Belgrade Theatre Celebrates Black History Month

Throughout October, Coventry's Belgrade Theatre will be proudly supporting Black History Month with an exciting programme of events including talks, workshops, a photography exhibition and a concert celebrating the diversity of Coventry's communities.

The Belgrade Theatre is committed to creating diverse work that gives voice to the many communities of Coventry and the region all year round, and is privileged to be able to give a platform to some of the many stories and achievements within black history.

Kick-starting the programme of events, is a Black History Month Launch event, on Sat 1 Oct, from 4.30pm. This is a free event that will include a special performance from the Belgrade's Black Youth Theatre, conversations with curators and the chance to discuss some of the Belgrade's ground-breaking work from this year.

This includes a double bill of performances by the Birmingham-based Strictly Arts Theatre Company in the B2 auditorium. Inspired by true events and produced in collaboration with award-winning writer Camilla Whitehill, Freeman (Thurs 29 Sept - Thurs 6 Oct), tells the story of a black slave who was put on trial in 19th Century New York and the first case to raise 'insanity' as a defence. Running alongside this, is the return of Green Leaves Fall (Thurs 6 - Sat 8 Oct), which uses physical theatre to explore some of the most pressing social issues of our time - inequality, unemployment and radicalisation.

Visitors to the theatre will have the chance to see Embodied Islands: An Exhibition of Caribbean Photography at the Belgrade, from Mon 3 - Fri 28 Oct. Presented by Warwick University's Centre for Caribbean Studies, Embodied Islands is a fusion of historical 19th century stereoview photography and contemporary visual art by award-winning Caribbean photographers. It provides a rare opportunity to learn about post-colonial Caribbean life through the history of photography.

Associate Professor at Warwick University, Dr Fabienne Viala and award-winning Caribbean photographer, Jean-Francois Manicom, will also host five workshops and discussions at the Belgrade over the duration of Black History Month, which will take a closer look at history of photography, heritage and identity. These will be available to book on the Belgrade Theatre's website.

Following this on Sun 16 Oct is Diversity Rocks, a musical celebration of Coventry's diversity on the Belgrade's Main Stage. Diversity Rocks is headlined by The Neville Staple Band and supported by a wide range acts from across the city and region.

Diversity Rocks marks the 40th anniversary of Rock Against Racism, a movement which sparked marches, festivals and concerts across the UK, aimed at fighting racism through music, from 1976 - 1981. It also follows on from Coventry's famous Festival Against Racism which was held at the Butts Stadium in Coventry in 1981. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for under 18s and can be booked online or through the Belgrade Box Office.

In Shakespeare's 400th anniversary year, never before have so many of the Bard's greatest roles have been played by BAME actors - Macbeth at the Globe, King Lear at Manchester Exchange, Hamlet at Stratford and on tour. But two great men called for this to happen long ago, and worked for it: Ira Aldridge and Paul Robeson. Tony Howard from the Multicultural Shakespeare project at Warwick University tells their stories in a talk entitled Ira Aldridge and Paul Robeson: Setting Shakespeare Free on Thurs 20 Oct at 6.30pm.

Completing the line-up of events for Black History Month events, is 'Sheroes of History.' Ever wanted to know more about black female pioneers? Sheroes of History is aimed at children aged 5-10 years old, and will look at icons including Wilma Rudolph, Bessie Coleman and Mary Seacole. With a story-telling session to seize the imagination, and a drawing session straight after, this is a fantastic free afternoon out for the little ones in half term.

For more information about any of the events listed above and to book, please visit www.belgrade.co.uk or call the Belgrade's friendly Box Office team.

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