Syncopated storytelling premieres at Liverpool Playhouse Studio this September
- Catherine Jones
- 9 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Liverpool Playhouse Studio is hosting the world premiere next month of an ‘intoxicating’ new two-hander which fuses music and storytelling.
Syncopated is a collaboration between Talawa Theatre Company and the Everyman and Playhouse and forms the finale of Talawa’s Black Joy season of shows.
It will be staged at the Williamson Square venue from September 23 to October 4 before moving on to Talawa’s own studio theatre in Croydon.
Set on the Liverpool docks, Syncopated tells the story of a chance meeting between a young musician (Him) and an inquisitive Scouser (Her).
As the night deepens, the two conjure a story from history - the journey of The Southern Syncopated Orchestra, a real-life African American band who brought the jazz rhythms of New Orleans to post-WWI Britain.
Syncopated resurrects the lives of two imagined members of this historic ensemble watching their romance unfold against the turbulence of 1919 with race riots and rising fascism and in which they see music as an escape and refuge.
The play-within-a-play becomes a metaphorical and emotional journey using dialogue, letters and music as Him and Her rediscover purpose and try to reclaim their creative voices.
Syncopated is written by Varaidzo and directed by Tian Glasgow.
Talawa artistic director Michael Buffong says: “Talawa's Black Joy season has been one of the most ambitious and successful endeavours in our nearly 40-year history.
“Bringing the season to a close with the highly anticipated studio show Syncopated is a full circle moment, nurturing new work rooted in Liverpool’s musical culture and history.
“It’s an honour to have the opportunity to collaborate with Varaidzo and the team at Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse to do what we do best: shine a light on the prodigious talents of Black and global majority creatives.
“This world premiere offers music and storytelling as redemptive, healing and a connecting bridge across generations.”
Syncopated is at the Liverpool Playhouse Studio from September 23 to October 4. Tickets HERE