'I'm A National Treasure' - Rudi Lickwood
"not everyone can claim Britishness for themselves and not everyone wants to be associated with it”
Equality and Human rights Commission, 2005.
The Drum kicks off its UnionBlack Season with the comedy showcase I’m A National Treasure by Rudi Lickwood on Thu 11 Sep at 7:30PM. I’m a National Treasure is a satirical look at Rudi Lickwood’s national identity; Black, British, Proud and packed with insightful social comments as to who he is and why he is.
Setting him apart from his counterparts, Rudi’s comedy mirrors the ever changing face of multicultural modern Britain. From driving a German car to an Irish pub, drinking Belgian beer whilst eating his Indian take-away and sitting on Swedish furniture whilst watching an American programme on his Japanese TV.
His reputation as a thought provoking comic has grown out of desire to edutain. He is a mercenary in search of belly laughs and infectious chuckles. Borders are no boundaries for Rudi and from Afghanistan to Iraq he has been through it all. Not afraid to say what’s on his mind, he’s an intelligent fool with something to appeal to everyone. Areas of race and immigration may be problematic for some, but to Rudi they’re a comedy goldmine clashing with his British nationality and cultural West Indian African heritage.
Thu 18 Sep, 7.30pm £5 (£3)
The Britishness Test - What does it mean to be British these days, high tea, cricket or beer-fuelled days?
Using music, poetry and a lot of hats, performance poet, musician and author, Nikesh Shukla takes a closer look at the issue and discusses the very tenets of National Identity.
Wed 24 & Thu 25 Sep, 7.30pm - £7 (£5), Family Ticket £22*
Caste Away Arts presents: The Fifth Cup - After last years’ sell out show this touching and uplifting play returns to The Drum. Based on true-life experiences, this production offers a poignant insight into caste discrimination within the British-Asian community
Mon 6 Oct – Fri 31 Oct, Artist Talk: Wed 8 Oct, 7pm
Soon Come By - Anne-Marie Salmon
‘Soon Come’ is a photography exhibition that celebrates the passengers of The Empire Windrush who helped pave the way for the steady stream of Caribbean migrants that followed.
Wed 15 Oct, 7.30pm - £7 (£5), £3.50 school bookings
Sampad and The Drum presents:
The Maharajah and the Kohinoor Charting one of the most illustrious episodes in British history The Maharajah and the Kohinoor is a touching tale of love and loyalty. The play follows the story of Duleep Singh, Maharajah of Lahore and King of the Sikh Empire, who was deposed at the age of eleven and sent to England.
Sat 18 Oct, 7.30pm - £6 (£4), Under 12s £3
Kno Love Productions, Breaking Cycles and making projects in association with The Albany presents:
Cool Rules and Fams
Depicted through dance and theatre Cool Rules follows the hopes and aspirations of a young man growing up in modern Britain. Cool Rules brings you back to gritty urban reality with a bump. Directed by Jonzi D. Fams depicts the comical journey of two men trying to work out where they have been going in life, exploring their identity. Co-written and presented by Benji Reid.
As part of National Schools film week The Drum presents:
Mon 20 Oct - This is England [18] 100mins
Suitability: AS/A2 Media Studies, General Studies or History
Set in 1983, a young boy runs into a group of skinheads, who against expectations turn out to be friendly and take him under their wing. Shane Meadow’s film tackles the issues of masculinity, violence and race with sensitivity.
Thu 23 Oct. 7.30pm - £5 (£3)
Rivers to Cross – The Legacy
Following on from the hugely successful show Sweet Tooth, Rivers to Cross will take you on a multimedia journey throughout history, into Colonialism and Empire, segregation and the Civil Rights Movement, the arrival of Windrush and more. Written and directed by Pamela Cole Hudson and Martin Glynn. Age 11+
Sat 25 Oct, doors open 9pm - £18 MOTD
Sly & Robbie
Musical geniuses Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare are one of reggae’s most prolific and long lasting production teams, the duo have worked with everyone from Peter Tosh to Bob Dylan. Sly and Robbie take to the stage alongside their band and special guests.
Saturday 8th November 2008
Coolies of the Caribbean Part I
7.30pm – 1am
£8 / £10
Building on the success of last year’s event, Coolies of the Caribbean Part II reveals the hidden history of the forced migration of over a million Indians to the Caribbean and other parts of the Empire. Hosted by Mauritian born Shirin Housee from Wolverhampton University, Guests include Gail Blissett (Trinidad), Yvette John (Grenada) Gemma Ingram (Trinidad) and Professor Heidi Mirza.
Wed 12 Nov - £5 (£3)
The Artistic Souls present
Somewhere I Belong 'The God Father Souls’ House
Birmingham’s underground Spoken Word collective, The Artistic Souls have teamed up with The Drum to present this brand new production. Set in a Big Brother style house, Somewhere I Belong explores notions of home, individuality and belonging.
Fri 15 Nov - Doors open 7pm - £10 (£8), £15 on the door
Café Masti presents Union Black
A host of crazy comedians explore what it means to live on the great British Isles today and show you the quirky side to British life. Hosted by T.V’s Steven Anderson and featuring RBI award winner Kiwi Asif, controversial southerner Roisin Mirza and rounding the night off with critically acclaimed Daliso Chaponda.
Sun 7 Dec - Doors open 7pm
Bashy £7 (£5)
UK grime MC Bashy is at the forefront of the new wave of British inner-city musical talent, he has already made an impact on the streets and having supplied the theme tune to the film Adulthood and is also an actor.
Supported by Mr Cee, he’ll warm you to his way of looking and laughing at life by his ‘Live, Love, Laugh’ philosophy, Second support Iron Braydz, a talented African musician turned stand-up whose culturally conscious material inspires. Book now on 0121 333 2444 and online at www.the-drum.org.uk; tickets are £10 (£8) in advance and £15 on the door.
MEDIA CONTACT – Sati Parmar s.parmar@the-drum.org.uk – 0121 333 2404
Union Black Season at The Drum
This autumn The Drum is focussing its attention on what it means to be British. Set within the context of the current debates about identity and national cohesion, the season uses art and cultural activities to explore and critically examine notions of ‘Britishness’, citizenship and belonging, especially in relation to race and ethnicity. The season will offer insights into the relationships between those who protect the boundaries of Britishness and those wanting admittance and those who want nothing to do with it..
