Production marks Black History Month.
Miss Ida – ‘Tek charge of yuh health’ is a new show from Women & Theatre in partnership with the William Wilson Turner Foundation. Written by Women & Theatre Artistic Director Adaya Henry and informed by conversations and workshops with elders in African and Caribbean communities, Miss Ida premieres during Black History Month before touring Birmingham and the Black Country.
Adaya Henry, Artistic Director Women & Theatre said: “It is fantastic to see Miss Ida launch as part of Black History Month. Over my first 12months with Women & Theatre we’ve delivered a range of engaging, meaningful and joyful projects however Miss Ida is the first I’ve led from project inception through to performance in my role as Artistic Director and I look forward to seeing the show make a real difference to communities across Birmingham and the Black Country.”
Performed by Tonia Daley Campbell, Miss Ida is a retired nurse who has spent her lifetime passionately advocating for overall health and well-being. As she enters her autumn years, she’s deeply concerned about the healthcare disparities amongst elders particularly those in the African and Caribbean communities.
Created from research with Black seniors, this compelling and humorous performance celebrates culture, provides health information about preventative care, diet and physical activity. The one-woman show is performed through a mix of patois dialect and English.
Joan Blaney CBE, CEO of The William Wilson Turner Foundation commented: “It has been so interesting and illuminating to speak to elders in African and Caribbean communities about their lived experiences in terms of health and wellbeing, identifying the cultural barriers to accessing advice and guidance. Working with Women & Theatre, based on these experiences, we have hopefully created a show that is both a resource and educational as well as entertaining.”
Tony Kelly, Diabetes Ambassador/Activist said: “I really love the idea of this play as “our health is our wealth” getting this all-important message across to black communities is a positive step in the right direction”
The show premieres as part of Black History Month at the Heritage Centre, Wolverhampton on Friday 25th October before moving on to The Legacy Centre, Birmingham on 7th November with two venues on 8th November, one at Brasshouse, Smethwick and one at Shiloh Church, West Bromwich.
Miss Ida – ‘Tek charge of yuh health’ is presented by Women & Theatre, the William Wilson Turner Foundation and Wolverhampton Age UK. The project is funded by HM Government’s and West Midlands Combined Authority’s Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund, Heart of England Community Foundation Inclusive funds and United by 2022.
Tickets are free and can be booked here. For further information visit womenandtheatre.
