Description
World Premiere
“For the first time in my life, everything is silent”
With high octane musical numbers and a virtuoso solo performance, The Legends of Them is a unique theatrical experience brought to you by connoisseurs of experimental entertainment, Hackney Showroom.
Darkness descends at the Pink House in Tiruvannamalai, India. As the storm cracks through the windows, Lorna’s memories pierce their way through the silence. The legends of her life come to guide her – her mother Euphemia, her sister Cherry, her brother Mooji and her ancestor, Nanny of the Maroons. But will Lorna find the strength to face her demons? Come, let our observer take your hand, as she leads us on an epic voyage of discovery.
Brixton luminary Sutara Gayle is a leading British actor, also known as the award-winning, internationally acclaimed reggae artist Lorna Gee. This is her debut show as a writer-performer.
Special Events
POST SHOW TALK – 21 SEP
Sutara Gayle & director Jo McInnes on the making of the show, hosted by Martina Laird.
LATE GIG – 23 SEP
Rollcall of female reggae artists hosted by Lorna Gee, featuring Claire Angel, Teshay Makeda, Lioness Fonts & Olive Brooklyn, alongside DJ Shineeye.
WOMXN OF COLOUR NIGHT – 25 SEP
Special show for womxn of colour audiences plus a post show Sista Circle to reflect on themes of the show, with Lady Phyll (founder of UK Black Pride). Please note: this show is aimed at womxn, femmes and NBs of colour but no-one will be turned away.
EXHIBITION: FEMALE PIONEERS OF DANCEHALL – 14-30 SEP
Celebrating the mighty women of dancehall in this photographic exhibition specially curated by Sutara Gayle & Museum of Youth Culture on display during the run of the show.
Reviews
★★★★★ Afridiziak
“Sutara Gayle effortlessly manipulates the rules of theatrical staging; smoothly combining different techniques – allowing the audience to zoom in and out of various aspects of her life.”
“This play deserves a huge stage and an even larger audience.”
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★★★★ ½ Reviews Hub
“Gayle’s first work as a playwright feels like the work she has been building up to her whole life. An immensely personal journey, it is one we feel privileged to share.”
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★★★★ The Stage
“Breathtaking solo musical chronicle of Sutara Gayle’s extraordinary life.”
“The extraordinary life of Sutara Gayle is explored in this miraculous one-woman collage of memories.”
“It’s fitting that Gayle’s autobiographical premiere should find its home at Brixton House – a theatre in the postcode where she was born and bred, that is fast becoming a space for exciting and authentic forms of creative expression. On press night, after the play ended, many in the audience stayed seated in the darkness, to catch their breath. This is theatre so agonisingly true that it takes your heart and twists it.”
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★★★★ Everything Theatre
“Ever-evolving… original, unique and entertaining.”
“An other-worldly journey into the fascinating world of Sutara Gayle.”
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★★★★ All That Dazzles
“A lyrical mastermind… laugh out loud lyrics.”
“Mesmerising musical performance… raw, emotional, and honest.”
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A Youngish Perspective:
“A powerful record of collective trauma and healing from a true Brixton luminary.”
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Listen to Sutara Gayle on the Steve Holden show on LBC. Listen here.
Watch the playback of Sutura’s nostalgic walk through Brixton reflecting on reggae music and the Pioneers of Dancehall exhibition on ITVx. Watch here.
Listen to the interview on BBC London Radio (Sutura speaks on all things The Legends of Them from 2:50. Listen here.
Photos
Videos
Creative Team
Written & performed by Sutara Gayle AKA Lorna Gee
Directed by Jo McInnes
Sound Designer Tony Gayle
Projection Designer Gino Ricardo Green
Lighting Designer Joshie Harriette
Associate Director Martina Laird
Composer Christella Litras
Costume Designer Melissa Simon-Hartman
Company Stage Manager Jules Reid
Technical Stage Manager Reuben Bojang
Co-created by Nina Lyndon and Jo McInnes
Artwork photography by Caroline Allinson
Production Therapist Dawn Estefan
Supported by
Arts Council England
Maria Björnson Memorial Fund
Bickles of Brixton
The National Theatre’s Generate programme
