Solo Theatre

 My solo theatre journey began through creation in workshop with director Colin Watkeys. 

We Dance We Work We Sing by Ayesha Casely-Hayford | Alison Lewis Photography

We Dance We Work We Sing

Firstly, to begin at the beginning. I began creating this show in 2014 and have extended the piece, through workshops, to a 20-minute performance.

We Dance We Work We Sing is currently three characters; women from West Africa – Connie, Arabna, and Rebecca. Sharing stories of their lives, and what is happening to them. They are inspired by my grandmothers. Some women are unseen, but present on command. For me, these women have some of the most interesting, fun, and entertaining stories. Who will sit, listen, and care? Who will laugh, cry, and love with them? Putting them on stage, is my attempt to blast their voices, and spirits out there. It’s my passion project.

My work has been in feminist festivals, diversity festivals, talent festivals, African/Caribbean festivals, in London and in Kent and just performing on the street. Some lovely feedback:

“Intriguing, outrageous, unsettling, enlightening, quality and last but not least: Greater than the sum of its parts…”

Growth

With each show it is a chance to get a little bit stronger, to understand my technique and preparation required (which is fundamentally to RELAX). To practice being open to a new audience, new location, and new spaces. Due to this it has been the most wonderful gift as far as my creativity is concerned. To share and receive reactions, whether people identify because of their own experiences or not is what creating my own work means to me because it gives me a chance to explore life and acutely understand mine and other peoples’ experiences. These lives in We Dance, We Work, We Sing are real. For a little time on this spinning Earth, they take centre stage.

We Dance We Work We Sing by Ayesha Casely-Hayford | Alison Lewis Photography

I give respect to women across the globe who sacrifice their days, their nights, their every waking moments  – so that others might soar. Sustaining with prayer, phenomenal strength, and a whole lot of clever. Often, doing what they need to do because the choice is between happiness and survival.

Ayesha Casely-Hayford We Dance We Work We Sing

Ayesha Casely-Hayford Word On The Kerb