Everyman Connects: Diversity in Theatre

On Saturday 30 April, Everyman & Playhouse will hold their first Everyman Connects event. It will be a free day of art, food and conversation! The focus? How our cultural spaces can both do and be more, for the Global Majority.

Global Majority

The exciting new event continues the theatres’ journey of ongoing change, part of their Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The day was created as part of a two-year Truth and Reconciliation process, supported by Kim Johnson MP. The theatres have undertaken a series of positive actions to bring about change. Working with 20 Stories High, artists and theatre freelancers of colour in Liverpool.

They’ve also formed a Diversity Action Group; group member Brodie Arthur – a writer, actress and facilitator – says of the event:

If we are to drive change within the theatres, the wider sector and society, organisations need to listen and learn from those with lived experience of racism. Changing attitudes and established working practices does not happen overnight but the first step is to acknowledge that change must happen and Everyman Connects will be an important step in the journey.

Brodie Arthur

Panel Discussion

The day will be centred around a lively Panel Discussion. Panelists will discuss the central question, “how can our cultural spaces be more and do more for us?” The panel comprises of: Kim Johnson MP; activist Chantelle Lunt; multi-disciplinary artist Paislie Reid; Artistic Director of 20 Stories High Keith Saha; writer Naomi Sumner Chan; and host, Dominique Walker of the Anthony Walker Foundation.

We’re striving to be an anti-racist organisation that truly understands what it means to be a welcoming and safe space for all. The day will be a chance for us to listen and commit to doing better, building bridges with the Global Majority of Liverpool’s City Region.

Mark Da Vanzo – CEO

Activities

From 12 noon, there will be performances from: performer and writer Felix Mufti; Neo-Jazz Singer-Songwriter Ni Maxine; founder of the Girls Don’t Sync DJ collective, Hannah Lynch; and an open mic jam, led by 20 Stories High, closing the event.

The Street Café will be transformed into a Market Place for arts organisations and businesses. These include: Pagoda Arts, Milapfest, Falling Doors Theatre, Anthony Walker Foundation, Sumuyya, Ray Rayz, Deserts by Dre and Little Green Juice Box.

Lunch will be available, with Ray Rayz and Deserts by Dre providing food.

When and Where?

Everyman Connects is at the Everyman on Saturday 30th April. The event is free, but booking is required.

12-2pm // Market stalls, lunch and DJ
2pm // Performances
3pm // Break
3.15pm // Panel Talk
4.30pm // Letter writing
5-6pm // Post show Jam hosted by 20 Stories High

Cover image by Sumuyya Khader, used with permission from Sarah Ogle at Everyman & Playhouse.