At the Riley Theatre
What’s the One Thing that you Need To Say But Have Never Dared?
And Who Needs to Hear It?
A series of personal letters by Black and ethnically diverse writers from across the North, explore the personal and political of the things we don’t dare say. Sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, sometimes political and full of fire, these letters will be written and sealed, to be opened and read out loud by the actors, who will only see the letters for the first time in front of the audience, on the night.
These new letters will be performed alongside Rachel De-Lahay’s original letter, building on her ground-breaking My White Best Friend (and other letters left unsaid), first performed at The Bunker and the Royal Court in London to critical acclaim. 19 Black and ethnically diverse writers across the North have been commissioned in this collaboration between Everyman & Playhouse theatres, Eclipse Theatre and Royal Exchange Theatre, to give over the stage to these moments left unsaid.
Age guidance 16+
This work may include descriptions of racism and harassment, strong language and adult themes.
Audience members now need to show their NHS COVID pass on entry - read more
This performance of My White Best Friend - North will be followed by a post-show discussion with writers Nick Ahad and Marcia Layne, chaired by Adam Lowe.
This performance includes British Sign Language interpretation.
Tickets:Pay What You Decide
“Theatre in this country can be so London centric. I’m so proud to see this project be taken up North. I cannot wait to hear these brilliant writers dare say things they have, up until now, kept quiet.”
– Rachel De-Lahay
Based on the original concept by Rachel De-Lahay
Eclipse Theatre in collaboration with Royal Exchange Theatre and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse theatres.
With letters from Rachel De-Lahay, Nick Ahad and Marcia Layne
Based in Leeds, Eclipse Theatre is one of the UK’s most innovative, Black-led touring and production companies. Eclipse inspires new narratives about the Black experience. We commission, develop, produce, and present new work by Black creatives, in partnership with venues and collaborators.
We believe in the power of culture to connect people together and to change lives. We are inspired by the idea generators, writers, directors, actors, digital artists, filmmakers, thinkers, and creative teams whose work we produce.
eclipsetheatre.org.uk
@eclipsetcl
Supported with funding from Leeds Inspired, part of Leeds City Council.
