October is Black History Month. CETTIE (Cultural Exchange Through Theatre in Education) is one of the few theatre companies that consistently comes up with programmes specially created for this annual event .
Led by Rastafari playwright and director Shango Baku, the company offers a touring programme of workshops for schools and training sessions for teachers. Details from CETTIE on 0171 226 4016.
The Royal Court presents a short season of new work by young writers, performed by members of the Court’s Young People’s Theatre from October 24 to November 14. Fair Game by Rebecca Prichard is the play that achieved notoriety a few months ago because of its depiction of a teenage gang rape as performed by members of the youth theatre. The play, a “free adaptation” of Games in the Backyard by Israeli writer Edna Mayza, is a portrayal of teenage bullying and violence. Ultra Violet by Jess Walters looks at the evolution of its characters’ lives through their changing relationships. Linger by John Doona is being performed in a specially converted site, the Arches under London Bridge. Ring the Royal Court at the Theatre Downstairs on 0171 565 5000.
In celebration of 50 years of independence for India and Pakistan, the Little Angel Theatre launches a new touring production of The Talkative Tortoise and Other Tall Tales by Guy Hutchins, a celebration of myth and folk tale from the sub-continent. A colourful, spectacular production featuring live music, it is a selection of funny and fantastic stories drawn from one of the richest theatrical traditions in the world. The show can be seen at the Little Angel in Islington, London, before embarking on a national tour. For schedule and bookings, ring the Little Angel on 0171 359 8581.
Mountview Conservatoire for the Performing Arts presents a season of productions performed by its students running from October 22 to the end of January. Plays include the musical Grand Hotel, As You Like It and Cinderella. For bookings, ring 0181 340 5885.
In Dorset, Don’t Laugh, It’s My Life is the result of a collaboration presented by Told by an Idiot Theatre Company. Partly developed through workshops with schoolchildren and young offenders, it’s a play about a man who is persuaded to give up all his worldly possessions to search for a better life.
It tours venues in Dorset before going to London and the rest of the country. For a schedule, ring Kate Montefiore, North Dorset’s arts development officer, on 01258 484034.
