Broadway Theatre to be filled with the sights and sounds of artists of Global Majority backgrounds this June for SEEN Lewisham
SEEN Lewisham is coming to Broadway Theatre in Catford from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 June with a packed week-long programme of events showcasing the borough’s best Global Majority talent.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly events, thought-provoking drama, inspiring talks, uplifting music or laugh-out-loud comedy – there is something on the SEEN Lewisham programme for everyone, showcasing a line-up of homegrown talent, where artists had grants and mentoring to bring their acts to life.
Councillor Edison Huynh, Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities, said: “SEEN Lewisham is a celebration of what makes Lewisham such a vibrant community – our diversity. It’s especially important that we nurture homegrown talent, and this festival is part of our efforts to provide young people with opportunities to enter the creative sectors.”
Theatre performances include Monique Day’s Mirror Mirror, exploring racial identity and dreams amid societal pressures. Amaarah Roze’s This Is Embarrassing celebrates vulnerability and authenticity. Zahra Dalilah’s Anatomy of a Black Rebellion offers a retelling of the classic rebellion narrative.
In dance, Masumi Saito and An-Ting fuse Japanese and Taiwanese cultures, while Amanda Thompson’s The Nest celebrates curiosity inspired by nature.
Musical performances feature Sahra Gure and Tendo, known for their soulful melodies and dynamic blend of music, poetry and film. Kanar Iessa and Valeria Salinas Toro contribute to the festival’s sound and visual experience through set, costume and lighting design.
Catch the performances of Black Wall Street – The Dreamland, Kings of UK Comedy featuring Richard Blackwood, Curtis Walker and Slim.
The festival will close with a gala event hosted by Robbie Gee and Eddie Nestor and will feature the Lewisham Goes Gospel choir – this will be a choir of Lewisham residents, led by Let’s Go Gospel.
Saturday 15 June is family day, jam-packed with free events suitable for children of all ages – including storytelling, dance and music workshops. Or relax in the curated Lewisham Libraries Reading Room, where you can enjoy stories, songs and crafts all week.
Also, participate in talks and workshops hosted by leaders from the Global Majority community. Head to the Show and Sell Market on Tuesday 11 June, showcasing products from Global Majority-owned businesses.
The festival is a collaboration between the London Borough of Lewisham and arts organisation Nouveau Riche. Funded by Lewisham Council, the Mayor of London and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the festival promises to be a celebration of creativity and diversity in the heart of London.
Councillor Edison Huynh added: “This festival will support both local artists and businesses as well as strengthening Lewisham as a cultural hub for Global Majority talent. We want everyone to get involved with SEEN Lewisham and so we have a range of live performances and events as well as a free family day on the Saturday – there truly is something for everyone.”
Ryan Calais-Cameron, Nouveau Riche Co-Founder and Artistic Director, said: “Having grown up in Catford, I am thrilled to be able to bring the SEEN festival to Lewisham. SEEN promises to be a celebration of local talent and global perspectives, offering residents and visitors alike an opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse array of artistic experiences.
“From captivating visual arts to engaging performances, the festival will showcase the work of talented artists whose stories reflect the richness and complexity of our community.”
Brenda Dacres, Mayor of Lewisham, added: “This festival is for London, by Lewisham, and it celebrates the richness and diversity of our borough.”
All studio theatre tickets are £10 and under
