Anansi Theatre

HOW ANANSI THEATRE IS FACILITATING ‘EMPOWERMENT, SAFETY AND REPRESENTATION’ FOR YOUNG WOMEN OF COLOUR IN THE ARTS

By Jamie Morris

We speak with artistic director Lauren Nicole Whitter about how she’s making a positive impact in Derby through theatre…

Mojatu: Where did the idea for Anansi Theatre come from? Lauren: Growing up, I was the only person of colour for a very long time in my school. Going from being around Jamaican food, sounds and heritage at home to this world with a lot of trauma and racism was really quite bad. But I loved theatre, and when I went to university, it really blew my mind that there were playwrights talking about the same things I went through. Fast forward to 2021, however, and there were still situations where I was the only one who looked like me in creative spaces. The pandemic had hit and George Floyd was murdered, but throughout that time, people and venues were saying really fantastic things about how they’re going to do better and be more diverse – and Anansi Theatre was born through that. Mojatu: You recently hosted some free drama club sessions for young women and girls of colour. How did that go? Lauren: They’ve been really great. It’s about empowerment, safety and representation – being seen in the arts and perhaps gaining the skills or confidence to pursue a career in the arts. We’d love to do it again next term, from January to March, but we’ll have to see about funding as our drama clubs are free to attend so that money isn’t a barrier. Anansi is an associate company of Derby Theatre, so we’re also going to take a trip to see The Wind in the Willows. This might be some of the participants’ first time going to the theatre, so we sorted out their tickets, and we’re hoping to do more of that in the future. Mojatu: With the ongoing cost of living crisis and the winter months ahead of us, mental health is really topical at the moment. What role can theatre play in boosting people’s moods? Lauren: The body will always tell you how you feel. I did a research project when I was a lecturer looking at movement and yoga in comparison to speaking therapies like CBT, as we hold a lot of tension, pain and trauma in the body. If you’re uncomfortable, you tense up and your breath changes – but if my body’s relaxed, I feel like I can be relaxed and bring what I need to bring to the space. I think the arts are fantastic for exploring different emotions, and there’s something to be said about alternatives to talking therapies – like drama, art and music therapy – as they can be something nonverbal or expressive. Quite a few people might not have the words to say how they feel, but they can write it, dance it or draw it. Mojatu: What else have you got planned? Lauren: We’re applying for funding, so we can keep our participation work going and create performances where we can. I’d love to be in a position where we can do commissions and pay artists to put on nights and have discussions, and do some more work with mental health. To anybody who is thinking about going into the arts – just go for it. There’s gonna be some tough times, I’m not gonna lie to you. But, honestly, get yourself a good support system and give it a go. Find out more at anansitheatre.com

DERBY THEATRE: FIVE UPCOMING SHOWS YOU NEED TO SEE

By Jamie Morris

Here’s what to keep an eye out for on the stage this winter and beyond…

There’s lots to enjoy at Derby Theatre over the next few months, including several shows featuring Black talent, stories and music, from the jazz-infused Swinging at the Cotton Club to the story of Bob Marley in The King of Reggae. I’m a Celeb star Babatunde Aléshé will even be putting in an appearance. Read on and make room in your calendar for a season of great shows.

Swinging at the Cotton Club

Friday 13th January Deriving its name from the nightclub that once hosted the likes of Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday, this show promises to recreate the atmosphere of 1920s and ‘30s Harlem for one night only. Featuring the Lindy Hop Dance Company, the Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra, American vocalist Marlene Hill and compere Megs Etherington, this is a blast from the past that no fan of jazz or swing should miss.

King for a Day: The Nat King Cole Story

Saturday 28th January Derby Theatre’s celebration of Black music history continues with this multimedia tribute to the legendary vocalist Nat King Cole, which will tell his story through a seamless combination of music, narration and archive footage. Headlined by critically-acclaimed jazz singer Atila Huseyin, the concert was a huge success when it played at the sold-out Hippodrome Casino in London in 2016.

Babatunde Aléshé: Babahood

Thursday 23rd February Right on the back of his adventures in the Australian jungle in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, rising comedy star Babatunde Aléshé will be taking his new comedy show to various venues across the country. Baba will be bringing his one-of-a-kind wit to topics such as family and fatherhood when makes a stop at Derby Theatre this February.

Charlie and Stan

Tuesday 28th February – Saturday 4th March Before they were world-famous comedians, Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel were merely two aspiring comics sharing a cabin on a boat to New York. Charlie and Stan tells the amusing and heartwarming story of these two comedy icons’ chance encounter before they parted ways on the path to stardom, with two cracking lead performances that evoke the energy of their timeless characters.

The King of Reggae: The Man, The Music

Saturday 15th April The JA Reggae Band and Rush Theatre Company are giving us something special to look forward to in spring as they bring the story and songs of Bob Marley to Derby Theatre. Featuring over twenty songs including One Love, No Woman No Cry and Is This Love, this brand new musical will chronicle how Marley became the most celebrated reggae artist of all time. Find out more at derbytheatre.co.uk