ANNOUNCING THE BLACK BRITISH THEATRE PROGRAM

The British American Drama Academy is pleased to announce its newest course: Black British Theatre.

This four week summer intensive, led by playwright and BADA Faculty member Oladipo Agboluaje, provides an overview of Black British theatre by tracing the social, cultural, intellectual and political developments that have come to define the theory, practice and aesthetics of its practitioners. We will interrogate how Black people have been represented on stage by White writers before plays by Black theatre practitioners began to gain greater visibility on the British stage.

Play texts by major Black British Writers such as Roy Williams, Winsome Pinnock and debbie tucker green, will be analysed from social and cultural contexts framed by theories of identity, representation, nationalism, race, gender, sexuality and class. Masterclasses and workshops will be conducted by leading practitioners and playwrights including (schedules permitting): Ola Animashawun, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Chino Odimba, and Roy Williams.

Eunice Roberts, Dean of BADA, says “BADA is so delighted to be adding this to our wide offering of programs. Students will study in London at BADA’s home base in Gloucester Gate in Camden, offering a unique opportunity not only to explore all that the theatre has to offer in this world-renowned city but the ability to investigate the diverse history that has made London what it is today. Students will have some of the most influential and exciting instructors that will bring a richness and depth to this course.”

Course Director Oladipo Agboluaje adds “This course presents an exciting opportunity for students to learn about and experience Black British theatre and performance. We will analyse key play texts that dramatise the Black-British experience as well as identify their dramaturgical and aesthetic underpinnings. There will be visits to places of interest and to performances that will support our understanding of the environment in which these plays are developed. We shall invite key professionals to shed light on their practice and to offer insight into the practicalities of working in the British theatre industry.”

The course is open to applicants at the undergraduate and graduate level as well as those who are not currently enrolled in educational programmes. Applicants aged 18 must have at least one year’s experience away from home to be considered for this course. Alumni of other BADA courses are encouraged to apply!

For full course details, 2022 dates, and deadlines, or to submit an application, visit our Black British Theatre page.