Contact Young Company: Halo at Contact
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Contact is celebrating Black History Month 2022 with Halo, a brand new performance by the ever-brilliant Contact Young Company (CYC), directed by the venue’s new Artistic Director Keisha Thompson. Always a highlight to watch and consistent purveyors of groundbreaking performance, we’re huge fans of CYC’s work.
This new show is inspired by The Halo Code, a campaign pledge signed by educational institutions and businesses that promises members of the Black community that they have the “freedom and security to wear all afro-hairstyles without restriction of judgement”. This brand new piece of theatre celebrates Black hair and hairstyles while also exploring young people’s experiences in schools and places of work in regard to their hair.
A unique, timely and beautiful performative celebration of black hair.
Edwina Omokaro, co-Founder of the Halo Collective said, “No one should have to change their natural or protective hairstyle in order to thrive. Together, we will ensure that all Black people can learn, work, and live free from hair discrimination.”
Devised entirely from scratch by CYC, Halo marks Thompson’s directorial debut at Contact since taking over as the venue’s Artistic Director and CEO earlier this year. Featuring music and movement, the piece will take direct inspiration from the experiences of members of CYC, as well as their responses to Emma Dabiri’s book Don’t Touch My Hair and Solange Knowles’ song of the same name.
CYC are the Contact Theatre‘s renowned, Manchester Theatre Award-winning ensemble, made up of young performers, actors, dancers, musicians, stand-up comedians, spoken word artists, DJs and MCs.
Consistent purveyors of groundbreaking performance, we’re huge fans of CYC’s work.
In addition, the hugely talented artist Al Conteh – bringing a wealth of skills across dance, movement, animation, poetry and videography – will work as assistant director alongside Thompson on the production. The result promises to be a unique, timely and beautiful performative celebration of black hair.
