New podcast series spotlighting Black creatives in the theatre industry launched

It has been announced that a new podcast is being launched by Siana Bangura and Christina Nicole, in partnership with English Touring Theatre.

The podcast, entitled “Behind the Curtains”, will shine a light on black creatives in the theatre industry and will feature conversations with black theatre makers and creatives about their career experiences and navigating the current creative landscape.

Due to premiere on 22 October 2020, the first episode will feature discussions with Zodwa Nyoni and Corey Bovell focussing on black British theatre history, as well as being a writer and adapting to working in the context of a pandemic.

The podcast aims to focus on the off-stage, behind the curtains roles that are truly the backbone of theatre. How are writers, directors, sound designers, producers, production managers, movement directors and coaches weathering the current climate of uncertainty and constantly changing rules? How did they get to where they are now? And what has race got to do with it?

Siana Bangyra said: “The idea for this podcast came to me in 2018 but 2020 has provided fruitful soil for conversations like this to flourish. In such uncertain, challenging and emotionally testing times for us all, particularly if you are of a marginalised identity, centring the stories of our lives, told on our terms, is part of the work.

“Each person featuring in “Behind the Curtains” is brilliant in their own right and we hope their journeys, lessons and reflections on the question of ‘What next?’ serve to inspire, encourage and lift the veil – or rather pull the curtain – on the business of making theatre, reminding us that the world still needs artists, creative people and the people in the background, offstage, who are much needed backbone.”

Christina Nicole added: “Black creatives are our unsung heroes of the arts. From writers to dialect coaches, they are full of passion, talent and determination to make a change. “Behind the Curtains” allows these superstar creatives to have the spotlight on them. They can finally shout about their achievements, dreams and journeys whilst they inspire you to follow your own dreams.”

Upcoming episodes will include conversations with Natalie Ibu, Madeleine Kludje, Shelley Maxwell, Alison Holder, Munotida Chinyanga, Hazel Holder, Toni Kyeremateng, Alysha Laviniere and Ingrid Mackinnon.

Episodes are due to be released every 2 weeks and will be available via Acast, Soundcloud, Spotify and iTunes.

For more information, please click here.