Utopia Theatre has announced the full programme for its Creative Hub. Over 40 African Theatre professionals will be offering free online workshops and masterclasses to people of African origin aged 16 and above. The programme will feature a variety of performances that will be streamed live from Monday 29 June to December 2020.
Throughout the 6 months, there will be a series of events across The Creative Hub’s social media platforms including special performances on Zoom, Facebook Live and Instagram. There will be an opportunity for selected writers and/or actors to perform with Utopia Theatre. Artistic Director and CEO of Utopia Theatre, Mojisola Elufowoju said, “The impact of Covid-19 and the closure of theatres has meant that we as a company have to continue to find ways to engage our audiences and ensure that those who are working within our industry are sustained throughout these difficult times. The Creative Hub is our opportunity for us to serve our audiences and our freelancers.”
Highlights include Patrice Naiambana (National Theatre – Barber Shop Chronicles), Kehinde Bankole (Nollywood award winning actress), Sola Akingbola (Jamiroquai percussionist band member), Madeline Appiah (Tina the Musical), Oladipo Agboluaje (Award winning playwright) Sarah Niles (National Theatre – Three Sisters), Gbolahan Obisesan (Artistic Director, Brixton House) and Natalie Ibu (Artistic Director, Tiata Fahodzi.) Aar Manta, Somali British singer-songwriter, actor, composer, instrumentalist and music producer will also join the line-up.
The event opens with a lively, free-for-all of everything African Theatre, including African drumming from Ayan De First and Sola Akingbola. Sessions will showcase poetry from Aar Manta and Zodwa Nyoni, as well as a Q&A debate. Dance choreographed by Akeim Touissant-Buck and a variety of other acts. The closing will be an all-inclusive Zoom Party on 18th December 2020.
About Utopia Theatre Limited
Utopia Theatre is an African Theatre company formed in 2012 to create for the British and international stage theatre with imaginative flair. We produce old and new plays that appeal to a new audience and regular theatregoers. The company synthesises African and Western performing traditions to celebrate the meeting of different cultures, and presents productions in Sheffield and on tour, with programmes aimed at developing and promoting Black writers and performers. The company is dedicated to demonstrating the rich cultural heritage of Africa’s theatre canon, and in so doing, dispel stereotypes and encourage authentic voices from the African Diaspora.
The register for the first event today: Creative Hub Launch Monday 29th June
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm. A fun flexible day for us have a chat about creating visibility for African Theatre. What is African Theatre? Africa is a huge continent. Is there a stereotypical view of what this form of theatre is? Join experts, practitioners and academics in a lively debate, performance and musical presentation. Book here.
Bookings for Utopia’s Creative Hub all events can be made by visiting here.
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