Talawa to Showcase Outdoor Work, Fragments of Us, at Greenwich+Docklands International Festival 2025
Talawa Theatre Company, the UK’s leading Black British theatre company, is set to premiere Fragments of Us, an uplifting outdoor performance, as part of the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF) 2025. The festival, which celebrates its 30th anniversary, will feature this powerful new work in General Gordon Square, Woolwich on Thursday 4th September at 4pm and 6:30pm.
Artwork supplied by the production.
About Fragments of Us
Fragments of Us is a captivating outdoor work created in collaboration with FUBUNATION, a London-based Black British contemporary dance company, and theatre and live art practitioner Sonia Hughes. Using movement and spoken word, the piece platforms Black voices and experiences, inviting audiences to interact with an intimate and personal story told in pieces.
Throughout this poignant yet joyful performance, Black performers will reveal fragments of their individual stories, sharing moments of love, joy, struggle, and loss. The piece explores universal themes of resilience, identity, and vulnerability, offering a reflective journey that balances the personal and the communal.
Movement and Dance: A Powerful Connection with the Audience
Fragments of Us incorporates a blend of Hip Hop and African dance styles, with dancers engaging in spontaneous interactions with the audience. This dynamic approach opens an intimate dialogue, allowing participants to reflect on their own personal stories and connections. The performance showcases the power of storytelling through movement, rhythm, and soulful expression.
Artistic Vision of Michael Buffong
Michael Buffong, Artistic Director of Talawa Theatre Company, commented on the work: “Drawing on personal lived experiences, this piece delves into the relationships Black men have with each other and with the world. The development process for this work, supported by the Talawa Studio and team, has allowed the artists to explore big ideas around pleasure, love, family, memory, safety, joy, and life.”
A Sneak Peek at Fragments of Us Before Full-Length Development
This performance at GDIF offers a first preview of Fragments of Us, which will later be developed into a full-length work. With its combination of rhythmic beats, heartfelt stories, and spontaneous dance, Fragments of Us celebrates the strength of brotherhood and reflects on the collective history that shapes contemporary identities.
Performance Information and Details
Title: Fragments of Us
Dates: Thursday 4th September 2025
Location: General Gordon Square, Woolwich, London SE18 6FH
Showtimes: 4pm & 6:30pm
Running Time: 25 minutes
This outdoor performance is free to attend and offers an exciting opportunity to experience the power of live, interactive theatre.
About Talawa Theatre Company
Talawa Theatre Company is committed to championing Black excellence in theatre. Its mission is to nurture emerging and established artists of African or Caribbean heritage and tell passionate, inspirational stories that reflect Black experiences through art. The company continues to be a driving force in the UK’s theatre scene, producing bold, transformative work.
About Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF)
The Greenwich+Docklands International Festival is one of the UK’s leading outdoor arts festivals. Known for its ambitious programming of free theatre, circus, and dance performances, GDIF brings over 55,000 attendees to its events every year. The festival, praised for its commitment to inclusion and accessibility, will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025.
More About FUBUNATION and Sonia Hughes
FUBUNATION is a dance company founded in 2017 with a focus on adding visibility and representation for dancers of colour in contemporary dance. The company blends contact improvisation with Hip Hop and African dance influences. Sonia Hughes, an associate artist at Festspillene i Nord-Norge, is known for her boundary-pushing work in theatre and live performance, often addressing complex themes through intimate, audience-driven experiences.
For more information about Fragments of Us and other GDIF events, visit the official Greenwich+Docklands International Festival website.
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