Talawa Theatre Company

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 *