Munya Chawawa launches new initiative Black Boys Theatre Club
- Text by Isaac Muk
- Photography by Faysal Hassan
BBTC — The comedian will lead trips for young Black men to watch stage shows, and provide behind the curtain glimpses to the creative industries.
Comedian and actor Munya Chawawa has launched a new initiative aimed at inspiring young Black men to enter the world of stage and acting.
Black Boys Theatre Club (BBTC) will see Chawawa work with schools across London, where he will take groups of young Black men aged between 15 and 16 to see plays at the theatre, while being given behind-the-curtain access to the machinations of the industry.
It’s supported by Nando’s, the National Theatre, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Bush Theatre, with each trip concluding with a concluding session at Nando’s where Chawawa will open space for discussion about the play they have seen, its themes and more.
According to Chawawa, the aim is to inspire young Black men to engage with and participate in theatre, whether it’s feeling encouraged to watch a play, or take up acting themselves.
He said: “Black men consistently dazzle us on stage and on screen, but for young black boys – the bridge between that initial creative spark and its supernova potential isn’t always easy or encouraged.
“Black Boys Theatre Club will act as the starting point for that journey – a judgement-free, laughter-filled introduction to the world of theatre and creative arts, because trust me, it is a wonderful world,” he continued.
The initiative is launched alongside a video filmed at Wyndham’s Theatre under Chawawa’s creative studio Munz Made It, and features cultural figures including Jordan Stephens, Kedar Williams-Stirling, Mohamed Elsandel, Ariyon Bakare and Araloyin Oshunremi.
Commenting on the video, Chawawa said: “As a recent convert myself, this video is my own personal ode to theatre, the twinkle in my eye brought to life by other amazing young, Black actors whom I admire. So much of my work focuses on tackling the baddies and bad news plaguing society, but Black Boys Theatre Club gives me light, hope and many, many belly laughs.”
Watch the launch video below.
Isaac Muk is Huck’s digital editor. Follow him on Bluesky.
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