A series of shows and activities will be sponsored by Leicester-based music licensing company PPL PRS.
Leicester’s Curve theatre has announced plans to mark Black History Month this October. Black History Month recognises and celebrates the contributions of Black people from the African Diaspora to British society.
This year, in association with Curve Associate company Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, Curve will stage a rehearsed-reading of Katori Hall’s Olivier Award-winning play, The Mountaintop. The powerful drama, which explores the final hours of Dr Martin Luther King’s life, will be directed by Nathan Powell (Sucker Punch, Dogs, The Lies You Tell) and will take place in Curve’s Studio Tuesday, October 31 to Thursday, November 2.
Pawlet Brookes MBE, CEO and artistic director of Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, said:
"This year is particularly significant as it marks the sixtieth anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s "I have a Dream" speech. Katori Hall's The Mountaintop is a significant play, sharing a glimpse into the life of one of the most significant figures of the civil rights movement. The Black History Month programme at Curve and throughout Leicester provides an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on Black-led theatre and remember the fantastic work that happens year round."
Curve will also host a Community Day on Saturday, October 21, marking Black History Month with a range of activities from 12-4pm. The day will include workshops, performances from local artists on the theatre’s Foyer stage, creative activities for children and families and more. All events at Curve’s Black History Month Community Day will be free with no need to book.
On Tuesday, October 3, Curve Associate company Kainé will present Windrush: Better Together, a showcase of song, spoken word and more from Leicester’s senior citizens of the Windrush Generation.
Powerful dance piece BOY’S KHAYA comes to Curve on Tuesday, October 24. A mesmerising combination of contemporary, ballet and African dance with a spoken-word soundtrack and music, BOY’S KHAYA tells the story of choreographer Bawren Tavaziva’s early life in Zimbabwe.
Also part of Curve’s Black History Month programme is A Night to Remember Motown Show on October 27-28. Led by The Voice UK finalist and West End tour principal Bizzi Dixon, a stellar cast including the Motown Divas and a live band will take audiences back to 1960s Detroit.
In a joint statement, Curve’s chief executive Chris Stafford and artistic director Nikolai Foster said: "We are pleased to mark Black History Month this year at Curve with a series of events and performances. "Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop celebrates the extraordinary life of Dr Martin Luther King and is a profound and deeply moving tribute to this great leader. We are thrilled the play will form the centrepiece of our Black History Month events and proud to be working with our friends at Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage.
"Directed by the brilliant Nathan Powell, who recently electrified audiences with his production of Sucker Punch, this is a unique opportunity for audiences to experience Hall's magnificent play. We're grateful to our friends at PPL PRS who recognise the value of this work and have generously sponsored this season to mark Black History Month."
Tickets for performances as part of Black History Month are now on sale. To find out more and book, visit curveonline.co.uk, call 0116 242 3595 or visit Curve’s box office in-person.
Rehearsed reading of Katori Hall's
October 31 – November 2
In association with Curve Associate company Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage and sponsored by PPL PRS
Directed by Nathan Powell
Curve Associate company Kaine Choir
October 3
October 24
October 27-28
