So, you make theatre?
Our initial venture as a company was simply to create accessible theatre that changes perceptions. We feel that theatre is a brilliant tool that can be used to entertain as well as to educate, however, for many it is seen as something that only the affluent are exposed to. We aim to tackle this issue by creating shows with that are relatable, thought-provoking and engaging to people like us, featuring people like us - on and off stage and through all parts of the creative process - making theatre relevant to all, not just the fortunate few.
We wish to eradicate the typically narrow Eurocentric view many critics and theatre-goers alike have of what makes a piece of theatre "good," as well as the general elitism about theatre as whole. Ultimately, we want to be the change that we want to see in theatre and we know that changing the mindsets of certain individuals won't change overnight. However, we recognise our experiences and interactions with people in society as resources of learning; we have and are working on themes such as politics, domestic violence, religion, homelessness, wealth and more as we hope to bring something fresh to the world of theatre.
More recently, we have begun to produce and present the work of other artists we champion – for example, earlier in 2018 we presented work alongside theatre director David Gilbert with his piece It's A O, and Jeremiah 'SugarJ' Brown's debut piece Likkle Rum with Grandma, and rounding off 2018 presenting Stella Ajayi's Virtue (directed by Robert Awosusi) at our Christmas Fundraiser.
Keep an eye out on the Scratch That cycles, our artist development programme working to nurture emerging artists of all ages and backgrounds.
We wish to eradicate the typically narrow Eurocentric view many critics and theatre-goers alike have of what makes a piece of theatre "good," as well as the general elitism about theatre as whole. Ultimately, we want to be the change that we want to see in theatre and we know that changing the mindsets of certain individuals won't change overnight. However, we recognise our experiences and interactions with people in society as resources of learning; we have and are working on themes such as politics, domestic violence, religion, homelessness, wealth and more as we hope to bring something fresh to the world of theatre.
More recently, we have begun to produce and present the work of other artists we champion – for example, earlier in 2018 we presented work alongside theatre director David Gilbert with his piece It's A O, and Jeremiah 'SugarJ' Brown's debut piece Likkle Rum with Grandma, and rounding off 2018 presenting Stella Ajayi's Virtue (directed by Robert Awosusi) at our Christmas Fundraiser.
Keep an eye out on the Scratch That cycles, our artist development programme working to nurture emerging artists of all ages and backgrounds.
scratch that: HOPES, DREAMS OR GOLDFISH X holes
november 2018
BOYS
August 2017
We presented BOYS as part of #SKFEST 2017, performing in front of a packed crowd at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden.
BOYS is an adaptation of Lord of the Flies, a 1954 novel by Nobel Prize-winning English author William Golding. With an all BAME male cast, the play is a dark examination of what happens when a group of young men are stranded on an island and try to govern themselves. The play explores the themes of politics, morality, gender and identity, viewing Golding’s writing through a contemporary lens for today’s audiences.
Produced by The S+K Project, directed by Steven Kavuma.
BOYS is an adaptation of Lord of the Flies, a 1954 novel by Nobel Prize-winning English author William Golding. With an all BAME male cast, the play is a dark examination of what happens when a group of young men are stranded on an island and try to govern themselves. The play explores the themes of politics, morality, gender and identity, viewing Golding’s writing through a contemporary lens for today’s audiences.
Produced by The S+K Project, directed by Steven Kavuma.
BEST OF PLATFORM TOTTENHAM
August 2016
The S+K Project + Royal Court Theatre present: BEST OF PLATFORM TOTTENHAM, August 2016.
The Royal Court Theatre ran their "Open Court" festival from 18th July - 6th August, where the keys of the building were handed over to the next generation of writers, directors, producers and performers. New work was showcased over the three weeks with young people engaging with all aspects of the work produced - from liaising with actors from the National Youth Theatre to stage managing events and managing the online communications for the theatre.
As part of Open Court, we were asked to curate a "Best Of" our events in conjunction with the Royal Court, Platform Tottenham. As well as featuring plays written by local writers Abondance Matanda and Rae Mortimer, we also asked some of our favourite acts from the Platform Tottenham events we had produced earlier in 2016 to join us by bringing Tottenham to Chelsea! The evening was a huge success in signifying that young people can be involved in performing arts in any way, whilst also highlighting how interdisciplinary the arts can be.
A huge thank you to the Royal Court Theatre of sharing our vision of making the arts for everyone! Photography below by Alfie Williams.
BLACK TONGUES
July 2016
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As part of #SKFEST 2016, on 27th July we showcased an evening of theatre, poetry + discussion on the themes of displacement, home and the experience of young people of colour growing up in the UK. Through the use of adapted writings from recent history as well as work from our contemporaries and our own experiences, we created original and thought-provoking pieces of theatre with young actors, predominantly from BAME backgrounds.
After the performance, journalist and blogger Antoine Allen aided us in capturing the essence of voices across the UK by chairing discussions with our cast and director. This was followed by a Q&A with a panel of creatives of colour, featuring Varaidzo, Jolade, Miss Jacqui and more. Photos below from our rehearsals for BLACK TONGUES are taken by Alfie Williams. |
BLACK TONGUES, July 2016.
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PLATFORM TOTTENHAM
July 2016
The S+K Project + Royal Court Theatre present: PLATFORM TOTTENHAM, July 2016.
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The S+K Project has many ties with Tottenham, with both Malakai and Steven having lived and studied there. After discovering their love for performing arts in the area they wanted as many others to be able to do the same and access creative opportunities in their community.
We were thrilled when London's Royal Court Theatre asked us once again to curate #PlatformTottenham, an opportunity for local artists of all ages and experiences to showcase their talent and network with the community. With Steven, Malakai, Corrine & Russeni all directing plays submitted to us by Tottenham writers, we had the chance to bring these stories to life with local actors. We also selected some of the best musicians and poets to join us + bring life to the centre of Tottenham at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre, N15! Photography below by local resident, Richard Herczeg, and Alfie Williams. |
PLATFORM TOTTENHAM
March 2016
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Platform Tottenham is an event co-produced by the Royal Court Theatre with the aim of promoting young talent in Tottenham. In 2016, with their support, we had the privilege of curating this event, featuring live music, poetry, monologues and three short plays.
In only eight short hours, Malakai, Steven and Corrine each directed a play with a cast of talented and dedicated local actors, working on scripts submitted by Tottenham residents. The result saw a seamless blending of disciplines that engaged a local audience in the power of art, all for free at STYX, N15. Photography below by local resident Olamide Ige. |
The S+K Project + Royal Court Theatre present: PLATFORM TOTTENHAM, March 2016.
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THE INCREDIBLE TALE OF MWINDOW
August 2015
From 3rd-15th August, Malakai and Steven were given the incredible opportunity to write and direct the production for the intensive two week summer course at Haringey Shed, in association with the Royal Court Theatre. They worked with young people from 11 to 18 years old of all backgrounds, varying abilities and experience to create a brand new play, The Incredible Tale of Mwindow.
Despite the long days and hard work, both the young people and staff team kept up the enthusiasm and energy needed for such a project and it was a great success! It was a joy to see the young people develop so much as performers and people in such a short space of time and their dedication and hard work is something that deserves to be recognised. Seeing the young people grow and be unafraid to show their passion for drama and performance was heart-warming and we thank Haringey Shed for allowing us to help make the arts for everyone!
ASYLUM
July-September 2015
ASYLUM, September 2015.
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ASYLUM is a contemporary play that follows the life of elderly man Winston Brown as he remembers his past through fragmented stories told to his friend Dr. Martin. As the play unfolds we discover more about Winston's reality and the people who inhabit it.
We worked closely with our actors to devise scenes, write a script and create an original and relevant play in our rehearsal sessions. We always ensure our actors develop during the rehearsal process in the sessions that we lead, helping to build their skills as professionals as well as people. ASYLUM was shown at the Courtyard Theatre, Hoxton and ran from 15th-18th September. On each night we had different talented poets performing pieces on mental health, including artists Sabyena Silva and Henry Stone who captivated the audience with their words. This was followed by Q&A's with the cast and directors. Check out the photos below. |
PACIFY
December 2014-April 2015
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Our second stage project was our original play, PACIFY. Between last October until our last rehearsal in December 2014, The S+K Team and cast members explored the theme of domestic abuse and violence, the impacts it has on the individuals involved and those around them. We aimed to establish some of the causes of abuse and why the abusers are the way they are; is it a state of mind or is it down to their upbringing?
The first showing of PACIFY was on the 22nd December 2014 at the Lion and Unicorn Theatre, where we held an evening to celebrate the arts. As well as our play, the evening included live music and poetry from acts like Samuel King and Theresa Lola, as well as our very own Brandon Ambersley. |
PACIFY, December 2014; February-April 2015.
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CONTROL
September 2014
CONTROL, September 2014.
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Our first stage project was our original play, CONTROL. Throughout September 2014, with our team of actors, poets and other young people, we began to explore what impacts human behaviour in the 21st century. We questioned whether the concept of free choice truly exists and if everyday aspects of daily life are really helping the human race to grow or hindering our progress.
The cast touched on subjects like the power of money, the influence media has on the younger generation, the need for education in creating success and religion's place in modern society. Are these modern ways of life or methods of control? CONTROL was showcased at our launch night on 26th September 2014, alongside poetry performances and a post-show Q&A. |
