Description
By Ruth Oyediran.
★★★★
‘This one is for the culture.’
The Rendition
‘So fun, joyous and hilarious.’
Audience Feedback
Are you ready to break the silence on periods?
Dive into a raw, hilarious, and thought-provoking journey with My Period The C*ckblock. This ground-breaking play dismantles the taboo around menstruation through the eyes of Bolade and Jessica, two young Black British women navigating their lives, relationships, and ambitions despite the persistent challenges of period pain.
Bolade, a vibrant, dark-skinned Nigerian woman, and Jessica, a curvy, brown-skinned Caribbean woman, navigate love, friendship, and cultural expectations in modern-day London. Their story unravels in a series of comic and poignant scenes, shedding light on the often misunderstood and stigmatised experience of menstruation.
When Bolade discovers a pill that delays her period just in time for a much-anticipated party, she and Jessica embark on a night of unexpected twists, deep conversations, and uproarious adventures. They tackle everything from societal pressures to personal dilemmas, all while dealing with the very real pain of menstruation.
My Period The C*ckblock isn’t just a play—it’s a movement. “How do we advocate for ourselves as Black Women?!” It combines sharp humour, cultural insights, and authentic experiences to create a narrative that resonates with anyone who’s ever had to deal with the unpredictability of their body. With elements of Yoruba culture, British Caribbean influences, and relatable millennial struggles, this play offers a fresh perspective on a universal issue.
Join Us!
Experience a unique blend of laughter, empathy, and cultural richness. Whether you’re a period warrior or someone looking to understand more about this natural part of life, My Period The C*ckblock will leave you enlightened and entertained.
See two Housemates Festival shows for £25 or book three shows for £30. Simply book all shows in the same transaction and the discount will be automatically applied when checking out online.
Content information
This show contains explicit language, discussions of menstruation and its effects, references to sexual content and potentially distressing themes relating to cultural and familial expectations.
Latecomers policy: Latecomers may enter in the first 10 minutes. After this point, there is no entry into the performance.
Please note: the performance at 7.15pm, Saturday 5 October will be recorded. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Cast
Ruth Oyediran as Bolade
Lara Grace Ilori as Jessica
Creative Team
Writer and Performer Ruth Oyediran
Director TD Moyo
Associate Director lydia luke
Movement Director Asha Jennings-Grant
Dramaturg Titilola Dawudu
Co-Producer Melina Barnett
Co-Producer Raha Mahamoud
Stage Manager Katie Twist
Sound Designer Kayode Gomez
Lighting Designer Ben Garcia
Set Designer Seònaid Gowdie
Social Media Manager Nkhanise Phiri
Housemate: Ruth Oyediran
I am an emerging writer dedicated to producing stories that authentically represent Black women. With nine years of acting experience, I transitioned to writing to address the lack of genuine representation in storytelling.
My acclaimed debut play, My Period the C*ckblock, premiered in 2022, earning recognition and leading to prestigious development opportunities with institutions like the Royal Court Writers Group and Bush Theatre’s West London Local Playwrighting group. Recognised for my potential as a television writer, I joined a writers’ group with SISTER Productions and the Royal Court to further hone my craft.
I was selected by the US Embassy for a two-week sponsored program in the US in 2023, where I connected with theatre organisations, writers, and directors, enhancing my storytelling abilities through activism. Through engagements like the US Embassy programme, I enrich my storytelling abilities and advocate for ostracised communities. Guided by esteemed mentors, I am driven to challenge perceptions through my work, establishing myself in the world of television writing.
With special thanks to the Royal Court Theatre, Actors Touring Company, Battersea Arts Centre and London Bubble Theatre for continued support.
Supported by Arts Council England, in association with the Vagina Museum.
