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), you can search for productions, listen to extracts of plays, watch interviews with playwrights and browse our many resources. 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 available in one place.
The Black Plays Archive is managed 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, with productions from the Royal Court, Leeds Playhouse, Bush Theatre and many more catalogued on our website.
Explore That Black Theatre Podcast, focusing on all things Black theatre and its history in the UK.
Explore our specially written resources for teachers and educators. Featuring resources for Cuttin’ It, Three Sisters, and seven methods of killing kylie jenner (Royal Court Theatre).
Writing Workshops with the Alfred Fagon Award
This November, the Alfred Fagon Award will host regional writing workshops with professional playwrights.
Taking place in the East Midlands, the South West and West Yorkshire, these workshops will be led by playwrights Dipo Agboluaje, Juliet Gilkes Romero, and Paula B Stanic – all past winners of ‘Best New Play of the Year’.
Workshops will be hosted at Leeds Playhouse, Nottingham Playhouse and Bristol Old Vic theatre and are free to attend. Travel costs will be covered by the Alfred Fagon Award, who encourage writers of all experience (aged 18+) to attend.
Writers will be encouraged to write a draft of a full length play within four months of the workshops taking place. Ten writers will then be selected to have extracts of their plays showcased in a festival of staged readings, celebrating 30 years of of the Alfred Fagon Award.
Search our catalogue of first productions, from 1930 to today from all over the diaspora.
Explore recordings of contemporary and classic works by Black British playwrights made specially for the Black Plays Archive.
Have a question about the BPA or information to improve our records? Get in touch with us.
Curious about our privacy and takedown policy? Find out more about how we protect your copyright.
Explore the history of the National Theatre through its archive. Link opens in a new tab.