefan Adegbola (Bush Theatre’s The High Table) plays a man left on hold by his high-flying boyfriend, wondering when his personal life got so political.
Sophie’s previous productions include Lit (HighTide Festival and Nottingham Playhouse) and Three (Arcola).
The project writers include Travis Alabanza, Natasha Brown, Shaun Dunne, Sophie Ellerby, Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, with performers including Patrick Gibson, Ibinabo Jack, Maymuna Abdi, Anjana Vasan, and Stefan Adegbola.
The series commenced with Jack performing Alabanza’s piece Skype d8. Each monologue will be presented on IGTV, Twitter, Youtube and the Bush Theatre website for the next 12 months.
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