Overview

This book discusses the theatrical history of Talawa, the work of Dr Yvonne Brewster OBE, her contribution to the genre of contemporary black British theatre generally, and her founding and subsequent directing of Talawa from 1986 to 2001. The analysis details how Brewster's theatre helped forge a black British identity in Britain, both on and off the British stage, through its strategic presentation of black language and culture in performance. Following explanations of definitions and sociolinguistic methodology in Chapter One: Voicing an Identity, Talawa's theatrical roots are shown in Chapter Two: Post Traumatic Slavery Disorder, to have begun in Africa, developed in Jamaica and further progressed by British Caribbean post war artists in Britain. In Chapter Three: A Stanger in Non-Paradise, Brewster's early life, her significant contribution to contemporary black British theatre, her founding of Talawa and the company's three year residency in the West End are discussed. Talawa's work is then explored by genre as follows; Chapter Four: The Island Plays highlights Talawa's Caribbean productions. These are; An Echo In The Bone, Maskarade, The Black Jacobins, The Dragon Can't Dance, The Lion and Beef No Chicken. In Chapter Five: The Black South, Talawa's American productions; The Love Space Demands, From The Mississippi Delta and Flyin' West point to the relevance of African American work to Talawa's audience. Chapter Six: Stay in Your Box illustrates Brewster's ground breaking work in the British classical genre. The productions discussed are; Anthony and Cleopatra, King Lear, Tis Pity She's a Whore, The Importance of Being Earnest and Othello. The book ends with Chapter Seven: Don't Tell Massa. Brewster and her work at Talawa are summed up, followed by an insight into her final attempt to secure a permanent home for black theatre in Britain.

Full Product Details

9781350107977

Table of Contents

Reviews

If you want to understand the contribution of black people to contemporary British theatre and culture, and why it's important for all peoples to join together to champion equity and inclusivity in our society today, then this book is a must-read. David Johnson offers a definitive account of the transformation of mainstream British theatre from the perspective of the country's foremost black-led theatre company; Talawa Theatre Company. Johnson's account of the rise and rise of Talawa Theatre Company is compelling in its authenticity. I am endorsing this book because there isn't another on the market that captures the audacious and tenacious spirit that Talawa represents for British theatre and for black people in Britain - or dare I say, all around the world. * Kene Igweonu, President, African Theatre Association * Johnson's book provides a detailed history and in-depth discussion of one of the UK's most important black-led theatre companies and its artistic director and founder, Yvonne Brewster. Situating Talawa's theatrical contribution in its cultural context and in relation to the pioneering work of black theatre artists who came before, Johnson offers a linguistic analysis of several key productions giving valuable insight into the achievements of this remarkable black British theatre company under Brewster's leadership. * Michael Pearce, University of Exeter, UK * Creating a stage in Britain for black actors was the long-term ambition of Yvonne Brewster and this study is testament to her remarkable achievements in founding and steadily developing Talawa. Through her, black identity became a presence in British theatre and numerous black practitioners gained authority and status. David Johnson's volume is a first-rate account of this major initiative in Black British Theatre, written with exacting scholarship and passionate conviction. * Richard Cave, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK * A meticulously researched study of Talawa Theatre Company under its first artistic director, Yvonne Brewster, this book offers a definitive account of one of the most innovative and influential cultural phenomena in modern Britain, which transformed the performing arts by offering new opportunities to a whole generation of Black British actors, directors and theatre personnel, and creating new audiences for their work. David Johnson has made a major contribution to our cultural history. * John T. Gilmore, University of Warwick, UK *

If you want to understand the contribution of black people to contemporary British theatre and culture, and why it’s important for all peoples to join together to champion equity and inclusivity in our society today, then this book is a must-read. David Johnson offers a definitive account of the transformation of mainstream British theatre from the perspective of the country’s foremost black-led theatre company; Talawa Theatre Company. Johnson’s account of the rise and rise of Talawa Theatre Company is compelling in its authenticity. I am endorsing this book because there isn’t another on the market that captures the audacious and tenacious spirit that Talawa represents for British theatre and for black people in Britain – or dare I say, all around the world. * Kene Igweonu, President, African Theatre Association * Johnson’s book provides a detailed history and in-depth discussion of one of the UK’s most important black-led theatre companies and its artistic director and founder, Yvonne Brewster. Situating Talawa’s theatrical contribution in its cultural context and in relation to the pioneering work of black theatre artists who came before, Johnson offers a linguistic analysis of several key productions giving valuable insight into the achievements of this remarkable black British theatre company under Brewster’s leadership. * Michael Pearce, University of Exeter, UK * Creating a stage in Britain for black actors was the long-term ambition of Yvonne Brewster and this study is testament to her remarkable achievements in founding and steadily developing Talawa. Through her, black identity became a presence in British theatre and numerous black practitioners gained authority and status. David Johnson’s volume is a first-rate account of this major initiative in Black British Theatre, written with exacting scholarship and passionate conviction. * Richard Cave, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK * A meticulously researched study of Talawa Theatre Company under its first artistic director, Yvonne Brewster, this book offers a definitive account of one of the most innovative and influential cultural phenomena in modern Britain, which transformed the performing arts by offering new opportunities to a whole generation of Black British actors, directors and theatre personnel, and creating new audiences for their work. David Johnson has made a major contribution to our cultural history. * John T. Gilmore, University of Warwick, UK *

Author Information

David Vivian Johnson is a Londoner of Jamaican heritage. He is a multilingual creative and works in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. In addition to writing, he is an experienced translator, theatre director and musician.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available