We’ve got a season of celebration coming up, in recognition of Talawa’s four decades supporting performing arts in the UK.
Talawa’s Artistic Director, Michael Buffong says:
“Our artistic programme for 2026 is built upon four pillars: Advocacy, Community, Storytelling and Talent Development. We have the privilege of preserving well established programmes in TYPT and Talawa Firsts, bringing an exciting and successful outdoor show to brand new audiences across the country with Fragments of Us, and forging new creative partnerships through the Mona Hammond Lecture Series in collaboration with RADA. Along with a few surprises yet to be announced, this 40th anniversary year will be a celebration of everything that has made Talawa great over the past four decades.”
Talawa Firsts returns for 2026
The showcase for some of the most exciting Black writing and directing talent returns for its 15th outing this summer, in a streamlined week-long format.
TYPT is also back for 2026
With an exciting new director at the helm: Kalungi Ssebandeke is an award-winning, trained actor with 18 years of experience across stage, screen, and audio. We’re excited to see his return to Talawa.
Cohort, creatives and theme to follow!
Fragments of Us outdoors show at Greenwich Festival, taken on the 4th September 2025 in Woolwich London
Fragments of Us 2026 Tour
Supported by funding from Without Walls, this exciting new outdoor performance embarks upon a UK tour this spring and summer.
Omaan and the Sun Orb by Daniel Bailey
A brand-new Digital Audio Commission coming soon.
An historic collaboration between Talawa and RADA: The Mona Hammond Lecture Series
Coinciding with the culmination of RADA’s 120th anniversary in the 2024/5 academic year and Talawa’s 40th anniversary in 2026, the lecture series amplifies the celebration of Black British theatre excellence. It honours Talawa’s enduring impact and spotlights RADA’s 120 years of performing arts training, Hammond’s legacy as a pioneer of Black theatre and a founder of TTC and four decades of contributions to the arts.
Each year will feature high-profile speakers focusing on pivotal themes: Wellness, Women in Leadership, and Arts for All, including an opportunity for a workshop/event programme to run alongside the focus for each year. Acting as a convenor for diverse leadership in the arts, the series aims to ignite critical conversations, attract younger audiences and inspire transformative action.
And there’s plenty more to come. Follow us on Instagram and make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter to be first in line for new announcements.
