I am David Oluwale

About the performance

A two weeks workshop in which we have explored ideas for developing a new play about David Oluwale and making it relevant to the current zeitgeist.

David Oluwale arrived in Leeds from Nigeria in 1949 and died in 1969. During his time in the city, he encountered anti-immigration racism and experienced mental health issues, homelessness, police malpractice and destitution, all of which still scar British society to this day.

His story has been explored through a blend of Nigerian oral storytelling techniques, movement, music, chants and audience participation, fusing cultures and time and focusing on the Everyman nature of what David experienced.

Deborah Pakkar-Hull, Artistic Director of Theatre Company Blah Blah Blah has been working with the company on audience engagement.

• Directed by

  Mojisola Kareem

• Written by

  Debo Oluwatuminu

• Composer & Musical Director

  Juwon Ogungbe

• Sound Design

  Robert Hart

• Design

  Emma Williams

Cast

Choreography: Andile Sotiya
Consultant Artist: Deborah Pakkar-Hull
David Oluwale: Tunji Falana
Kemi Oke: Oghenekevwe Emefe
Stephen Fletcher: Robert Angell
Richard Adewale: Lladel Bryant
Musician: Christella Litras