TYPT 11 - What Nazli and Nadia did this summer
ZENDEH's Artistic Director and Creative Associate spent the summer in London working with Talawa Young People's Theatre to create a devised piece taking as their starting point This Is England 1986-2011.
Talawa is committed to encouraging lifelong learning in a variety of settings. They run a programme of inclusive outreach activities aimed at supporting artists, giving resonance to the concerns of Black British communities and working with young people to explore issues of importance to them. Participants take part in Talawa through their Schools and Community Projects and Talawa Young People's Theatre (TYPT).
The question Talawa asked was: "What is the state of the nation and what are our young people really saying?". The young participants explored twenty five years of Black British history and the current social shifts to create a brand new piece of theatre which was titled #I AM ENGLAND.
The show was performed between 25 and 27 August at Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler's Wells.
Cast:
Winnie Arhin, Terri Ann Bobb-Baxter, Michelle D'Costa, Madeleine Kludje, Aiesha Lindsay, Eugene Osei, Palesa Mokoena, Rona Namudu, Adam Tulloch, Toniche Wallace
Crew:
Director: Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh
Choreographer: Nadia Iftkhar
Assistant Directors: Stephanie Yamson, Oyin Solebo
Designer: Hannah Roche
Music: Mr. Dex
Lighting: Pablo Fernandez
Design Assistant (Costume): Rosanna Stalbow
"One very interesting factor about this play is the use of movement. Nadia Iftkhar's choreography was poignant because it symbolised pain, friction and struggles that exists between young people, society, the political institutions and various apparatus of the laws in the land. The use of historical events that have shaped the landscape of the nation, especially where race is concerned was equally as important. Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh excellent direction demonstrates her ability to interpret the feelings and views of the young people who devised this play. You only wish more of those in power would listen to them the way she has."
Belinda Otas, blogger
"immensely effecting, clever and disciplined dance/text compendium"
ReviewsBate.com
"sublime directorship and superb choreography"
ligali blog, human rights, natural justice