Making Our Own Table: African Theatre and Performance in the UK

Event information

We are no longer asking for a seat at existing tables; we are building our OWN.

Join us at Utopia's new symposium-style event, where you can be a part of an inspiring exchange amongst local, regional and international creatives and academics, aimed towards creating and developing African theatre and engaging with art from the diaspora in all forms. We will explore the idea that politics is intrinsically embedded throughout the industry, highlighting the importance of having forums, such as Making Our Own Table, and spaces to share and critically engage with themes from the past, present and future of African theatre.

The day will feature a series of panel discussions, break out labs and provocations, hosted by established creatives, academics and thinkers with roots from the African diaspora. These activities will incorporate African art forms and elements from existing works, such as Crown of Blood and Death and the King's Horseman, to encourage collective thought and provoke discussions around key themes, such as structural racism within the arts, and more.

Hosting this event at our home in the Steel City, this event sheds light on Sheffield as a hub for creative and academic excellence outside of London. Be a part of shaping our own legacy, as we build the Sheffield Statement: our manifesto for promoting real action and creating the changes we need to see in the industry. Engage with the past, the present and help us to create new opportunities for future generations to explore.

- Welcome
- Opening circle: framing and introductions
- Acts in three parts: keynote provocations (performance/reading/visual)
- Lunch break and intent corner
- Action labs (break outs)
- Plenary panel: responding to lab outputs
- Manifesto drafting and commitment circle
- Social/networking session
- Crown of Blood opening performance at Sheffield Theatres

Wrap up the day with opening night tickets to Utopia's biggest and boldest production yet! Crown of Blood, co-produced with Sheffield Theatres, is our thrilling new Yoruba adaptation of Macbeth, taking to the iconic Crucible stage at 7.15pm. Experience African total theatre at it's best. It's Shakespeare as you've never seen it before...

BASIC ticket: Making Our Own Table symposium entry only
STANDARD ticket: Making Our Own Table symposium entry + Crown of Blood show ticket + Utopia t-shirt (please email reception@utopiatheatre.co.uk with your desired size)