If you’re not sure about what to see and do this June, here’s the Melan Magazine roundup of events, theatre and workshops to check out this month.
This month’s list of Out & About includes entertaining and educational events all served against a backdrop of Black excellence. You’re welcome!
If you’d like us to share your events in future, email: info@melanmag.com
Join the Africa Centre as they celebrate opening of new home
The Africa Centre invites you to join one of a series of events to celebrate the opening of their newly redesigned headquarters in Southwark, London.
The exciting lineup of events includes Open House: Africa by Design, an exploration of the design elements to be found in their new headquarters. Get a grand tour of the building as the brains behind the architecture and design share their inspiration and journey.
Other highlights include the chance to take part in New Narratives, an event that unpacks the impact of Afrobeats visuals in challenging stereotypes about Africa and shaping new narratives. There is also a Jollof Cook-off event, designed to once and for all settle the longstanding debate about who cooks the best jollof rice!
When? Friday 10 to Sunday 12 June
Where? The Africa Centre
Join the Curl power workshop with Charlotte Mensah
The curl power workshop is right up your alley if you want to be part of a masterclass with award winning hair stylist Charlotte Mensah.
From adults to children and even the entire family, no one is left behind when it comes to gaining tips and advice from Charlotte and her renowned curl workshop. Learn everything from managing your curls, to styling and care tips for your afro and mixed heritage textured hair, all the way to taking that long overdue transition to natural hair.
Parents, get inside tips, tricks and techniques on how to style your children’s curls to absolute perfection. Charlotte Mensah brings you the curl power workshop after her successful Hair in Conversation event. This event promises to be interactive with an exciting chance to drink and network in between.
When? Sunday 12 June
Where? Horniman Museum
Unlock the mystery: Hair: Untold stories
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Explore the art of hair at this exhibition. The show highlights our complex relationship with hair, both on and off our heads. Untold Stories promises to be an intimate and wide-ranging event as you listen to the stories of hairdressers from Forest Hill all the way to the global hair trade.
What’s more, there is a hair shop installation from Korantema Anyimadu that explores the experiences of Black women and non-binary people with their hair. The exhibition features works from artists, filmmakers and curators.
When? Until 19 June
Where? Horniman Museum
Watch: The Fellowship by Roy Williams
The Fellowship tells the tale of sisterhood as children of the Windrush generation and sisters, Dawn and Marcia Adams navigate both the future and past, while fighting various injustices in London at the time and living through personal battles of their own.
The Fellowship by Roy Williams gives a nuanced peek into modern Britain, directed by Paulette Randall, you don’t want to miss this one.
When? 7 June – 23 July
Where? Hampstead Theatre
Enjoy the gripping tale of Jitney by August Wilson
Jitney by August Wilson has been described by The Stage to be: “A powerful, intense study of characters tackling problems caused by class, race and general divide…deserves to be seen by as wide an audience as possible.” and we couldn’t agree more as this modern classic tale continues to break grounds till today.
This August Wilson drama portrays not just the struggles of the African American experience, it also highlights the joys as well. Jitney explores the ties between eight men and their lives in a racially segregated, post-Vietnam America. The play is directed by Tinuke Craig and follows an acclaimed run at Leeds Playhouse.
When? 9 June – 9 July
Where? The Old Vic
