Unseen Unheard – Stories of black women’s shared experiences of breast cancer
A new play will invite its audience onto the stage to discuss shared experiences of being diagnosed with breast cancer, as black women.
Directors Simon Frederick and Suzann McLean come together to stage Unseen Unheard –The untold breast cancer stories of black Women in the UK.
Unseen Unheard is set in real time on a normal evening, six women gather to unravel their shared experiences of the abnormality that black women experience through their diagnosis.
The women invite us into their world with an open and candid insight that combines honesty and humour.
Directors explain the real-world objective to staging this play is to encourage changes in habits that could save lives.
Women with experiences of breast cancer attending the show will be invited to share their experiences.
Each performance will also host a post-show panel discussion with Leanne Pero, founder of Black Women Rising.
Ms Pero said: “For long enough the voices of black women going through breast cancer have been silenced and unheard and this theatre piece will be another way to connect with our communities, bring home the importance of cancer awareness and educate health care professionals of our individual needs.
“This collaboration has seen our members guide the writing, direction and execution of the piece alongside a stellar creative team -–our hope is that this play will give rise to much needed discussion and influence positive change and outcomes of black women going through a breast cancer diagnosis.”
The aim of Unseen Unheard is to reach and provide access to people across all communities, so tickets will all be free of charge with a suggested donation of £7.50 which will be donated to Black Women Rising.
The play will be presented by Theatre Peckham in association with Black Women Rising and will run for four performances, April 27, April 29 and May 2 at Theatre Peckham.
Picture: Unseen, Unheard cast and Leanne Pero Picture: Lidia Crisafulli