‘J’Ouvert’ to open at Harold Pinter Theatre

J'Ouvert is one of three shows as part of a new season.

The Harold Pinter Theatre will open with a collection of new plays from Sonia Friedman Productions. As part of the RE:EMERGE season, Yasmin Joseph's J'Ouvert will make its West End premiere from 16 June - 3 July, and will also be available to watch on BBC Four this spring as part of the Lights Up initiative. 

Speaking about the season, which includes J'Ouvert, Sonia Friedman said: "After what has been such a devastating year for so many it fills me with the greatest joy and hope to announce RE:EMERGE, an SFP Season of bold, new work for a bold, new world as we begin to build back to the full reopening of British theatre. Yasmin Joseph's J'OUVERT, first seen at Theatre503 and currently in rehearsals to be filmed for the BBC, reveals Notting Hill Carnival through the eyes of two best friends navigating the joys and dangers of young Black womanhood in 21st Century Britain."

First seen at Theatre503 in 2019, J'Ouvert sees Jade and Nadine, two sisters at Notting Hill Carnival. Throughout the event, they're fighting for personal space in a dazzling world, reflecting on the Black British experience and sexual politics of Carnival.

J'Ouvert casting stars Annice Boparai, Gabrielle Brooks, Sapphire Joy, Zuyane Russell. They'll star in Yasmin Joseph's debut play, nominated for the Evening Standard's Most Promising Playwright Award, with direction by Rebekah Murrell.

The production will be adapted for the screen as part of BBC Lights Up, with further plays including The Meaning of Zong starring Giles Terera and Juliet Stevenson in Elegy.

Other shows in the RE:EMERGE season include The Crown's Emma Corrin in Anna X and Gemma Arterton in Walden.

J'Ouvert is at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 16 June - 3 July

^{Photo credit: J''Ouvert (Photo by Helen Murray)}

^{Article First Published: 12 March 2021}