Brixton stories

[I]

Mama Put Productions
BRIXTON STORIES
by Biyi Bandele

Part of the MIX, supported by Deutsche Bank, in the Studio at Lyric Hammersmith from 5 – 23 September, 2006

Witness a world of word-mongers, soap-box philosophers and preachers through the eyes of Ossie Jones and his daughter as they walk through the streets of Brixton.

As Ossie comes to terms with the loss of his wife, and his daughter searches to find her father again, Bandele weaves fantasy and reality together to take you on this magical and enchanting journey.

'Irresistible.' Sunday Times

'A stroke of genius… extremely funny' Metro

Tickets from £7: 08700 500 511 / www.lyric.co.uk (no booking fees)

Further Information

BRIXTON STORIES is a funny and surprisingly surreal play by Biyi Bandele, which takes a richly fantastical look at this bustling cosmopolitan neighbourhood and its eclectic mix of residents.

Nigerian-born and Brixton-adopted Biyi Bandele is a prolific and award-winning writer whose work has been compared to that of his fellow countrymen, Ben Okri and Wole Soyinka, amongst others.


BRIXTON STORIES was originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company for performance at the Tricycle Theatre in 2001, where it met with critical acclaim. This will be a completely new high-energy version of the show, with four actors playing a multitude of characters, directed by Biyi himself.

Praise for Brixton Stories:

‘Bandele’s extraordinary 75 minute play … In its mixture of social panorama and subterranean odyssey … offers a vivid evocation of Brixton street life.’
THE GUARDIAN

‘An enchanting fantasy piece … Bandele’s writing has a warm glow, like a benevolent fairy tale … irresistible’
SUNDAY TIMES

‘Bandele’s mind loops and loops like some wonderful stunt-kite .… Can anyone hope or dream for much more in or out of Brixton? Not really.’
THE TIMES

Observer

[trinitymlk]

When I was a bit younger, I jumped a flight across the atlantic and made my way to London. Not familiar with the city, I set out on the Underground to find a little herb stalk and where would a young white kid from California with no connections head to..well Brixton of course

After coming up the steps from the Underground I wandered the back streets..asking random dreads if they knew anyone who could sort out my headspace...most of whom looked at me like I was speaking another language.

A few of them called me "Ras Clot" and "Informa" which must be a local term of endearment

I reached one alley way where I could hear the familiar thump of reggae bass lines coming through an antiquated but sizable set of speakers on above the door. Inside two dreads sat behind the counter with stacks of 45's up to the cieling. I asked them about my mission..but they clearly were too busy to be bothered.

Finally I happened on a tall lanky dread who was all too glad to have me come by. He told me to get into his van..which of course I did ...where he then drove me deep into the backstreets of Brixton...far from the underground stop and nary a constable in sight.

I had my hand on the door handle as we drove, ready to jump out of the moving vehicle if neccessary, but still willing to see what happens if there might be a nice draw of herb to be had.

When the dread finally pulled over, he looked all around and I knew some shit was about to go down. I was trying to keep as cool as possbile but my hand was clinched in a fist and ready to swing if neccessary. The dread reached down to his waistline and produced a plastic grocery bag. Wrapped inside that was another plastic bag, and then another and another.

When he finally unwrapped his entire parcel, he had about five little satchels of ishense and happily told me to take my pick. I got things figured out and then was driven right back to my underground stop and then back across town to Regents Park (I think thats what it was called).

Aside from the seeds and stems , it was some pretty decent shwagg...much better than the mexican varieties, but a world away from California high-grade.

Thats my Brixton story