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81 (Life)
81 (Life)

The Almeida Theatre, in partnership with All Change and Cardboard Citizens, presents

81 (Life)

Co-Created by Rhianna Ilube with 81 local people, Creative Direction by Dani Parr and Stephanie Bain

Event details

Thu 21 - Sat 23 Aug 2025

Highbury Fields. Islington. A day in August 2025. 8.13pm. 

60 strangers gather in a park at sunset. They don’t know why they are here, or who invited them, but here they are.

Here you are, too.

They arrive, and they settle into a rhythm. A woman lies alone on the grass. Three old friends catch each other’s eye. A tai-chi teacher sets up shop.

Each of these people are grappling with something big. A turning point, a sliding door, a question without an answer. And tonight they are all going to take their next big step. You’re welcome to join. In fact, we’d love for you to join.

Part poem, part game-show and part play, with original music by Alev Lenz, 81 (Life) is the second instalment of the Almeida’s ‘Islington Trilogy’, following 24 (Day) in 2023. Co-created by playwright Rhianna Ilube, in collaboration with associate artists Darragh O’Leary, Francesca Beard, Ella Zgorska, Jordana Golbourn and over 80 people from three community groups, 81 (Life) is an epic and heartfelt investigation into what it means to be human.

Almeida Theatre Auditorium - Marc Brenner

Introducing the 2025-26 Season

Creative Team

Rhianna Ilube

Writer

Dani Parr

Creative Director

Stephanie Bain

Creative Director

Darragh O’Leary

Associate Artist and Movement Director

Francesca Beard

Associate Artist and Writer for All Change

Ella Zgorska

Associate Artist and Director of Cardboard Citizens

Jordana Golbourn

Associate Artist and Director of Islington Community Group

Beth Bowden

Creative Producer

Kate Bunce

Set Designer

Fraser Craig

Lighting Designer


Production Supporters

81 (Life) is supported by Big Give – Arts for Impact, Islington Giving and Islington Council’s Community Festivals Fund.

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81 (Life)
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Thu 21 - Sat 23 Aug 2025
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