Afro Archives Live – A Performer’s World at the Royal School of Speech and Drama

On 24th January 2017, the Royal School of Speech and Drama will be hosting a special discussion. Attendees will explore the views of actresses and actors from different cultural backgrounds, ages and genders – to compare and contrast what they think about hair and how they deal with their own. This live debate will reflect the topics that were covered in my series ‘Afro Archives: A Performers World’. Alongside the differences we would expect, there are also some very interesting common experiences. Tickets are free but limited, so if you are interested in attending – please book ASAP!

Over the 12 Afro Archives episodes, I’ve looked at what those common experiences are, what binds us together through relationships with our hair, and then what separates and defines us culturally.

On the 24th of January 2017, join me at the Royal School of Speech and Drama for a debate about hair, where I’ll be sharing my own hair experiences as a performer (My Fro & Me), while opening up an inclusive discussion about hair and who we are.

DESCRIPTION

A screening of an episode of Afro Archives and then open up debate, discussions and feedback, make a space of being together to discuss the topic of hair and experience of black women in the industry and how hair can connect to culture and heritage (therefore cross into issues of discrimination). An evening to enjoy and share, nothing formal.

Ayesha Casely-Hayford is an actress, voice artist and employment lawyer living and working in London. Born in London Battersea, growing up in Kent and of Ghanaian descent. Ayesha is a trustee of The Act For Change Project, and also created Afro Archives, a project exploring the experience of black women with afro-textured hair in the performance industry by comparing it to those of different cultural heritage.