A sold-out co-production with Zakiyyah Deen and Camden People’s Theatre as part of their 30th anniversary season, Why A Black Woman Will Never Be Prime Minister follows Shanice, a young black woman, from her first day at university, and John on his first day of his political campaign. Shanice proudly embodies all the things that John is not. She represents the people, while he represents the institution. Coming from two different worlds but the same area in London, an opportunity arises for these two worlds to collide, revealing their stark differences and uncanny similarities as the hypocrisy of public facing messaging around diversity compared to the reality comes to the foreground. Set over nine months, this piece explores intersectionality, British politics, and Black women's maternal health, fusing satire, spoken word, and narrative.
This show was conceived out of frustration with the lack of attention toward Black women’s maternal health and the increasing f**keries in politics. Zakiyyah extends a special thanks to all workshop participants and all Black mums for provocations, inspirations, and conversations - especially her own mum. Without you, this wouldn’t be possible.
This is a limited online release.
Credits:
Cast: Zakiyyah Deen as Shanice Laybá; Ryan Whittle as John Gainsborough
Voices: Reda Elazouar voices Rafiq; Gurkiran Kaur voices GP Nurse and News Reporter; Kelechi Okafor voices Auntie and John’s Wife
Written by Zakiyyah Deen
Directed by Kelechi Okafor
Associate Director: Xanthus
Designer: Hazel Low
Drama Therapist: Nina Mdwaba
Dramaturg: Ellie Fulcher
Dramaturgical support: Isley Lynn and Kelechi Okafor
Lighting Designer: Jahmiko Marshall
Movement Director: Danny Bailey
Sound Designer: Khalil Madovi
Stage Manager: Danielle Adéyínká-Uche
Produced by Sam Edmunds
Associate Producers: Reda Elazouar and Jasmyn Fisher-Ryner
Creative Consultant: Lehni Lamide Davies
Marketing and PR: Mobius Industries
Social Media Manager: Hannah Ali
R&D Director: Kirk-Ann Roberts
R&D Actor and Devisor: Tim Delap
Videography: ChewBoy Productions
Digital run
One of the aims of Camden People's Theatre is to keep the arts as affordable and accessible as possible. It was really important to us to be able to offer an online version of the show for those who are vulnerable, isolating and/or not comfortable in busy venues. Thanks to funding from the City Bridge Foundation, we have been able to make a streaming version possible, including captions. Videography by ChewBoy Productions.
Booking your digital run ticket
When booking, please disregard the date/time. After you've purchased your ticket, you will have access to the stream on demand at any time until 13th March. Please select the 'Print at Home' ticket option when booking. Your ticket containing the link will be emailed to you from foh@cptheatre.co.uk a few minutes after your confirmation email arrives. If you have not received it, please check your spam folder.
A co-production by Zakiyyah Deen and Camden People’s Theatre supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Arts Council England. Acknowledgements to seed commissions and original developments with Theatre Deli, Tara Theatre and The Squint Playwriting Award 2023. Videography by ChewBoy Productions.
"CPT is as a beacon of fringe goodness, a theatre that champions diversity, inclusivity and the best kind of weird uniqueness"
LondonTheatre1
