From the iconic National Theatre to transferring to the West End’s Trafalgar Studios, Natasha Gordon debuts her play, Nine Night.
Gordon is the first black female playwright to have her work celebrated in London’s theatre scene.
The play is named after a funeral tradition practised in the Caribbean. It is an extended wake that lasts for nine days, with roots in African religious tradition.
The play is a look at the legacy of the Windrush generation, what they took with them and what they left behind.
Prior to writing Nine Night, Gordon’s acting career spanned over twenty years. In an interview, Gordon explained that theatre was not a traditionally career path for Jamaican people.
Her mum “flipped the pan” after finding out she no longer wanted to be a barrister, she was “dead against it”.
Growing up, Gordon told City News, she had very few black role models on television.
“It’s demotivating when you can’t see yourself on the screen.”
Gordon’s perseverance has certainly paid off, as she is now the selling out shows in one of London’s top theatres.
Jatinder Verma, co-founder of Tara Arts, like Gordon believes that London’s Arts scene needs diversifying.
Whilst he understands that artistic directors are under funding constraints, it’s their duty to represent the cultural nuances in London.
“There is a difference between the West End and fringe theatres across London. We are seeing a changing landscape in smaller theatres but it is down to influential producers to commission more representative plays—and that is what we do here at Tara Arts.”
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HeadlineIs London’s Theatre scene becoming more diverse?
Short HeadlineIs London’s Theatre scene becoming more diverse?
StandfirstThe first black female playwright debuts her play, Nine Night, in the West End.
From the iconic National Theatre to transferring to the West End’s Trafalgar Studios, Natasha Gordon debuts her play, Nine Night.
Gordon is the first black female playwright to have her work celebrated in London’s theatre scene.
The play is named after a funeral tradition practised in the Caribbean. It is an extended wake that lasts for nine days, with roots in African religious tradition.
The play is a look at the legacy of the Windrush generation, what they took with them and what they left behind.
Prior to writing Nine Night, Gordon’s acting career spanned over twenty years. In an interview, Gordon explained that theatre was not a traditionally career path for Jamaican people.
Her mum “flipped the pan” after finding out she no longer wanted to be a barrister, she was “dead against it”.
Growing up, Gordon told City News, she had very few black role models on television.
“It’s demotivating when you can’t see yourself on the screen.”
Gordon’s perseverance has certainly paid off, as she is now the selling out shows in one of London’s top theatres.
Jatinder Verma, co-founder of Tara Arts, like Gordon believes that London’s Arts scene needs diversifying.
Whilst he understands that artistic directors are under funding constraints, it’s their duty to represent the cultural nuances in London.
“There is a difference between the West End and fringe theatres across London. We are seeing a changing landscape in smaller theatres but it is down to influential producers to commission more representative plays—and that is what we do here at Tara Arts.”
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