VIEW OF HER OWN BEAUTY
10th & 12th November 2016
BY KALUNGI SSEBANDEKE
Play and Discussion-Open workshop
#TeamNatural
#TeamWeave/Wig
#TeamRelaxed
What do these hashtags really mean?
Weaves, relaxers, wigs and braids for black women is big business, the black hair industry generates millions of pounds each year, however, in recent times, there has been an increase of black women transitioning back to their natural tresses and the world is noticing. The debate on black hair is a trending topic online and on social media...but why?
Are weaves, relaxers and wigs simply a fashion choice or a form of self-hatred… or are there shades of grey?
Is wearing natural hair a political statement?
VIEW OF HER OWN BEAUTY is a lyrical and poetic short play about black hair and what it means.
Join us in the development of exciting new play from a talented emerging writer.
DIRECTOR: Sandra Thompson-Quartey
Play + Post Play Discussion
After well received performances of the short play, VIEW OF HER OWN BEAUTY at The Bush (Black Lives, Black Words-Artistic Directors of the Future) and Bussey Building (Melanin Box Festival-DKF Initiative) Writers Avenue is working with writer, Kalungi Ssebandeke, to develop his witty, provocative and thought provoking script, into a full-length production, with the view of a 4-week run in 2017.
The play explores the perceptions of cultural standards of beauty, the term 'cultural appropriation' and the realities of discrimination based on hair.
The workshop shall begin with a performance of the short play, VIEW OF HER OWN BEAUTY, followed by feedback forms, a discussion with the attendees on the play, themes, views and personal experiences.
We are very keen to have a mixed audience in regards to age, race and gender who will be vocal during the discussion.
THE WRITER
Kalungi Ssebandeke is a Ugandan born writer and actor, whose debut play MY DARLING WIFE was shortlisted in 2013 for the Kings Head Theatre’s Inaugural new writing award, The Adrian Pagan Award, judged by Young Vic Artistic Director, David Lan, Mark Ravenhill, Julia Tyrell and Mike Bradwell.
In 2014 the same play was selected for Talawa Theatre’s Talawa Firsts, a week of new writing for black writers, catching the attention of BBC Writer’s room’s Abigail Gonda and The Royal Court’s Ola Animashawun who invited Kalungi to join London Voices, a weekly writers group at BBC’s Grafton House.
In 2017 his Alfred Fagon Longlisted play ASSATA TAUGHT ME will receive its world premier at The Gate Theatre from 4th-27th May.
VENUE ADDRESS:
10th Nov 2016
Theatre Royal Stratford East
Gerry Raffles Square
Stratford
London
E15 1BN
12th Nov 2016
The Courtyard
Bowling Green Walk
40 Pitfield Street
London
N1 6EU
Nearest station: Old Street
TICKET PRICE N/A:
Donation/Pay What You Can
Tickets for this event are AVAILABLE ONLY via Writers Avenue.
No tickets will be sold at the door or on the phone this is an open script development workshop; performance followed by discussion.
There are limited tickets. Please print your ticket or have it ready to view on your mobile device.