A Black man talking expressively at the top of the stairs in a new estate, black and white filter Photo © Xanthus – K.JCaptures

Housemates Returns: Before I Go

15 July-27 July

Follow Ajani, a young boy who tragically dies and gets stuck in limbo and forced to undergo overcoming and acceptance in order to be revived into the living world.

Brixton House, in association with Trybe House Theatre present

Description

Written by Tobi King Bakare (previously part of Housemates Festival 2023)

‘Mandem’

A collective noun for a bunch of boys or men, particularly your own group of mates.

Ajani can talk. He can host parties, talk to girls, charm any living being. However, he finds it hard to express himself to the people he cares about the most. When he dies and gets stuck in Limbo, he is given an ultimatum: “Learn how to ‘properly’ communicate or remain here forever”. Ajani takes on the quest and embarks on a poetic journey of discovery, unlearning and healing.

‘Rhythm and flow’

Before I Go runs with a live drummer who acts as the pulse. When expressing himself, Ajani jumps in between verse and prose electrifying the ethereal space.

In Ajani’s reflection, he teaches us not be afraid to express ourselves even with the many barriers we may face.

Focusing on being Black, male and working class.

Although Before I Go shares a universal message, Before I Go is for the Mandem.

★★★★★ ‘It really does speak to the Mandem, palpably inviting them to share and express their innermost emotions and feelings despite the many barriers placed in their way’ –  Afridiziak

★★★★ ‘unapologetic, heart-wrenching and expressive’ – The Upcoming

★★★★ ‘a deep and successful examination of patriarchy, community, and of the challenges of modern man’  – All That Dazzles

★★★★ ‘brave and honest performance of verse, prose, movement and song’ – Broadway World

Trailer

Watch the new trailer for Before I Go

Creative team

Writer Tobi King Bakare
Director Philip J. Morris
Set and Costume Designer Georgia Wilmot
Lighting Designer Simisola Majekodunmi
Associate Set & Costume Designer Phillip Correia
Scenic Painter Bea Campbell
Lighting Programmer Tom Lightbody
Stage Manager Ruby Sevink-Johnston
Cover Stage Manager Victoria Eames
Dramatherapist for Trybe House Theatre Stefan Livingston
Casting Director & Producer for Trybe House Theatre Chenube-Ruth Bailey
Lead Image Xanthus – K.JCaptures
Production Photography Ali Painter
Rehearsal Photography Ali Wright

Cast

Tobi King Bakare as Ajani

Tobi King Bakare trained at RAaW in Southwark, London. Tobi is an actor and writer, most known for Temple S1+2 (Sky One) starring as Jamie, Cursed (Netflix) and I May Destroy You (BBC1). He was recently seen in MARRIAGE (BBC).

His most recent stage work includes his West End debut in Ryan Calais Cameron’s FOR BLACK BOYS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE HUE GETS TOO HEAVY at The Garrick Theatre and his own one-man play BEFORE I GO (Peckham Theatre, Camden People’s Theatre). He also performed in Camden People’s Theatre’s FOG EVERYWHERE.

Most recently he has led the short film NON RECYCLABLES, directed by upcoming writer/director Jake Kuhn, and was seen in the feature film CEREBRUM directed by Sebastian Blanc.

Christopher Mbaki as Ajani

Based in East London, Christopher Mbaki began writing and directing in 2020. He then joined Intermission Youth Theatre where he grew a love for stage and Shakespeare. He was a part of Intermission for two years and performed in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM and JULIET AND ROMEO.

Professional credits: Romeo/Friar John/Banquo in MACBETH / ROMEO AND JULIET GCSE TOUR 2023. Romeo/Friar John in ROMEO AND JULIET. Banquo/Duncan/Macduff/Third Witch in MACBETH in Shakespeare Up Close – MACBETH / ROMEO & JULIET November 2023.

Taurean Antoine-Chagar Saxophonist

Nathan Griffith Drummer

In Conversation with Suli Breaks

With thanks to the Brixton House team, RAW Material Music, TEA Films, St. Mary’s University, Bush Theatre, Trybe House members, Methuen Drama, Camden Peoples Theatre, and the original creative team for holding the journey of the play with such care: Ozioma Ihesiene, Tobi Adewumi, Lewis Daniel, Aruken, Ezra Mortimer, Amaarah Roze and Justin Treadwell.

No performances currently available.