Black History Month at the University of Essex

2 – 19 October 2023

This October, the University of Essex will be celebrating Black History Month, responding to this year’s  theme of Celebrating the Sisterhood. Here’s an overview of what they have lined up at the Lakeside Theatre:

You Are African First Before Anything

Thursday 19 October, 7pm

University of Essex Law graduate and successful theatre company operator, Ophelia Charlesworth, brings her much anticipated show to the Lakeside Theatre. This semi-autobiographical one-woman show delves deep into the intricate dynamics of the African mother-daughter connection. Meet Chile, a brilliant and ambitious woman in her mid-twenties, embodying the captivating fusion of her British upbringing and rich Nigerian heritage. You Are African First Before Anything is followed by a 15 minute Q&A session. Book your tickets at lakesidetheatre.org.uk/

Jerkpit

Monday 2 – Friday 6 October, 9am-5pm

Join Barking based Caribbean restaurant, Jerkpit, for their pop-up in the Lakeside Theatre Café serving up authentic Caribbean food daily throughout the University of Essex’s Welcome Week! Vegetarian options available. Find out more at lakesidetheatre.org.uk

Thriving Socially at University

Wednesday 4 October, 2-4pm

Shomi Williams, Psychological Therapist and founder of inclusive health education African and Caribbean groups platform, Lafiya Health, will be delivering a wellbeing workshop in the Lakeside Theatre Studio specifically for University of Essex students. Book your place at lakesidetheatre.org.uk

Fatherhood

Friday 6 October, 7.30pm

Being a father in the 21st century is complicated. Being the father of a young son of mixed South Indian, Turkish and Austrian heritage, even more so. Three very different stories of being and having a dad are brought together with humour and sensitivity, through physical theatre and multilingual text. Centred around everyday, relatable experiences, this original new work explores fatherhood across generations from the 1960s to the present day. Find out more at lakesidetheatre.org.uk/events/fatherhood

Telling Your Own Story

Wednesday 18 October, 5.30pm

Join Nigerian-British performer, writer and educator, Tania Nwachukwu, for an intimate skills training workshop on telling your own story confidently. The workshop will take place in the Lakeside Theatre Studio, and is specifically for University of Essex students. Book your place at lakesidetheatre.org.uk

Law Student to Theatre Maker

Thursday 19 October, 2pm

Join Ophelia, a University of Essex law graduate who dared to chase her dreams in the world of acting, for this workshop in the Lakeside Theatre Studio. This workshop is FREE for University of Essex students. Book your place at lakesidetheatre.org.uk