UK tour of Racheal Ofori's Portrait concludes with three November dates at London RADAR Festival

Portrait tour concludes at London's Bush Theatre with RADAR Festival dates
The UK tour of Racheal Ofori's remarkable Portrait comes to a close this month with 3 dates at The Bush Theatre's RADAR Festival. The show has been thrilling audiences around the country with its blend of wit and insight into black female racial stereotypes '. I love satirical comedy, and this piece satirises modern existence, along with a few cheeky little dance numbers for the audiences entertainment.' said Racheal. At times the show blends poetry seamlessly into the mix 'Portrait toys with issues that are quite provocative, and so I feel that using poetry helps bring these issues to light. Using poetry as a language for some of the characters is a surprise; as stereotypically one wouldn't imagine them to use such language to communicate their ideas.'
Portrait is a frank and funny look at modern life through the eyes of a young black woman. At this year's Edinburgh Festival and on tour it has been hailed a brilliant debut by critics and audiences alike.
'an absolute winner. Refreshing, bright and full of humour' The Stage
Inspired by her own experiences, Ofori takes us on a frank and funny journey through cultural stereotypes to explore the lack of diverse role models available in today's society. Meet sassy teenager Candice, already sick of the condescension of those around her ('PC should stand for Politely Condescending'), the straight talking evangelistic preacher, the hopeful Oxford candidate, the African immigrant bound for disappointment, the bridesmaid struggling to fit into her dress and more. Whilst there is often comic value in these characters Ofori also uses them to explore the bigger picture of how young women, and especially young black women, can be perceived in society. Portrait is truly exceptional, a candid yet endearingly fun debut solo show from an authoritative new voice
'compellingly astute...critical, fearless and ultimately uplifting' The Scotsman
London Listings info: Fuel presents Portrait by Rachel Ofori A Frank, fun and provocative look at the trials and tribulations of modern life as seen through the eyes of a young black woman
With feminism and youth issues high on the current agenda this playfully compelling and engaging one-woman show is compellingly on the money and up to the minute.
'a blistering indictment of British society' Exeunt
Ofori excels delivering her own material for the first time, proving herself to be a charismatic and engaging actor who skilfully employs music, dance, laughter and poetry in a virtuoso performance. She is a London based writer, performer and rising talent who graduated from Italia Conti in 2013. The first theatre production she performed in was a boisterous modern adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream which attracted rave reviews. She went on to play Nerissa in The Merchant of Venice at Shakespeare's Globe and has performed her own poetry in London and New York.
'exuberant solo show from a genuine talent' Lyn Gardner, The Guardian
Portrait is written and performed by Racheal Ofori and directed for UK tour by Kate HewittKate Hewitt is the associate director on Sam Mendes' production of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. She won the 2014 JMK Directors Award for her production of Caryl Churchill's Far Away at the Young Vic. Associate director credits include: Medea directed by Mike Bartlett (Headlong Theatre Company UK tour 2012-13) and Electra directed by Carrie Cracknell (Gate and Latitude Festival 2011). Kate has worked as assistant director to Sacha Wares, Dominic Cooke and Michael Attenborough. Co-founder and co-creator with You Need Me international theatre company on projects How It Ended (Arcola 2009 and Edinburgh Fringe) and Certain Dark Things (2010 Tobacco Factory and Underbelly, Edinburgh).
Portrait is produced by influential maverick producers Fuel. Founded in 2004 and led by Louise Blackwell and Kate McGrath, Fuel is a producing organisation working in partnership with some of the UK's most exciting theatre artists to create, develop and present new work for all.
Portrait has received financial support from Arts Council England and the Royal Victoria Hall Foundation.
16 - 18 November LONDON Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, London, W12 8LJ (RADAR Festival) 020 8743 5050 bushtheatre.co.uk 7.30pm £15

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