‘Our Mission Is To Champion Black Excellence In Theatre’ - A Conversation With Regina Braitwaite

When did you first discover your love for theatre?

“My passion for theatre started at a young age when I became involved with my local Amateur Theatre Group. I was just four years old when I found myself immersed in the world of performance, and I eagerly took part in various musical productions. As I got older, my interest in theatre grew as I began to discover the breadth of the theatre out there.  I am passionate about theatre ability to foster a sense of community and inspire others.”

Has representation in theatre changed since you've entered the space?

“Since I entered the theatre world there has been a massive shift in representation with many productions pushing for more racially diverse casting and stories. I have also welcomed the increase of intersectional representations of Black identity. I believe this is important in providing opportunities to those who inhabit multiple marginalised identities and highlighting the nuances of these lived experiences. Of course, there is still work to do to ensure that everyone feels represented onstage!”

For those who aren't familiar with Talawa, what is your mission?

“For those who aren't familiar with Talawa, our mission is to champion Black excellence in theatre. We are passionate about nurturing emerging Black Talent through our many programmes such as Talawa Young People’s Theatre and Talawa Firsts Festival. Throughout the year we put on many productions as well as community programmes which explore the Black experience through art and creativity.”  

How do you support emerging Black talents as a primary Black theatre company in the UK?

“There are many ways that we support emerging Black talent, such as Talawa Firsts Festival which provides a platform for new voices in Black theatre. We also nurture Black talent through training opportunities like our Creating Routes programme, a free, and practical, training programme for BAME theatre makers who want to use their creative skills in community settings. There is also the opportunity for emerging Black talent to have access to our script service and studio spaces. One of the highlights of the year for us at Talawa, is our Talawa Young People’s Theatre, a unique FREE programme that facilitates collaboration between emerging and established theatre makers. Through a 4-week intensive, the company will create a theatre piece from scratch, through a collaborative process that provides a unique steppingstone for performers, directors, designers and technicians, and more, at the beginning of their careers. The programme will culminate in a series of shows.” 

How can one get involved in the TYPT programme - what's the process?

“To get involved with TYPT, there is a simple application form to complete and an in-person audition. To apply for TYPT, you must be between the ages of 18 and 25 and an emerging Black theatre maker. The programme takes place over 4 weeks in the summer and culminates in a series of shows.”

Your roster of talents vary from the likes of Michaela Coel, Majorie Blackman, Ryan Calais Cameron and more - who have gone on to create exceptional bodies of work. How does that make you feel?

“We are incredibly proud of the talent that has come out of the TYPT programme, as it really speaks to the success of the programme. The nurturing, safe space created by the cohort and the creative team allows everyone to flourish. TYPT is a space for learning and collaboration, which has led to many of our alumni to go on and achieve great success. Their exceptional work are a testament to the positive impact of TYPT, and their accomplishments continue to inspire us and the young people who go through the programme.”

What's next for Tawala/TYPT?

“Here at Talawa we are very excited to be part of This Is Croydon, London Borough of Culture 2023. This is a fabulous opportunity to showcase the talent and pride in our community. We are particularly excited for our intergenerational archiving programme, Our Croydon which will culminate in an exhibition in November.

We are very much looking forward to welcoming the new group of emerging and established creatives who will join our TYPT24 cohort. We urge all of those who are interested to keep an eye on our social media for the application opening announcement. In the future there will be more training opportunities such as Creating Routes. We are very excited to be working with Unicorn Theatre later this year and into 2024. There will be an opportunity for Black artists with an interest in early years theatre to have access to training.”

Learn more about Tawala and the TYPT24 cohort here: https://www.talawa.com/about