Hackney Empire releases 2021 Artist Development Programme show virtually

As part of Hackney Empire’s Artistic Development Programme, Nightshade – a production written and performed by young people aged 14 - 21 – has now been released online. 

The production was inspired by Romeo and Juliet, and was performed on the main stage of Hackney Empire in August 2021. 

Written by 21-year-old emerging actor and writer Sumah Ebelé, the Shakespearian story was re-imagined and retold by a young ensemble, and was co-directed by Yamin Choudry and Kan Husbands. 

The film is available to watch on the theatre’s YouTube channel and social media platforms. 

Artistic director of Hackney Empire, Yamin Choudury, said: ‘We are incredibly proud of the work we have done with young people from across Hackney and East London for over a decade; particularly the many projects and opportunities that were created during 2020 and the National lockdown. 

‘In many ways Nightshade represented the beginning of a return to normality, an opportunity to once again celebrate phenomenal young people, ideas and stories, live and in person. This film is the culmination of months of work by an extraordinary team, and another opportunity for us to platform work that is so crucial, now more than ever.’

In addition to the Nightshade project, Hackney Empire are also running The Writers Room, where 10 short plays written by young people aged 14 – 21 years old. 

These will be performed by a company of professional actors and directed by Milli Bhatia, associate director at Royal Court Theatre. 

hackneyempire.co.uk