The UK’s only event celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of black artists to the nation’s vibrant and dynamic theatre industry, the Black British Theatre Awards (BBTA), has opened up nominations for this year’s awards and invites the public to submit their favourite black British theatre professionals for recognition.
The British public will be able to submit their nominations for awards across key categories such as Best Producer and Director, lighting and sound design, casting, Best Male and Female Lead in a Play and Musical, as well as Champion Awards such as Best Child Performer (under 16), LGBTQIA Champion and Disability Champion, via the BBTA website from 1 June to 31 July.
“It is crucial for us to be loud in our celebration of black talent in the British theatre industry as it not only amplifies the diverse voices that have made significant contributions to enriching the industry with unique and creative and cultural perspectives, but also to recognise the decades-long impact of black professionals’ artistic legacy in the UK while inspiring future generations of black creatives,” says Solange Urdang OBE & Omar F. Okai, Co-Founders of the BBTAs.
The BBTAs was founded to honour the exceptional work of black professionals across all aspects of the industry from performers, directors, writers, and producers to sound, music, lighting and design talent as, despite a substantial pool of black talent, recognition was significantly lacking.
Once voting is closed and nominees have been shortlisted, the BBTA will hold its 6th annual ceremony at the Lyceum Theatre on Monday 4 November. Disney’s award-winning musical The Lion King, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in the West End this year, is the headline sponsor of the highly anticipated event. Since performances of Director Julie Taymor’s internationally celebrated stage adaptation began at the Lyceum Theatre in 1999 more than 19 million people have experienced the breath-taking musical in London.
Previous winners of the BBTAs include Ryan Calais Cameron and Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu for Best Director for For Black Boys Who Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, which is currently playing at the West End at the Garrick Theatre until 1st June, as well as Michael Fatogun as Best Male Lead in Foxes, and Toyin Ayedun-Alase for both Best Female Lead and Best Supporting Female Actor for her work in The Clinic and Alice in Wonderland.
