NT At Home: Barber Shop Chronicles

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14 May 2020 · Follow on Stagedoor

“Next up in the National Theatre at Home live screenings is Inua Ellams’ play, set in six different barber shops across two contents over one single day. It is decidedly different from previous offers, not least because of its diversity and the way it constantly breaks the fourth wall. It teems with life and joy as it explores black masculinity and father and son relationships. The banter is great, and the language has a delicious peacocking flamboyance. Director Bijan Sheibani does a terrific job: this is one of his best. Even the transitions are a gas, full of music and dance. The ensemble are a complete joy. A show that feels like a warm hug.”

Streamdoor 😍

12 May 2020 · Follow on Stagedoor

“Following two sell-out runs at the National Theatre, a world tour, and a hugely successful summer residency at London's Roundhouse, Inua Ellams’ acclaimed Barber Shop Chronicles is now available to watch through National Theatre at Home.”

Overview

Newsroom, political platform, local hotspot, confession box, preacher-pulpit and football stadium. For generations, African men have gathered in barber shops to discuss the world. These are places where the banter can be barbed and the truth is always telling.

Directed by Olivier award-winning director Bijan Sheibani, Barber Shop Chronicles is a heart-warming, hilarious and insightful new play that leaps from a barber shop in Peckham to Johannesburg, Harare, Kampala, Lagos and Accra over the course of a single day.

This enhanced archive recording was captured by the National Theatre in January 2018 and features the original cast.