I often get invited to creative events from book launches to art private views, and have often left with a slight feeling of “Hmmmm”. I don’t really like to do to much research into them prior to the event as I like to go in without prejudice and leave being pleasantly surprised. And the Street Girl book launch did exactly that.
Rose and myself were invited down to Brixton’s Upstairs at the Ritz performance space, to support our girl Elisha (Venus Vs Mars), who announced she will appearing in the stage version of the book.
The Struggle, The Book, The Play
The event was hosted by Nequela Whittaker the creator and inspiration for the story. Nequela gave us a compassionate welcome and emotional insight into the real life struggle which lead to the creation to the book, the play and her work with the often neglected communities across South London.
Street Girl is a gripping biographical account of a young black girl from South London, raised by a single mother and older sibling, this young girl unfortunately becomes a product of her environment.
Street Girl, Directed by Donna During, is a raw adaptation of the girl gang culture that society seems to turn a blind eye to. We aim for her story to be heard offering a lifeline to young girls and boys, or vulnerable youths who are living a similar lifestyle; or are thinking about entering such a world, to hear a first-hand, credible narrative about the street and ultimately getting them to make the right decision.
‘She’s a terror she creates havoc everywhere she goes’
Mouthie, the main character, experiences Sex, violence, and drugs all in the mix as she embarks down the root to become a young offender.
Street Girl Rudely Interrupts
During the speech, a phone went off and girl started screaming at the top of her voice right next to us. As I looked in disgust, the girl dressed in a school uniform charged to the front of the stage, only to be met by two other ‘Street Girl’ types! Our vexation quickly turn to tears of joy as we noticed Elisha WAS one of girls now on stage. We had been treated to an except from the up and coming stage production!!
Yep I’m there! Book me a Ticket – Rollah Rose
Not only were we blessed by this flash mob style entrance, we heard new music from Alicai harley and poetry from Emanuel.
See The Show
Show dates for Street Girl with our Elisha are Friday 27 & Saturday 28 May, 7.30pm with a FREE matinee on Friday 27th.
Tickets are available now from the Albany Theatre.
