When I look at you, when our eyes connect?
I have to protect… to hold on to something, ’cause there’s too much to feel…
Four generations of black men are trying to understand themselves in a world which tells them they have to be strong.
Inspired by real-life testimony and told through an explosive fusion of physical theatre, hip-hop dance and text, SAMSKARA explores vulnerability, emotional trauma and how cycles of fathering affect masculinity.
Moving through joy and suffering, laughter and longing, this soul-baring odyssey by award-winning artist Lanre Malaolu untangles what it means to be a black man in 21st Century Britain.
What will be passed on and what will be left behind?
Age Guidance: 14+
Written, directed & choreographed by Lanre Malaolu
Commissioned by The Yard Theatre
CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR LANRE’S RECENT SHOW ‘ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM’:
“The ‘elephant’ is never named, but it is shown – beautifully.” – ★★★★ The Stage
“One of the most interesting UK creative minds…” – Alt Africa (feature)
Lanre is a director, choreographer & writer working across theatre and film. He creates work that seamlessly intertwines movement and dialogue to tell socially engaged stories about our world. He was commissioned by the Camden People’s Theatre to present his theatre production Elephant in the Room, which later transferred to the Roundhouse Theatre.
His hybrid dance-documentary film THE CIRCLE had its world premiere at Sheffield Doc/Fest and was acquired by The Guardian in 2020 (currently streaming on their online platforms). He was the choreographer for British Council film DEAR MR. SHAKESPEARE (Sundance Film Festival 2017).
His most recent film THE CONVERSATION was selected for the BAFTA recognized Aesthetica film festival, winning the BEST DANCE FILM award. He also won the BEST DIRECTOR award at this year’s SOUL festival (supported by BFI & The British Blacklist).
WAYS TO SAVE
Tickets from £8. Prices increase as the theatre fills – the earlier you book the cheaper it will be.
Locals get 30% off all tickets with a free Yard Local Card – sign up online.
U27s can get £5 tickets on the door to all performances that are not sold out with #NoEmptySeats.
ACCESS
Access tickets are priced as concessions and can be booked online. We offer free tickets for companions and these must be booked by emailing marketing@theyardtheatre.co.uk.
KEEPING US SAFE
We’re doing a few things to keep all of us including The Yard team, our artists, and our audiences as safe as possible. To read more about what we’re doing to keep us all safe and about our socially-distanced performances, head over here for our Covid Guidance.
SAMSKARA is commissioned by The Yard Theatre, with support from Arts Council England, Jerwood Arts New Work Fund, Battersea Arts Centre and The Society for Theatre Research. Supporting partner East London Dance.
