Nitro and The Albany present the World Premiere of
Desert Boy
By Mojisola Adebayo
They say your life flashes in front of you just before you die. But supposing it’s not just your life. Supposing it’s someone else’s…
Soldier Boy, a troubled teenage hoody lands on Deptford beach with a knife in his stomach. As he lies crying for his mother his cries are heard through the centuries by the long-dead Desert Man, a mysterious man from Mali 300 years ago.
The story transcends inner city streets to slave ships on the open seas as both man and boy share the absurdity and brutality of their history in order to shape their future.
Set on Deptford Beach, Desert Boy is a funny, provoking, poetic new musical which offers an eclectic mix of modern and traditional styles of music from Mali to hip hop, from gospel to rap. An a cappella musical with African story-telling and songs woven seamlessly together using dance and drama.
Direction and Music
Felix Cross
Music
Alllyson Devenish
Design
Nicola Hart-Hansen
Touring Info
28th April – 15th May – The Albany, London
26th May – 27th May – Contact Theatre, Manchester
28th – 29th May – Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath
1st – 2nd June – Southill Park, Bracknell
3rd – 5th June – Watford Palace
10th – 12th June – The Door (Birmingham Rep) (As part of the Bass Festival)
Book and Lyrics: Mojisola Adebayo (Moj of the Antarctic, Muhammad Ali and me)
Direction and Music: Felix Cross (Wedding Dance, Up against the wall)
Music: Alllyson Devenish (Nitrovox)
ABOUT THE PRODUCERS
NITRO
Collaborating with leading and emerging black artists and performers, Nitro creates dynamic music theatre events that explore the contemporary black British experience. The company takes a visceral approach to story-telling, creating accessible and popular theatre that combines new writing, original music, drama and dance. From musicals to oratorios, from dance shows to opera, Nitro’s productions celebrate black music, inspired and driven by a wealth of styles from reggae, calypso, salsa, soul, jazz and hip-hop to contemporary opera.
Since its formation in 1979, the company (originally set up as the Black Theatre Co-operative) has created over 50 shows, developing opportunities for black artists in the UK and working with some of the most talented performers, composers and writers of the past three decades. Exploring epic and explosive themes such as migration, cultural values, belonging and salvation, Nitro’s unique blend of music theatre brings spectacle and intimacy to the art of story-telling. Drawing upon rich and often untold histories, Nitro’s productions promise an enlightening and entertaining theatrical experience that engage a wide range of audiences.
THE ALBANY
Based in the heart of Deptford, the Albany is a performing arts centre with a history stretching back to the nineteenth century. Over the last few years, it has emerged as a new type of arts venue, very much driven by the cultural diversity and creative mix of South East London. Involving people, through participation and partnerships, is central to its work and is essential to the delivery of its vision.
The Albany’s programme encompasses music, a range of theatre and dance, spoken word, exhibitions and comedy, as well as an array of educational, training and community-based projects. Its other facilities include a café bar, rehearsal, workshop and meeting rooms for hire, office space and a pro tools studio.
The Albany aims to provide:
- An artistic and community resource where diversity and creativity flourish.
- A space where new talent is nurtured and exposed to ideas from across the world.
- High quality creative experiences relating to the communities we serve.
- A creative centre for learning within the community, contributing to the cultural, social and economic benefit of South East London.
For further details please contact
Bryan Savery Nitro Producer
07977 585 696
bryan@nitro.co.uk
