Inspired by Zukiswa Wanner’s Southern African retelling of the classic fairy tale Rapunzel, this new take for young audiences transports the story from the Lesotho mountains to Tottenham and follows 12-year-old Refilwe on a visit to the British Museum to find a special loc weaver to maintain her hair.
Joined by her aunty Agnus and new friend Tumi, the trio find themselves locked in the iconic London landmark after closing time where they bust their best dance moves, speak their wittiest riddles and flip their hair while uncovering more hidden powers and magic than they ever could have imagined.
This fun filled adventure for all the family looks at what is home and celebrates roots and marks the first original production from Bernie Grant Arts Centre (BGAC), in collaboration with National Youth Theatre (NYT) and Talawa Theatre Company (TTC). The all-Black cast will be made up of some of Britain’s best young talent from the National Youth Theatre.
The stars of Refilwe
Christie Fewry
Aliyah Lassey
Refilwe is a short story by award-winning South African journalist and novelist Zukiswa Wanner. Based on the original Brothers Grimm fairy tale about a princess locked in a tower who used her long golden hair to escape, Wanner’s story follows a similar plot but with a Southern African twist which was first published in 2014.
Bisola Alabi adapted the story for the stage, and the play features direction by Azieb Pool. It stars Keitan Adediji, Christie Fewry, Eliezer Gore and Aliyah Lassey bringing a modern spin to a classic fairytale.
When and where to see Refilwe
2 – 10 December
Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham Green, London, N15 4RX
Tickets £15 – 5, Pay What You Can
berniegrantcentre.co.uk | 020 8054 4447
13 – 17 December
National Youth Theatre, 443 – 445 Holloway Road, London, N7 6LW
Tickets £50 – 15, General admission £15, Pay What You Can, Pay It Forward, Islington Resident £12, Family ticket (admits 4) £50, Standard ticket and free carer £15, discounted schools £12 per ticker with every 10th ticket complimentary for a teacher
nyt.org.uk | 020 3696 7066
20 – 23 December
Talawa Studio, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon, London, CR9 1DG
Tickets from £11. Discounts available for families and local residents
talawa.com | 020 7251 6644
