Now – 20 Oct
PURE GOLD
The first production of Michael Bhim who presents a snapshot of black inner-city life and a young father’s battle to support his family. Venue: Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE. 7.30pm. Info: 0207 287 5060.

Now - 27 Oct
THERE’S ONLY ONE WAYNE MATTHEWS
Wayne Matthews is going to be the greatest footballer in the world. There’s only one problem, he’s rubbish This inspiring new play by Roy Williams looks at issues such as racism, bullying, friendship, loyalty, and black achievement. Set in the late 1970s it also examines the changing attitudes towards black people in Britain. For families and children aged 10 yrs plus. Venue: Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB. 10.30am & 2pm. Adm: £6 adv. Info: 0208 543 4888.

Now - 31 Oct
THE EMPEROR JONES
Southern American ex-convict, Brutus Jones (played by Paterson Joseph), connives his way into an uncompromising dictatorship over an island in the West Indies. Faced with a terrifying people’s revolt, the delusional Emperor escapes to the forest with a promise of salvation. Venue: Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX. 7.30pm, mat 2pm. Info: 0207 452 3000.

Tues 2 & 3 Oct
SLAVE NARRATIVES REVISITED
An inspiring play by Ed Shockley visiting from Philadelphia, USA. Plus Q&A with the cast. Venue: West Norwood Library, 1 Norwood High Street SE27 9JX. Info: 0207 926 8092. Then 3 Oct at Lambeth Library, 180 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1QP. 7pm. Info: 0207 926 0705.

Tues 2 - 6 Oct
MOTHERLAND
What poems of the heart inscribe ancestral bloodlines, through forced migration and slavery, affecting people’s relationships today? Motherland tells a story of love, conflict, revenge and revolution. Venue: Oval House Theatre, 52-54 Kennington Oval SE11 5SW. 7.45pm, mat Sat 3.30pm. Adm: £12, conc £6. Info: 0207 582 7680.

Tues 2 – 20 Oct
MEETINGS
Following the oil boom in the late 70s high fliers Hugh and Jean drive fast cars and eat even faster food, but can their relationship survive between the two exes when Hugh becomes nostalgic for the family, identity and heritage he left behind. Written by Mustapha Matura. Venue: Arcole Theatre, Studio 2, 27 Archola Street, London E8 2DJ. 8.15pm. Adm: £13, conc £9. Info: 0207 503 1646.

Thurs 4 – 6 Oct
SHADES OF BROWN
A one-woman show about melanin. Whatever shade of brown you are or want to be this play will get under your skin. Venue: Studio Theatre, Artsdepot, 5 Neither Street, Tally Ho Corner, London N12 0GA. 8pm. Adm: £12, conc Info: 0208 369 5454.

Thurs 4 – 20 Oct
COMMEMORATING THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY
Jamaican playwright Trevor Rhone’s play Bellas Gate Boy, directed by Yvonne Brewster, focuses on Trevor’s journey from the rural environment of Bellas Gate as the youngest of twenty three children, to Rose Bruford College, then back to Kingston. There will also be screenings, play readings and ‘talks in conversation’. Disabled Access. Venue: Rose Bruford College, Burnt Oak Lane, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 9DF. Info: www.theatrefutures.org.uk

Wed 10 Oct
SLAVE NARRATIVES REVISITED
Ed Shockley’s inspiring play visiting from Philadelphia, USA - Utilising the actual words of the world’s dispossessed, this tour de force performance celebrates the best in humanity as revealed in the worst of times. With cast Q&A, joined by Richard Reddie (Director of Set All Free). Written by Ed Shockley. Venue: Brixton Library, Brixton Oval SW2 1JQ. 7pm. Info: 0207 926 1056.

Fri 12 Oct
SLAVERY
The consequences of the slave trade are brought to life through the actual testimonials of American slaves, their music and passion for life. Venue: The Broadway, Barking IG11 7LS. 8pm. Adm: £5, conc £3. Info: 0208 507 5607.

Tues 16, 18-20 Oct
BECOME A MAN
A play telling the story of escaped slave and anti-slavery campaigner, Frederick Douglass, and the campaign to end chattel slavery in Britain. Venue: Hackney Empire Theatre, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ. 4-6pm Oct 16 & 18, 7.30pm Oct 19-20. Adm: £12, concs £8 and £4.50. Info: 0208 985 2424.

Tues 16 - 26 Oct
KINGS OF TEMPLE MIDDEN
After a nuclear disaster the children of London are evacuated. Using fragments of their memories the children establish their own society the boys crown themselves the Kings of Temple Midden. When a strange girl is discovered a violent power struggle erupts as they uncover her secret. Venue: Magic Eye Theatre, Havil Street, London SE5 7SD. Various times. Adm: £7, conc £4. Info: 0207 708 5401.

Fri 19 Oct
HOME AGAIN
Two performances by black elders with songs and stories about growing old far away from home. Venue: Tramshed, 51-53 Woolwich New Rd, London SE18 6SX. 11am & 1.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 854 9900.

Fri 19 Oct
FELIX DEXTER
It’s Felix Dexter don’t it. Brilliant observational, character comedian. Venue: Pentland Theatre, Artsdepot, 5 Neither Street, Tally Ho Corner, London N12 0GA. 8pm. Info: 0208 369 5454.

Sat 20 Oct
TREEMONISHA - THE OPERA
A unique opera composed by the first African-American composer, Scott Joplin and performed by Vision Community Opera. It tells the story of former slaves ruled by superstition who are finally released from their fears through education. Venue: Lilian Baylis Theatre, Sadlers Wells, Islington, London, N1. 7pm. Info: 0207 527 2000.

Sat 20 Oct
THE RETURN OF THE PROPHET KWAKU
Following his highly successful one-man show debut here last year, Kwaku returns with another night of his hilarious and controversial views. Venue: Broadway Theatre, Catford, Lewisham, SE London. 8pm. Adm: £12.50. Info: 0208 690 0002.

Sat 20 & 21 Oct
IN THE SHADOWS OF SENGHOR
An experimental show that combines physical theatre, dance and storytelling to explore the emergence of ‘Négritude’ in the 1920s and the poetry of the Senegalese intellectual Leopold Sedar Senghor. Full disabled access. Venue: Brady Arts Centre, 192-196 Hanbury Street, Whitechapel, E1 5HU (tube: Whitechapel). 8pm. Info: 0207 364 7900.

Mon 22 Oct
SPLENDID MUMMER
A play featuring the life of Ira Aldridge with discussion on Abolition and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Cultural Exchange Through Theatre In Education. Venue: Stratford Library, 3 The Grove, Stratford, E15 1EL. 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208.430 6890.

Mon 22 & 23 Oct
MIND BLOWING DECISIONS
Story about a young streetwise nineteen year old whose intentions are to make it as a big MC/rapper. See what happens to this bright young hopeful and what mind blowing decisions he has to make. A play written and directed by: Victor Romeo Evans. Venue: Hackney Empire - 291 Mare St, London E8 1EJ. 7pm. Adm: £12-£15. Info: 0208 985 2424.

Tues 23 Oct
RAFTA RAFTA
A comic tale of close-knit Indian family life in England by the author of East is East, Ayub Khan-Din. For young people 13-19 yrs. Venue: Theatre Trip to National Theatre - Meet at South Wimbledon Youth Centre, Haydons Road, South Wimbledon SW19 1HL. 1pm-6pm. Adm: £5 adv. Info: 07940 714 133.

Tues 23 Oct
AN EVENING OF SOUL FOOD
Charito Jones – aka Momma Cherri, teams up with comedian Curtis Walker for an evening of comedic and culinary delight. Disabled Access. Suitable for all ages. Venue: Greenwich Theatre, 30 Stockwell Street, London SE10 9JN. 8pm. Adm: £12, conc £10. Info: 0208 858 7755.

Tues 23 Oct – 24 Nov
JOE GUY
Acclaimed writer Roy Williams play is directed by Femi Elofowoju. Jr. is powerful story of identity, celebrity and tensions between British Africans and Caribbean’s. Venue: Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE. 7.30pm. Info: 0207 287 5060.

Thurs 25 Oct
BRIDGETOWER
A new jazz opera by Julian Joseph and Mike Phillips to commemorates the bicentenary starring Cleveland Watkiss as the remarkable eighteenth century black musician. Venue: Hackney Empire - 291 Mare St, London E8 1EJ. 7:30 pm. Adm: £10 - £27.50. Info: 0208 985 2424.

Thurs 25 Oct
SHADES OF BROWN
Rani Moorthy transforms herself into a South African albino, a skin-bleaching Indian bride and a host of other funny and poignant characters who share an ironic kinship through the varying shades of their skin. Venue: Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street , Croydon, CR9 1ET. 8pm. Adm: £10, conc £7.50. Info: 0208 253 1030.

Thurs 25 & 26 Oct
AFRICAN CARGO: THE TRIALS OF THE SLAVE SHIP ZONG
Telling the story of the most notorious episodes in the history of slavery, powered by the songs of humanity from West Africa, the Caribbean and the Southern USA, Disabled access, parking and bars accessible. Suitable for all. Venue: Greenwich Theatre, 30 Stockwell Street, London SE10 9JN. 8pm, mat 1.30pm. Adm: £14 - £18, conc £12 - £16. Info: 0208 858 7755.

Thurs 25 – 27 Oct
BLACK HISTORY PERFORMANCE
Starburst School of Performing Arts’ production is based on the struggle from slavery to emancipation. All welcome. Venue: LaSporta Community Centre, Church Road, Hallowfield Way, Mitcham, CR4 3BU. 7.30 pm. Adm: Adults £4, children £2. Info: 07930 661439.

Fri 26 - 27 Oct
BLACK GENTRéE
A variety show of drama, dance, African Drums, singing, poetry, fashion parade and acrobatics featuring some of Africa's finest artists from Sierra Leone, the Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo and a guest appearance from Jugnu an Indian Dance Co. Venue: Broadway Theatre, Catford, Lewisham. 8pm. Adm: £15. Info: 0208 690 0002.

Sat 27 Oct
LET THE SISTAS BE HEARD
Part 3 of If it’s Lyrics Yuh Want? plus live music and showcase performances from Sister Audrey, Cinderella & special guest performers. Venue: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8, 4AG. 11pm. Adm: £10 adv, £15 on door. Info: 0208 692 4446

Sat 27 Oct
WHEN ANGELS COLLIDE
A new play featuring the voices of two mothers whose ordinary worlds are torn apart by tragedy. Venue: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8, 4AG. 7pm. Adm: £7 conc £5. Info: 0208 692 4446

Sat 27 Oct
LIFE CHANGERS: EMPOWERING OUR YOUTH
A live dance and drama show based on the experience of slavery in Nigeria, and perform various African Traditional Dance sessions. This is a fun packed event, educative, informative and interactive. Venue: Woolwich Town Hall, Disabled Access, Wellington Street, Woolwich, London SE18 6PW. 12noon – 5pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 854 1484 / 07908 223 945.

Sun 28 Oct
THEATRE CENTRE PRESENTS ROMEO IN THE CITY
A take on Shakespeare’s classic reflects contemporary Britain in a story of loyalty, rivalry, hatred and desire within Somali and Pakistani communities. For the over 14s. Venue: Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG (Tube: Bethnal Green). 8pm – 10pm. Adm: £5. Info: 0207 739 9001.

Sun 28 Oct
SUNDIATA-THE GREAT KING OF ANCIENT MALI
Musical story telling: told by renowned storyteller TUUP and Traore from Dogon Music. With orchestration by two Griot musicians playing traditional Mandinka songs and instruments (Kora, Balafon, Djembe). Venue: Playhouse, British Rail Station Forecourt, 189 Greenwich High Road, SE10 8JA. 7.30pm. Adm: Free, adv booking - donations welcome. Info: 0208 854 3661 / 07931413567.

Mon 29 Oct
SLAVERY (UK PREMIERE)
Drawn from interviews with former slaves, this powerful drama combines personal testimony with beautiful Negro spirituals to create a remarkable insight into a dark period of history. BSL. Venue: Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon, CR9 1ET. 7.30pm. Adm: £10, conc £7.50.

Mon 29 Oct
PUSH ARTS: MUSIC AND YOU
Young People who attend this workshops will perform street Dance, RNB vocals and a drama performance. They will examine young black role models in the music industry and question their influence. Suitable for 12-17years. Disabled access. Venue: Clockhouse Community Centre, London. 7pm. Adm: £2.50. Info: 0208 855 0236.

NOVEMBER

Fri 2 Nov
FROM THE TALKING DRUMS TO RAP & GRIME
Commemorates the Bicentenary and highlight the story of slavery from Africa to the present day diasporic experience through narration and a musical concert, plus up & coming rap & grime rappers. Venue: Tavistock Hall, 25 High Street , Harlesden, London NW10 4NE. 7pm-9.30pm. Adm: Free – adv booking. Info: info@btwsc.com subject line:

Thurs 8 Nov
STEPHEN K. AMOS
On his first ever UK national tour with his unique brand of confessional, heart warming comedy Amos is the embodiment of charisma. Venue: Studio Theatre, Artsdepot, 5 Neither Street, Tally Ho Corner, London N12 0GA. 8pm. Info: 0208 369 5454.

Thurs 8 Nov – 8 Dec
THE BROTHERS SIZE
Meet Ogun Size, who owns an auto repair shop and Oshoosi Size who has just left prison. A play that mixes Nigerian Yoruba myth with the earthily poetic life of present day Louisiana. Venue: Young Vic, Waterloo, London. 7.45pm. Info: 0207 922 2922 / www.youngvic.org

Sat 24 Nov
COMING TO LONDON
In a far away land somewhere in Africa, the king wanted his son the prince to go to England and become a doctor, lawyer and play for Chelsea FC all at the same time. The prince thought rather than do that, he would do something much more tremendous, he planned to make the people of England cry with laughter until they could take no more. Venue: Broadway Theatre, Catford, Lewisham, SE London. 7pm. Adm: £12.50. Info: 0208 690 0002.

Fri 7 Dec
ROYAL COURT THEATRE PERFORMANCE
The Royal Court Theatre presents a rehearsed reading of the winning play from this year’s Alfred Fagon Award 2007 which inspires British writers of African and Caribbean descent. Venue: Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS. 4pm - 6pm. Adm: £5, conc £3. Adv booking. Info: 0207 565 5000.