by Zawe Ashton
“it has a force that demands, and commands, our attention.” Metro
“stimulating and imaginative” ★★★★ The Observer
“Jo McInnes’ production is enhanced by a set of captivating performances. Jumoké Fashola’s matriarch is charmingly formidable and Rae Ann Quayle’s assured final speech unexpectedly heartbreaking.” ★★★★ The Stage
for all the women who thought they were Mad is an urgent piece of theatre examining the myriad of forces that collide and conspire against black women living in contemporary Britain today. We held the WORLD PREMIERE at Stoke Newington Town Hall in autumn 2019. Stoke Newington Town Hall is a beautiful listed 1930s art deco building which we transformed into a pop up theatre for this production.
Zawe Ashton is a novelist, poet, playwright, filmmaker and actor.
Directed by Jo McInnes
Designed by Natalie Pryce & ULTZ
Associate Director Gail Babb
Lighting Designer Kevin Treacy
Sound Designer Tony Gayle
Composer Dan Batters
Movement Director Leah Muller
Dramaturg Nina Lyndon
Cast: Mina Andala, Jumoké Fashola, Layo-Christina Akinlude, Janet Kumah, Jennifer Dixon, Joy Elias-Rilwan, Michael Fitzgerald.
And introducing: Elena Coleman, Chiamara Nwosu and Rae Ann Quayle.
Please note this show contains distressing scenes.
As part of the run, we held a special and intimate evening with the cast and company, which consisted of an exclusive pre-show drinks reception with specially selected BOROUGH WINES, whilst local chef & friend of Zawe Ashton, Troy Cundy served gastronomic delights.
All proceeds from the evening went towards supporting Hackney Showroom’s work with artists.
Hosted by broadcaster Gemma Cairney, the FOR ALL THE WOMEN SYMPOSIUM on October 21st 2019 explored how women of colour encounter the mental health system and how that can be bettered. With a range of speakers including Marverine Cole, Dr Suman Fernando, Dr Jayasree Kalathil, Dr William Penson & Dr Kate Wood, the day included a matinee of the show, a Q&A with Zawe Ashton, panel discussions and break-out groups to discuss actions and organise.
Photography by Benji Reid
Supported by Arts Council England, Wellcome Trust & Cockayne Foundation – Grants for the Arts and The London Community Foundation
