Theatre Preview: The Colored Museum @ Victoria and Albert Museum

By Zoe Craig Last edited 149 months ago
Theatre Preview: The Colored Museum @ Victoria and Albert Museum

As part of Black History Month, Britain's leading Black-led theatre company, Talawa, is producing a play at the Victoria and Albert Museum this October.

The Colored Museum is a barbed satire, written by George C Wolfe, which simultaneously celebrates, satirises and subverts 200 years of African-American history. It's directed by Don Warrington, who you'll know from Rising Damp, Doctor Who and Strictly Come Dancing, or the National Theatre, RSC and Bristol Old Vic (depending on your viewing habits).

Set in an imaginary museum, the 11 living exhibits in The Colored Museum explore African-American identity in an exhibition of larger-than-life stereotypes. The play casts an unflinching eye on questions of identity and legacy, and has been delighting and discomforting audiences since it was first performed in 1986.

The Colored Museum is yet another example of London theatre stepping outside the traditional playhouses. If you like your drama staged differently, check out Office Party in an office block or Theatre Local at the Bussey Building in Peckham.

The Talawa Theatre Company presents The Colored Museum by George C Wolfe in the Lydia and Manfred Gorby Lecture Theatre at the V&A from 15 to 23 October. Tickets cost between £5 and £12. Visit www.vam.ac.uk for more details.

Last Updated 11 October 2011