Heavy: Young artists take to the stage in Croydon with Stormzy-inspired production

A string of performances from a group of young artists will take to the stage in Croydon to explore themes of success and how it can change the person you are.

Heavy – a reference to Stormzy’s acclaimed album Heavy is the Head – will be shown at Fairfield Halls in Park Lane Croydon, for four performances from August 8 to 10.

Olivier award nominated director Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, whose previous works include For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy and Rumble in the Jungle, leads the group of 18 to 25-year-olds in Heavy.

Bringing his unique brand of storytelling, this latest production takes a deep dive into fame and success: what happens when you make it and how can success change you? 

Heavy is part of Talawa Young Peoples’ Theatre (TYPT) programme, which has been running since 1995 and is based in Fairfield Halls.

Each year, TYPT offers a cohort of artists to explore their craft, creating a brand-new show in just four weeks. 

Mr Fynn-Aiduenu said: “It has been exactly 10 years since I participated in TYPT as an actor in 2014, so it feels like a real full circle moment to come back and finally direct in a programme that truly developed me as an artist. 

“I am incredibly excited about the brilliant cohort and creative team we have assembled. I am so ready to explore this year’s insightful theme with them all: Heavy is the head that wears the crown.”

Talawa Theatre Company’s TYPT programme provides a stepping stone for emerging black theatre makers, including actors, stage managers, designers, technicians and directors in the early stages of their careers. 

Past TYPT participants have gone on to successful careers at organisations including National Theatre, Young Vic and Bush Theatre. Alumni include Michaela Coel, who features in Chewing Gum and Black Panther 2, Nonso Anozie of Game of Thrones, and Femi Oguns MBE, director of The Identity Drama School.

For tickets, visit: https://talawa.com/articles/typt-24

Pictured top: Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu (Picture: Sèverine Howell-Meri)