This October, Riley Theatre in Leeds will host a dynamic line-up of events to celebrate the rich history and vibrant future of Black artistry. As part of Riley Theatre’s Autumn Winter 2024 programme, these thought-provoking performances celebrate culture and heritage and mark Black History Month in the UK.
The works showcase the richness of Black culture and history, brought to life by talented artists from across the UK and beyond. Themes of identity, resilience and creativity will be expressed through storytelling, dance, fashion and film.
Known as Yorkshire’s largest dedicated dance venue, Riley Theatre is purposely hosting this series which goes beyond dance to explore identity, resilience, fashion, migration and community narratives. This is an opportunity for new audiences to engage with diverse forms of storytelling, art, and activism in a welcoming space in addition to celebrating Black culture through powerful performances.
Book your tickets today and be part of these unforgettable performances. Visit Riley Theatre for more information.
Barber B | Each One, Teach One – Saturday October 12th at 7.30pm
An unmissable introduction to the power of live storytelling.
A captivating tribute to resilience, community, and the power of dreams, Each One, Teach One is the thrilling sequel to A Play of Sorts. This multi-disciplinary performance intertwines storytelling, dance and archival material to trace the incredible journey of Barber B, a Leeds icon.
Follow Barber B as he navigates life, cutting hair in gay clubs, finding both incarceration and enlightenment in Faliraki, and ultimately launching his Barber B Bootcamp in pursuit of athletic excellence. With support from his friends and family—including performances by Paul Moore, the original Gappy Ranks, and Seki Lynch—this narrative vividly brings to life the story of a man who has shaped and been shaped by his community.
The performance also includes a Q&A session, a short film, and an abstract documentary weaving together moments from A Play of Sorts with Barber B’s own life journey. The evening will conclude with a special performance of "Trim Trim," a bespoke piece written by Gappy Ranks in honour of Barber B, featuring a guest appearance by young artists from Music House's "Jam Around the Table".
Dress Me Beautiful | The Future of Fashion – Saturday October 19th at 3.30pm & 7.30pm
In the second performance of the series, fashion takes centre stage as a creative force for change. Curated by Khadijah Ibrahiim, Dress Me Beautiful will feature Congolese-born, South African designer Papy Kaluw, alongside guest artists in a performance exhibition that merges textiles, activism and movement.
Papy Kaluw, the visionary behind Urban Zulu, will bring his ethical design philosophy to life, presenting garments that tell powerful African stories. Urban Zulu, a brand championing African unity, has showcased its striking designs from Cape Town to New York Fashion Week. This immersive experience will highlight how fashion can become a platform for activism, highlighting the beauty of ethical design and its potential to inspire social change.
Through bold performances and an exploration of textile aesthetics, Fashion Forward will show us how to envision a more stylish, mindful, and socially conscious future.
Rise Up Festival | Windrush by Song – Saturday October 26th at 7.30pm
The final performance in Riley Theatre’s Black History Month series is a poignant reflection on family, migration, and survival in the face of adversity. When returning home, a brother and sister stumble upon an old photograph that transports them to 1940s Nevis, their grandparents' homeland.
Through this magical journey, we witness the struggles and triumphs of Sorel and Ginger, two individuals who left the warmth of their Caribbean home to settle in unfamiliar shores of Britain. This deeply personal story examines their experiences of love, migration, and the enduring challenge in a foreign land, echoing the broader experience of many Black families in Britain.
Join us at Riley Theatre for this powerful Black History Month celebration—a unique opportunity to witness storytelling that bridges past, present, and future, highlighting the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Black communities.
