The Midlands
Coventry
30 Sep - 2 Oct
The Empire at War Exhibition
The exhibition explores the Second World War memories of Coventry people with family roots in the British Empire. They experienced the war in their home countries, on active service elsewhere, and as citizens of Coventry.
Foleshill Community Library, library opening times, free.
www.coventry.gov.uk
Birmingham
1 Oct - 13 Oct
Drawing on Tradition
A schools competition to celebrate Black History Month in conjunction with The Big Draw and Symphony Hall, Birmingham. The Big Draw Day will feature the three finalist classes creating their winning Rangoli designs in large-scale on the museum lawn. Winning class will receive up to 30 tickets for a lunchtime concert at the Town Hall or Symphony Hall Birmingham. For ages 5 - 11.
Free, tel: 0121 554 9122.
www.campaignfordrawing.org
Birmingham
1 Oct - 2 Nov
Handsworth Revelations
A local community exhibition created by young people funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. See the results of their work with Vanley Burke, Milton Godfrey and Birmingham City Archives.
Soho House Museum, Tuesday to Sunday 1130am - 4pm, free, tel: 0121 554 9122.
www.bmag.org.uk
Birmingham
2 Oct
Streets Paved with Gold
Taking you on a journey into the life of the character Augustus Cleveland Johnson, who arrived in London in 1948, Streets Paved with Gold is a one-man show that explores themes of hope, identity and change. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of The Empire Windrush, the play weaves together thrilling and informative pictures of those that plunged themselves into a place of new beginnings full of threats and promises.
The Drum, 730pm, �6/�4 Concessions, tel: 0121 333 2444.
[email protected]
www.the-drum.org.uk
Wolverhampton
3 Oct - 9 Oct
Partition
India, 1947: War weary, Gian (Jimi Mistry) resigns from his Sikh regiment of the British Army and returns to his village. As colonial rule comes to a hasty end, the turmoil of Indian partition spills over into a bloodbath of ethnic cleansing between the Sikh, Hindu and Muslim communities. When the villagers take revenge on a group of Muslim refugees, Gian saves young Naseem (Kristin Kreuk), and shelters her in his home. The two fall in love, despite the opposition of the outraged villagers. When Naseem leaves to find her long-lost family in Pakistan even more brutal judgement awaits. Sarin's film is an epic, sweeping motion picture set against the violent upheaval of India's partition. Director: Vic Sarin.
The opening night of Partition sees a special introduction by writer, theatre director, film-maker and installation artist Pervaiz Khan of the South Asian Alliance who will also lead a discussion after the film. A number of Pervaiz�s projects have been about Partition.
Light House, Fri 3 Oct 7pm, Sat 4 � Tue 7 Oct 540pm & 820pm, Wed 7 Oct 11am, 540pm & 820pm & Thu 9 Oct 540pm & 820pm, before 5pm �4.20/�3.70 Concessions, after 5pm �5.20/�3.90 Concessions, tel: 01902 716 055.
www.light-house.co.uk
Wolverhampton
3 Oct
Yasus Afari & Friends of the Earth
Wolverhampton�s �Dub Poet in Residence�, Jamaican Yasus Afari, local poets and special guests are supporting Wolverhampton Friends of the Earth group in a fundraising event as part of the Black History Season, to raise awareness through poetry and presentation about the impact of historical social injustice on the environment of Africa, the Caribbean and other colonised and affected countries. As well as being a renowned poet, Yasus Afari is an internationally known environmental campaigner, Philosopher and author of Overstanding Rastafari: Jamaica�s Gift to the World.
Arena Theatre, 8pm, �9/�7 Concessions, tel: 01902 321321
www.arenatheatre.info
Birmingham
4 Oct
Celebrating Nigerian Independence Day
The day will feature a range of events and activities including information stalls, art workshops, a children�s corner, Nigerian question time, a premier Nollywood film screening called Irapada (Redemption) and a post-show discussion with director and co-producer Kunle Afolayan.
The Drum, 12pm - 9pm, �2/�1 Concessions, tel: 0121 333 2444.
[email protected]
www.the-drum.org.uk
Birmingham
4 Oct
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
When it comes to afrobeat, expectations are high when your last name is Kuti. With the grace, energy and strength of his father, Seun Kuti leads the legendary Fela Kuti�s band, Egypt 80 on stage. Representing the most original incarnation of afrobeat today, the talented Seun Kuti, with the original line up of Egypt 80, will pay tribute to his father�s legacy and perform tracks from his debut album Many Things. With soulful voices, solid brass section and incomparable African percussion groove expect a high-energy, spectacular show. Newstyles�s DJ Ade kicks off the night with his lively energetic sounds.
The Drum, 9pm, �16/�20 at the door, tel: 0121 333 2444.
[email protected]
www.the-drum.org.uk
Wolverhampton
7 Oct
Kathakali
The Arena Theatre is delighted to welcome back the World�s foremost Kathakali Company outside of India. Celebrating their 25th Year. Kathakali embraces drama, dance, music, visual arts, and ritual to create one of the most visually exciting and powerful forms of theatre.
Arena Theatre, 730pm, �8/�6 Concessions, tel: 01902 321321.
www.arenatheatre.info
Wolverhampton
9 Oct
Sweet Tooth
Back by popular demand, this powerful and emotive play tells the story of the trade, and gives voice to the millions of women and girls who endured immeasurable cruelty in what can only be described as an African Holocaust.
Arena Theatre, 730pm, �8/�6 Concessions, tel: 01902 321321.
www.arenatheatre.info
Coventry
10 Oct
The Dreadlock Alien visits Coventry
The Dreadlock Alien visits Central Library to help us celebrate Black History Month and National Poetry Day. Throughout the day Richard Grant; alias Dreadlock Alien, will be entertaining local school children with his own special brand of performance poetry. There will be a public performance at Central Library from 6.00pm until 7.00pm, tickets for this event are free but numbers are limited. Ring 7683 2314 to book your place.
Coventry Central Library, 6pm - 7pm, free, tel: 023 7683 2314.
Birmingham
10 Oct
Cry, the beloved Country
A rights and justice evening with a two course traditional Zimbabwean meal, a glass of fair trade wine and three inspiring speakers. John Fullerton: Journalist and critically-acclaimed author. Tabitha Radebe: Zimbabwean National who lived under the Mugabe regime for over 20 years. Sarah Filbey: Communications officer for Africa, Christian Aid.
Christ Church Centre, Yardley Wood, 7pm, �8, tel: 0121 200 2283.
Coventry
11 Oct
Celebrate Black History Month
Special Story time to celebrate Black History Month. Please note all under 8's must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Foleshill Library, 230pm - 330pm, free.
www.coventry.gov.uk
Coventry
11 Oct
Caribbean Family History
Trace your family tree. We are running two free workshops specifically devised to trace your family history in the Caribbean and back to Africa.
Coventry Central Library, Saturday 3pm � 430pm, free but limited to one workshop per person, tel: 023 7683 2314.
www.coventry.gov.uk
Solihull
14 Oct
ACE Dance
Birmingham based ACE dance and music are touring the UK with their multi-faceted, multi-media and multicultural production �Skin� which was recently performed at Grahamstown Arts Festival in South Africa and watched by Margaret Hodge, Minister of Culture and Sport at London�s Southbank Centre. This is ACE dance and music�s last tour of this much-loved production, and the company want to end on a high!
Solihull Arts Complex, price and time unknown, tel: 0121 704 6130.
Birmingham
15 Oct
African Drum Workshop
A drum workshop with noted Nigerian/British drummer Rocky Amoo. The students will be pupils from Shenley Court College Samba Band. Ages 12 - 14.
Weoley Castle Library, free, 10am - 12noon, tel: 0121 464 1664.
[email protected]
Coventry
18 Oct
A Taste of Africa
Drop in and join us for a celebration of African Caribbean Culture including; Books, Storytelling, displays and refreshments.
Central Library, 1030am - 2pm, free, tel: 023 7683 2314.
Dudley
20 Oct
Talk on George Cousins a Black Baptist Minister, 1805-1881 by David Watts
Talk on George Cousins a Black Baptist Minister, 1805-1881 by David Watts.
George Cousins was a Black Baptist minister, originally from Jamaica, who worked in many places in England, and in particular, the West Midlands. The talk is accompanied by an archive document display relating to George Cousins� life. Also available will be a general local studies display of books, articles etc relating to Black History, and tracing Black family History. Venue is wheelchair friendly.
Dudley Archives and Local History Service, 2pm - 3pm, free but book to guarantee spaces, Tel: 01384 812770 (Tue, Thu, Fri only).
[email protected]
Coventry
21 Oct
Celebrate Black History Month
Rhyme time. For under 4's and their parents. In partnership with Foleshill Children's Services.
Foleshill Library, 130pm - 230pm, free.
www.coventry.gov.uk
Wolverhampton
21 Oct
Have Box Will Travel
Transporting you from humble beginnings in a bedroom in South London to spinning records in some of the biggest clubs in the world, Have Box Will Travel tells the semi autobiographical story of a boy growing up in pursuit of a dream. A mesmerizing, funny and moving show. Have Box Will Travel combines storytelling and music in a classic rites of passage story that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Arena Theatre, 730pm, �8/�6 Concessions, tel: 01902 321321.
www.arenatheatre.info
Wolverhampton
22 Oct
Rivers to Cross
The second part of the Sweet Tooth Trilogy Rivers to Cross is a 170 year multi-media journey, through Colonialism and Empire, segregation and the Civil Rights Movement, Windrush and other key events telling the true stories of great inventions, art and accomplishments which are so often left out of the history books.
Arena Theatre, 130pm and 730pm, �8/�6 Concessions, tel: 01902 321321.
www.arenatheatre.info
Wolverhampton
24 Oct - 25 Oct
The Resurrection of Little Sarah
The term �bootylicious� has become a part of our everyday consciousness and in doing so, has redefined what makes a woman sexually attractive. But J-Lo and Beyonce weren�t the first. Saartjie Baartman a native of South Africa was exhibited as a freak in the 1800�s because of the extraordinary shape and size of her bottom. It is a tragic story that led to her untimely death in 1824. Written and Directed by John Sailsman.
Arena Theatre, 8pm, �8/�6 Concessions, tel: 01902 321321.
www.arenatheatre.info
Birmingham
26 Oct
Andy Hamilton
Legendary Saxophonist Andy Hamilton performing a very special session to celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Empire Windrush�s arrival on British shores.
The Drum, 1pm, free, tel: 0121 333 2444.
[email protected]
www.the-drum.org.uk
Coventry
29 Oct
Caribbean Family History
Trace your family tree. We are running two free workshops specifically devised to trace your family history in the Caribbean and back to Africa.
Coventry Central Library, Wednesday 2pm � 4pm, free but limited to one workshop per person, tel: 023 7683 2314.
www.coventry.gov.uk
Wolverhampton
29 Oct
Thatha
Travelling around Africa, treading over borders, crushing language barriers, Thatha �Please Take� takes you on a journey that uncovers the joys of life through traditional and contemporary African song and dance. This is bound to take you to another level.
Arena Theatre, 730pm, �8/�6 Concessions, tel: 01902 321321.
www.arenatheatre.info
Wolverhampton
6 Nov
Happy and Married?
The latest offering from award winning Artistic Director Madani Younis HAPPY & MARRIED? is an exploration of marriage in the twenty first century, and a search to understand what becomes of us after we utter those two immortal words �I do�. This dark, physical comedy, will employ a pinch of puppetry, a punch of surrealism, and a whole heap of hope in discovering what takes place behind closed doors. Under the surface of this destructive relationship our characters� lives are underpinned by an unspoken and unrelenting love for one another.
Arena Theatre, 730pm, 18+, �8/�6 Concessions, tel: 01902 321321.
www.arenatheatre.info
Wolverhampton
26 Nov
Qo
Eight young men singing songs of love, hope, worship, courtship, hardship and African social commentary will mesmerise you with their harmonies and tip-toe dance routines. This is vocal music that is laced with music styles of Afro Pop, Jazz, R&B;, and Reggae.
Arena Theatre, 730pm, �8/�6 Concessions, tel: 01902 321321.
www.arenatheatre.info
Wolverhampton
2 Dec
Coming Up For Air
Written by Don Kinch
Denzil Nurse is a young African Caribbean male who walked into a committee meeting and shot six people. He pleads guilty to the charges and is immediately sent for psychological assessment.
Arena Theatre, 730pm, �8/�6 Concessions, tel: 01902 321321.
www.arenatheatre.info
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© 2008 BHM |
