Talawa issues statement in response to Birmingham Rep becoming a Nightingale Court

News

Dec 22

Last week Birmingham Repertory Theatre announced that they, along with the Library of Birmingham, would be hiring out their spaces to the Ministry of Justice to operate a Nightingale Court until June 2021.

The REP will still be able to use its the largest theatre and all backstage and office areas. The courts will hear civil, family and tribunals work as well as non-custodial crime cases; sentencing will not take place on site. The court operation will be in a defined area and separate to the theatre operation and they will not operate concurrently.

Talawa Theatre Company have released the below statement in response to the venue becoming a Nightingale Court and will not be making any further comment at this time.

“Talawa is the UK’s outstanding Black theatre company, and recently announced that the Black Joy season would take place at Birmingham Rep in Autumn 2021.

“We recognise that having to make the difficult calls between maintaining the creative and political integrity of cultural buildings, and preserving the jobs of those who work within them, is a position arts leaders shouldn’t be forced into.

“Our thoughts are with those arts leaders and creatives having to make difficult decisions. During this difficult time, it’s vital that we don’t see buildings close, irreparably harming the cultural fabric of the country.

“Talawa’s purpose is to champion Black excellence in theatre; to nurture talent in emerging and established artists of African and Caribbean heritage, and to tell inspirational and passionate stories reflecting Black experiences through art. The decision Birmingham Rep have taken to become a Nightingale Court does not align with Talawa’s commitment to Black artists and communities, the communities most affected by this decision. It has threatened the integrity of the Black Joy season; regrettably the partnership is no longer tenable under current circumstances.

“We are speaking to the artists and partners who might be affected by this, and still hope to bring the Black Joy season to the audiences it was intended for. We are exploring our options.

“We respect and treasure our working and co-producing relationships, and also respect the artists and communities we work with. Our commitment to tackling social and racial injustices is stronger than ever. We stand true to our values. This is what makes us Talawa.”

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