2020: A THREAD

It's not been an easy year, has it?

We began the year with great optimism, and with an uplifting show - #RunItBack - to open our new space in #Croydon: http://www.talawa.com/productions/run-it-back/

Then, #Covid came. Everything changed

We consulted staff, producers, creatives and artists, and in light of the worsening coronavirus pandemic, made the difficult decision to postpone scheduled performances of Run it Back and associated activities ... it was a difficult time for many

We supported the cast and creatives contracted to work on Run It Back, and in line with our ethos we paid them to the end of their contract.

It was the right thing to do.

Through the Spring / Summer, against a backdrop of BLM, we supported Black theatre freelancers ...

We actively issued and supported calls for assistance for freelancers.

We held free online support sessions for Black theatre writers, directors and creatives.

We revised and relaunched our in-depth #UnconsciousBias training: http://www.talawa.com/articles/unconscious-bias-and-diversity-training/

What else?

Here's more we achieved in 2020:

* Read more than 150 scripts from emerging Black writers
* Supported more than 100 artists and creatives through free online creative sessions
* Digitally delivered 25 Unconscious Bias training sessions for more than 280 people

More

* Provided paid work for more than 30 Black freelance artists, creatives + facilitators
* Built partnerships to present new work for live performance, TV + digital
* Engaged with 9 Black key workers to tell their stories in 'Tales From the Front Line' http://www.talawa.com/productions/tales-from-the-front-line/

Tales from the Front Line received much public acclaim.

We were amazed and humbled by the reaction, as the work went on to feature in many 'best theatre to watch online' lists:

@BritBlacklist - http://thebritishblacklist.co.uk/what-to-watch-on-stage-december-2020/

@TheStage - https://www.thestage.co.uk/features/the-best-theatre-shows-to-watch-online-this-christmas

Looking ahead ...

2021 will be our 35th anniversary year.

We've not placed any staff on furlough in 2020.

We've also recruited three new team members.

With optimism and focus, and a greater determination to support Black theatre artists, creatives, and communities, we look to the future.

We wish all those in our sector the very best at the end of this difficult year.

We remain here for Black artists, creatives and communities as we look ahead to 2021.

Thank you for the continued support.