Inua Ellams on the Current State of Theatre and Collectiveness The Culture is Black

We spoke to poet and playwright Inua Ellams (@inuaellams) during the first lockdown about the success of his pre-pandemic hit show at the National Theatre, The Barbershop Chronicles, what it was like to lose 70 percent of his income in March and forming emotional support groups on his WhatsApp. During lockdown 2.0., Inua's thoughts on the future of theatre feel especially valid, with pantomimes and West End productions mostly cancelled or going virtual. 
In this episode, Inua speaks of the need to support creative freelancers, the innovative ways he was able to deliver interactive poetry through digital mediums and how, in losing theatre, we’ve lost more than plays, we’ve lost sacred spaces to gather as a collective watching the same stories together. Ultimately, books and poetry remain a hopeful medium to deliver art and provide an opportunity to keep educating and bringing people together. 
This is the last episode of series 1, but we'll be back next year with a new lineup of guests and more inspiring discussions. In the meantime, don't forget to follow us on Instagram @corqstudio and you can find me on Twitter @jennifertoro_.

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