Talawa Firsts: Stay Strong

7 – 18 Jul 2025

Talawa Firsts is back for its 13th year with another fortnight of groundbreaking Black British New Work. For two weeks, world premieres, showcasing innovative new writing and performance, will take over Talawa’s HQ in Croydon all around the theme of ‘Stay Strong’.

 

The 2025 programme aims to feature work that highlights the brilliance and resilience of Black British artists. Alongside the two double-bills of new writing, the festival also includes Talawa’s prestigious Introductory Writers’ Group showcase, an array of masterclasses and link-up events plus collaborations with other Black led arts companies including Croydon based Trybe House Theatre and BORN::FREE, who will be presenting a night of amazing poetry with a live house band brought to you by the Veranda experience.

Week One 

Title Writers’ Showcase 

Date Monday 7th July, 7:30pm 

Location Talawa Studio 

Tickets Free / Pay What You Can 

 

Date Wednesday 9th July, 11am 

Location Talawa Studio 

Tickets £5

Date Wednesday 9th July, 6:30pm 

Location Talawa Studio
Tickets £7

Title Double Bill: There’s a Mouse in the Kitchen and Small Revolutions
Date Thursday 10th July, 7:30pm 

Location Talawa Studio
Tickets £10

 

Week Two
Title Writers’ Showcase
Date Monday 14th July, 7:30pm
Location Talawa Studio 

Tickets Free / Pay What You Can 

 

Title Movement & Writing Workshop with TYPT Creative Team
Date Wednesday 16th July, 11am
Location Talawa Studio
Tickets £5

Title Black Theatremakers Link-Up
Date Wednesday 16th July, 6:30pm
Location Talawa Studio
Tickets Free
Title Double Bill: My Father, the Addict and Thicker Than Water
Date Thursday 17th July, 7:30pm
Location Talawa Studio
Tickets £10

Title BORN::FREE – Veranda
Date Friday 18th July
Location Talawa Studios
Tickets £10