ARTISTIC DIRECTOR of Theatre Peckham, Suzann McLean, says ensuring the south London venue is utilised to ‘shed light on the experiences of underrepresented communities’, is of paramount importance.
Keeping to her word this month sees award winning directors Simon Frederick and McLean come together to stage Unseen Unheard: The untold breast cancer stories of Black Women in the UK, written by trailblazing playwright, Naomi Denny.
The new play based on the lived experiences of Black British women and their journeys with breast cancer.
Set in real time on a normal evening, six women gather to unravel their shared experiences of the abnormality that Black women experience through their diagnosis.
The women invite us into their world with an open and candid insight that combines honesty and humour. The real-world objective to staging this play is focused changing habits that will lead to saving lives.
Each performance will host a post-show panel discussion, which will be facilitated by award-winning community champion Leanne Pero, founder and CEO of Black Women Rising.
Women with experiences of breast cancer attending will be invited to share their experiences around the topics discussed in the play, so that a report showcasing real voices can be presented to key change-makers.
Black Women Rising founder and CEO Leanne Pero said: “For long enough the voices of Black Women going through Breast cancer have been silenced and unheard and this theatre piece will be another way to connect with our communities, bring home the importance of cancer awareness and educate health care professionals of our individual needs.
“This collaboration has seen our members guide the writing, direction and execution of the piece alongside a stellar creative team – our hope is that this play will give rise to much needed discussion and influence positive change and outcomes of Black women going through a Breast cancer diagnosis.”
McLean of Theatre Peckham comments: “As artistic director of Theatre Peckham it’s important to me that we use our platform to shed light on the experiences of underrepresented communities.
“This play is a tribute to the strength and courage of black women who have had a breast cancer diagnosis, an opportunity to amplify voices that have been historically silenced, and to spark conversations that can lead to meaningful change.”
The play is commissioned and funded by Gilead Sciences Ltd and will be presented by Theatre Peckham in association with Black Women Rising and will run for four performance (April 27 and 29, May 2) with a further two invitation-only performances (May 3 and 4) at Theatre Peckham.
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