June 19th: Today's Feature

June

Established in 1986, Talawa Theatre Company is a prominent Black British theatre company that has made significant contributions to the arts scene in the UK. The company is known for its commitment to reimagining classic plays, nurturing emerging writing and directing talent, and creating new works that reflect the experiences of the Black British Community, as well as the Caribbean and African diaspora in Britain.

As a National Portfolio Organisation, Talawa Theatre Company has received funding from Arts Council England as a testament to its consistent delivery of high-quality artistic productions. Notably, the company was among the select few organisations that saw an increase in their grant allocation between 2018 and 2022, highlighting its dedication to audience engagement and development.

As a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England, Talawa received an extended grant to ensure stability amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the 2023-2026 investment programme from Arts Council England recognised Talawa's efforts in audience development and community engagement, resulting in an enhanced grant and the retention of its NPO status.

The name Talawa comes from a Jamaican patois saying "Me lickle but me talawa”, meaning to be small but strong.

Mission

The company's stated mission is "to champion Black Excellence in theatre; to nurture talent in emerging and established artists of African or Caribbean heritage and to tell inspirational and passionate stories reflecting Black experiences through art."

Talawa Theatre Company is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the achievements of black individuals in the field of theatre. They strive to create opportunities for black directors, writers, actors, and creatives to showcase their talents on British stages, while also aiming to expand the audience for black theatrical productions.

Talawa's diverse range of work includes touring classical plays to mid-scale and regional theatres across the UK, organising literary and participation activities, nurturing emerging writers and scripts, and supporting the growth of theatre-makers, artists, and directors. In addition to their artistic endeavours, Talawa also offers unconscious bias training workshops to educational institutions and corporate clients, helping them address and overcome any biases that may exist within their organisations.

History

Yvonne Brewster, originally from Jamaica, along with Mona Hammond, Carmen Munroe from Guyana, and Inigo Espejel, established the company in 1986. Talawa Theatre Company made its debut in the same year with a production of The Black Jacobins by C. L. R. James. This play, which had not been staged in England for half a century, was presented for the first time with an all-black cast, marking a significant milestone in British theatre history.

Since then, Talawa has produced and toured classic work by numerous playwrights and writers including Dennis Scott, Derek Walcott, Galt MacDermot, Wole Soyinka, James Baldwin, Michael Abbensetts, Trevor Rhone, William Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, Tariq Ali, Theresa Ikoko, Natasha Marshall and Arthur Miller and worked with a variety of directors and actors including Michaela Coel, Cathy Tyson, Dona Croll, Ray Shell, Norman Beaton, Horace Ove, Paulette Randall, Don Warrington, Sharon D Clarke, Fraser Ayres and David Harewood.

Talawa had a home at Bloomsbury's Jeannetta Cochrane Theatre from 1991 until 1995, a period within which the company achieved a high profile. Following the departure from the Cochrane Theatre in 1995, the failed attempt to secure a new theatre space in Victoria, and the departure of its founder Yvonne Brewster in 2003, Talawa was briefly led by Ben Thomas, and then Bonnie Greer, Paulette Randall, and Patricia Cumper, under whose direction the company regained Arts Council funding.

Michael Buffong later took the reins from Patricia Cumper, leading Talawa to achieve enhanced Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation status. This new status not only provided financial stability for the company but also helped elevate its profile in the arts sector. Buffong's leadership also focused on nurturing emerging artists and staging innovative productions of classic plays, further solidifying Talawa's reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.

Michael Buffong's contributions to the arts community were recognised when he was featured on Creative Review's "50 Creative Leaders" list in 2017. His achievements also earned him a place on the Powerlist, which celebrates the most influential individuals of African or African Caribbean descent in Britain. Buffong's leadership at Talawa has not only brought the company success but has also highlighted the importance of diversity and representation in the arts.

In February 2019, the unveiling of plans for a 200-seat performance venue at Croydon's Fairfield Halls marked a significant milestone for Talawa. This new space became their first dedicated performance area since their residency at the Cochrane Theatre concluded in 1995.

Artist development

As well as touring major works across the UK, Talawa Theatre Company commissions new plays, and develops theatre artists and directors.

In January 2017, Talawa announced the creation of MAKE, a career development community of Black theatre artists. The MAKE community creates 250 new opportunities for Black artists every year, across four areas, enabling artists to make connections and build the support they need to create new work.

A Talawa spokesperson commented that "Diversity projects tend to be just that – projects – and as a quick-fix approach, they are not building an infrastructure. What we need is sustained engagement that provides artists with a pathway into the industry, and the footholds to keep them there …".

Talawa Theatre Company not only co-produces a captivating touring production every year, but also provides a continuous platform for artist development and the presentation of fresh and innovative works. As part of their commitment to nurturing new talent, Talawa offers a script reading service through their MAKE initiative. Additionally, they proudly present Talawa Firsts, an annual season of play readings that highlights the exceptional skills of emerging black writers.

Moreover, Talawa Theatre Company actively supports and nurtures emerging theatre-makers, including performers, designers, and technicians, through their renowned participation programs, TYPT and Studio Firsts. These initiatives serve as a springboard for aspiring artists, providing them with invaluable opportunities to grow and flourish in the industry.

By highlighting the achievements of black artists, the company aims to create a more inclusive and diverse environment within the industry, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions are recognised and valued. Through their dedication to fostering talent and championing diversity, Talawa Theatre Company plays a vital role in shaping the future of theatre.