WORLD PREMIERE
Theatro Technis, London
Presented by Squire Lane Theatrical (UK) Ltd.
Written by Carguil L.G. Webley
Directed by Kevin Michael Reed
Starring David Monteith, Pharaon El-Nur, Troy Richards, and David Ogechukwu Isiguzo. Set Design by Martin Scott Marchitto. Costume Design by Samantha Jane Jacob Rye. Lighting Design by Matthew Carnazza. Projection Design by Kevin Michael Reed. Stage Manager Scott James. Produced by Kevin Michael Reed. Associate Producer Uju Enendu. Publicist Chris Hislop.
SHADOWS explores the lives of three black inmates who have been placed in the same cell at Winson Green Prison, Birmingham, UK. The play, written by Carguil L.G. Webley and directed by Kevin Michael Reed, presents a bold, fresh take on the problematic interplay of race, crime, family and culture in the United Kingdom.
Shadows stars David Monteith (Topdog/Underdog, Cop Killers and Benjamin Zephaniah’s De Botty Business), who appears alongside David Ogechukwu Isiguzo (X&Y, Lyric Hammersmith; Transformers: The Last Knight) and Pharaon El-Nur (And Yet It Moves, Young Vic) with Troy Richards.
Edmund (David Monteith), the calm fatherly presence, who been in and out of prison from an early age tries to assert his dominance over the others through his knowledge of black history. Balak (Pharaon El-Nur) appears to be the most level headed, a forthright secondary school History teacher, but can’t to let go of his dark past. Chase (David Isiguzo) is the youngest and has great potential, however, refuses to listen to his voice of reason and puts himself at risk of losing everything he’s worked for.
TRAILER
REVIEWS
★★★★★
BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL
“SHADOWS IS SMART AS HELL” David James, London City Nights
“adding another important voice to the ever-growing conversation on race and is certainly a complimentary contribution.” Alice Devoy, A Younger Theatre
“There is a strong emotional message that is conveyed effectively through the beauty of the language” Alice Devoy, A Younger Theatre
“The raising of questions is not subtle, but the arguments are honest, interesting and presented coherently. And Shadows doesn’t preach…” Edward Lukes, Once A Week Theatre
“Shadows is a well-written play that touches on many ‘taboos’ – or at least topics seldom voiced publicly.” Michael Davis, Breaking The Fourth Wall
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions“ Michael Davis, Breaking The Fourth Wall
“cultural heritage can be a double-edged sword“ Michael Davis, Breaking The Fourth Wall
“Shadows is a well-written play that touches on many ‘taboos’ – or at least topics seldom voiced publicly.” Michael Davis, Breaking The Fourth Wall
“The topics raised in Shadows are timeless, but are particularly pertinent in our ‘politically-aware’ climate, especially when the lurch to the Right in many countries has brought the issue of race to worldwide prominence again.” Michael Davis, Breaking The Fourth Wall
“Birmingham-based Carguil Lloyd George Webley’s play has too short a stay in London.” Edward Lukes, Once A Week Theatre
“This prison drama is a solid, old-fashioned piece… It’s an ‘issues’ play – all about black men – with palpable conviction.” Edward Lukes, Once A Week Theatre
“The raising of questions is not subtle, but the arguments are honest, interesting and presented coherently. And Shadows doesn’t preach…” Edward Lukes, Once A Week Theatre
“Webley tackles a very big, very complicated issue with wit, pathos and a genuine emotional connection to his characters” David James, London City Nights
“adding another important voice to the ever-growing conversation on race and is certainly a complimentary contribution.” Alice Devoy, A Younger Theatre
“There is a strong emotional message that is conveyed effectively through the beauty of the language” Alice Devoy, A Younger Theatre
“Shadows is a moving display of superb acting” Alice Devoy, A Younger Theatre
“a special mention must go to David Ogechukwu Isiguzo, who is outstanding.” Felicity Peel, Everything Theatre
“[actor] David Monteith excels in suggesting, then exposing, the violence and frustration that has shaped his life.” Edward Lukes, Once A Week Theatre
“[actor] David Monteith delivers some fantastic moments” David James, London City Nights
“A live camera is used effectively, projecting soliloquies on to the back wall, creating a profundity to these more epic moments that seem to transcend the walls of the prison that we are otherwise trapped in.” Alice Devoy, A Younger Theatre
PRODUCTION PHOTOS
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REHEARSAL PHOTOS
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EXTERNAL LINKS
Squire Lane Theatrical (UK) Ltd.
My Theatre Mates Review of Shadows
My Theatre Mates Preview of Shadows
Breaking The Fourth Wall review by Michael Davis of Shadows