Methuen Drama Talawa Theatre Company: A Theatrical History and the Brewster Era

This study - the first of its kind - examines the history, performance work and achievements of Talawa theatre company under the tenure of its co-founder and artistic director from 1986 until 2003, Yvonne Brewster.The notion of achievement is understood within the contemporary British theatrical context, highlighting the originality of Talawa's work and, by extension, the company's commitment to its mission statement. The book is divided into two parts - the first covering the founding of Talawa in 1986 up to 2001, and the second covering the company under its new artistic director, taking us to the present day.Within these two parts, the book provides a historical context for Talawa's performance work, presenting a chronology of the company's performance roots that are shown to begin in Africa, develop in Jamaica and end in the UK. It examines Talawa's history between 1986 and 2001, including a discussion of definitions of black British theatre, Talawa's mission statement the company's residency in the West End. In the subsequent sections, Johnson moves on to draw out aspects of Talawa's performance work thematically, focusing on their Caribbean, American and English plays. Finally, he highlights Talawa's history, artistic accomplishments, impact and legacy, with a view to where the company might go in the future. Review "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 About the Author David Johnson was born in London to Jamaican parents. His heritage encouraged him to embrace all cultures. He is a multilingua