Our New Writing Festival Featuring Fresh Black Voices Returns!
Once again, we’re putting new writing by talented Black artists on the map in the heart of Croydon for one spectacular week this summer. We’ve put the work in and diligently read over 100 script submissions to curate this year’s festival. We are constantly in awe of the prodigious, and often untapped, creative talent that exists in the UK.
Talawa Firsts festival provides an occasion to platform experienced writers trying out new stuff as part of our Double Bills – rehearsed readings of four new plays performed in tandem over two nights; and initiating participants on our Introductory Writers’ Group programme into getting their first play on its feet in front of an audience during our two showcase nights.
Whether you’re interested in experiencing original creative work for the very first time, or having the privilege of seeing potential big stage productions in their earliest form, Talawa Firsts offers something thrilling and original within the theatre space.
Talawa Firsts 2026 Presents: Double Bills | Part 1 (Monday 29th June) | 7:30pm
SOLD OUT
Mothership
Written by: Olamide Ajisafe
Directed by: Ewa Dina
CAST
Bola Akeju as Lolade
The Black Nile
Written by: Jason David
Directed by: David Gilbert
A dark tale rooted in the phenomenon of Black erasure. Confronts the trauma of exploitation colonialism through a thoughtful and subversive approach.
CAST
Amanda Chinyanganya as The Narrator
David Mensah as Magaji ‘Majic’
Dinah Muhenda as Sakabeju ‘Saka’
Joseph Black as Sidi Mubarak ‘Bombay’
Talawa Firsts 2026 Presents: Masterclasses (Tuesday 3oth June) | 7:30-9:00pm
Masterclass: Affirming the Artist
An online workshop hosted by yogi, archivist and artist, Blue Blackley, this 60-minute session aims to create a space and dialogue focused on acknowledging the struggles that artists and theatre makers may face in the current political and economic climate.
Expect to leave armed with holistic tools for navigating the industry and looking after oneself in the process.
Attendees will be issued with Zoom connection details 24 hours before the event.
Talawa Firsts 2026 Presents: Writers’ Showcases
A scratch night in two parts, showcasing excerpts of the plays developed by the 2026 cohort of Talawa’s Introductory Writers’ Group, led by Michelle Matherson.
Directed by Jordi M Carter and Amelia Michaels.
Writers’ Showcase | Part 1 (Wednesday 1st July) | 7:30pm
Bathsheba & David
Written by: Afua Ofori-Darko
A Country of our Own
Written by: Isaiah James-Mitchell
Mummy I’m Hungry
Written by: Grace Viora
ELANOR’S SUPER FUN ROCKIN SPOOKY SHOW EXTRAVAGANZA
Written by: Tope Adebayo
Writers’ Showcase | Part 2 (Thursday 2nd July) | 7:30pm
Directed by Jordi M Carter and Amelia Michaels.
Sacred Ground
Written by: Brett Curtis
Aired Out
Written by: Savannah Kityo
Expense That
Written by: Hayley Schiffer
Still Water
Written by: Kemi Awoderu
CAST (both showcases)
Bea Svistunenko
Christie Fewry
Jay Lafayette Valentine
Kofi Odoom
Malachi Antonio
Morayo Adeagbo
Rima Georges
Vashane Manroe
Please note: order of plays to be performed across each night is TBC and subject to change.
Talawa Firsts 2026 Presents: Double Bills | Part 2 (Friday 3rd July) | 7:30pm
Chew & Spit
Written by: Raphael Phillips
Directed by: Táiyé
An exploration of the TV Industry, the dangers of celebrity culture and the subsequent societal cracks that plague us.
CAST
Prince Kundai as SHANE
In Vitro
Written by: Jade Anouka
Directed by: Lakesha Arie-Angelo
A story exploring the often-unspoken challenges of motherhood, and the perilous state of healthcare experienced by Black women. Can disappointment be transformed into hope?
CAST
Leah Harvey as FAITH
Gloria Obianyo as JASMINE
Stacey Evans as THE SYSTEM
Bea Svistunenko
Content warning: Please be aware that the plays at Talawa Firsts Festival are works in progress. However, many will contain adult themes not suitable for those under 18. More information and specific trigger warnings will be made available in writing during the festival.
Jun 2026 — Jul 2026
