Essentially Black
By Naomi Denny
Year staged: 2022
Opening night: 04/02/2022
Theatre Company: Ambriel Productions and Purple Moon Drama
Staged in: Soho Theatre
Cast Size: 6
Synopsis
2016. Oxford University. A statue of Cecil Rhodes. Jess and Lydia are students at one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Neither are white. Both are falling apart. Jess is leading a campaign to get a statue of Cecil Rhodes removed from campus. Lydia is trying to challenge and decolonise the curriculum they are taught. Their mission is to get their university to be as inclusive and accepting as possible – so why does it feel like they’re fighting on their own?
Original Cast
Naomi Denny
Jess
Emily Olum
Lydia
Sam Law
Jonny
Rebecca Wake
Alice
Charlie Cuscito
Laura
Lauren Budd
Waitress / Professor
Naomi Denny
Jess
Emily Olum
Lydia
Sam Law
Jonny
Rebecca Wake
Alice
Charlie Cuscito
Laura
Lauren Budd
Waitress / Professor
Production Team
Tramaine Reindorf
Director
Imogen Howarth
Producer
Roisin Jenner
Designer
Abi Turner
Lighting
Tramaine Reindorf
Director
Imogen Howarth
Producer
Roisin Jenner
Designer
Abi Turner
Lighting