Celebrations of Blackness
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre presents
For the Culture: Celebrations of Blackness
Curated by Dr Peggy Brunache, Tinuke Craig and Nicholai La Barrie.
28 - 30 January 2022
A festival honouring Blackness through art, performance, conversation, love, and joy
The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre will be the beating heart of West London this January with a bold programme of performances, gigs and special events celebrating Black talent, joy, creativity and culture.
For the Culture is more than a festival, it’s an act of resistance, a space for joy, for reflection and conversation, a place to champion and celebrate Black British artists, activists and thinkers with our community.
We are thrilled to welcome an extraordinary line up of artists who will take centre stage here at the Lyric, including one of Britain’s most celebrated poets Lemn Sissay, the iconic cabaret drag diva Le Gateau Chocolat, platinum selling musician Shingai, podcast sensation 90’s Baby Show and the children’s theatre production Josephine, based on the extraordinary story of Josephine Baker, a performer, spy and civil rights activist.
Over the course of three days, For the Culture will feature theatre, film, TV, music, DJ’s, dance, visual art, food, discussion, hair and beauty and more. Through a local focus, our inclusive programming will have events for everyone.
For the Culture is curated by Dr Peggy Brunache, Lecturer in the History of Atlantic Slavery & Director of the Beniba Centre for Slavery Studies at University of Glasgow, Tinuke Craig, Lyric Artistic Associate and Nicholai La Barrie, Lyric’s Associate Director.
“This inaugural festival is an inspiring programme of love and inclusivity, through art, music, intellect, literature, and self-care. Every artist who shares their gift and every person who joins us at the Lyric to share in this joy will help make this festival a beautiful celebration of our culture and of our resilience.”- Dr Peggy Brunache, Tinuke Craig and Nicholai La Barrie – Artistic Curators.
Tickets now on sale for our headline events below.
Friday 28 Jan, 8pm: LE GATEAU CHOCOLAT
Saturday 29 Jan, 5pm: 90s BABY SHOW
Saturday 29 Jan, 8pm: SHINGAI
Sunday 30 Jan, 2.30pm: LEMN SISSAY
Saturday 29 Jan & Sunday 30 Jan: JOSEPHINE