Black Plays Archive
Cataloguing the works of Black British, African, and Caribbean playwrights in Britain.
The Black Plays Archive is an online catalogue of the first professional production in the UK of plays written by Black British, African, and Caribbean playwrights.
Within the Black Plays Archive (BPA), users can search for productions, listen to audio extracts of plays, watch interviews with playwrights and browse our resources for teachers. The Black Plays Archive logs productions from all over the UK, not just plays from the National Theatre.
Here, you can find information about a production, from where it had its premiere to the original cast and production team, with the online database spanning 1930 to today.
Who is the Black Plays Archive for?
The Black Plays Archive is for everyone, whether you’re a teacher, a student, an actor, a writer, an arts professional, or just a curious enthusiast.
The Black Plays Archive aims to expand the knowledge of those looking to learn about the works of Black British, African, and Caribbean playwrights and theatre-makers. With resources for teachers, audio recordings of plays, interviews and more, the Black Plays Archive is an expansive resource which aims to make information about productions, cast and production teams, and archival materials accessible in one central place.
The Black Plays Archive is managed and run by the National Theatre Archive team, but it includes historical work and productions from theatres across the UK. Discover the depths of Black British Theatre history here, with productions from the Royal Court, Leeds Playhouse, Bush Theatre and more catalogued on our website.
That Black Theatre Podcast
Explore That Black Theatre Podcast, hosted by PhD student Nadine Deller focusing on all things Black theatre and its history in the UK.
Education resource packs
Explore our specially written resources for teachers and educators. Featuring resources for Cuttin’ It by Charlene James, Three Sisters adapted by Inua Ellams and seven methods of killing kylie jenner by Jasmine Lee-Jones (Royal Court Theatre).
Spotlight On: Alterations at the National Theatre
Cherrelle Skeete, Arinze Kene, and Gershwyn Eustace Jr in Alterations. Photo by Helen Murray.
From the Black Plays Archive, Michael Abbensetts’s seminal play Alterations makes its way to the National Theatre this February.
Walker Holt has big dreams for his tailor’s shop, and an even bigger order to complete. Over the course of 24 hours he must work tirelessly to satisfy his new client’s impossible tailoring needs. But as the night goes on, it’s not just the trouser hems that start to fray as tensions rise and Walker’s friendships and relationships are pushed to their limits. His success comes at a cost, but what price is he willing to pay?
Originally staged in 1978 and revived in 1986, Alterations receives its largest ever staging at the National Theatre, with additional material by Trish Cooke. Starring Arinze Kene and Cherrelle Skeete, the reinvigorated version of Abbensetts’s seminal work illuminates the Guyanese experience of 1970s London and the aspirations and sacrifices of the Windrush generation.
Learn more about Michael Abbensetts and the original production from 1978 on the Black Plays Archive.
Browse the archive
Search our catalogue of first productions, from 1930 to today from all over the diaspora.
Play extracts
Explore recordings of contemporary and classic works by Black British playwrights made specially for the Black Plays Archive.
Contact us
Have a question about the BPA or information to improve our records? Get in touch with us here.
Privacy policy
Curious about our privacy and takedown policy? Find out more about how we protect your copyright.
National Theatre Archive
Dive into an exciting world of theatre history inside the National Theatre Archive. Located offsite from the National Theatre on The Cut.