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World Premiere
and breathe…
By Yomi Ṣode
Directed By Miranda Cromwell
Running Time: Approx. 1 hour
production information
“I was a bunch of O’s as if I was giving birth to this grief”
Though we sense the moods of those closest to us in breaths, are we really listening?
We think we are, and later we realise that we never heard a thing.
Centring on the loss of a beloved matriarch, and breathe... explores family relationships, bonding and culture. This deeply personal and poetic play tackles the unspoken, between what we leave unsaid to protect each other and how we internalise the world.
Yomi Ṣode is a Nigerian British writer, performer, and facilitator. He is a recipient of the Jerwood Compton Poetry fellowship 2019 and was recently shortlisted for the Brunel International African Poetry Prize 2021. He has read his work internationally at various festivals and performed his debut solo show (COAT) to sold-out audiences. His debut poetry collection, Manorism will be published in spring 2022 by Penguin Press.
This World Premiere production will be performed by actor David Jonsson (BBC2’s Industry) who was due to star in “Daddy” A Melodrama at the Almeida last year, and is directed by the Olivier Award-winning director Miranda Cromwell (Young Vic’s Death of a Salesman). Featuring music composed and performed live by Femi Temowo.
ALMEIDA FOR FREE
Sat 3 Jul
A free performance of and breathe... and all-day festival with free events for those aged 25 and under. More info>
Dates & Tickets
Wed 16 Jun – Sat 10 Jul
£10, £20, £30
Previews Wed 16 – Sat 19 Jun
Press performances Mon 21 Jun 3pm & 7pm
Evenings 7.30pm
Wed matinees 3.30pm from 23 Jun
Sat matinees 3.30pm from 3 Jul
Captioned performance
Thu 1 Jul 7.30pm
Book by calling Box Office on 020 7359 4404. £5 tickets also available to those aged 25 and under.
Audio Described performance
by VocalEyes
Sat 26 Jun 3.30pm
Book by calling Box Office on 020 7359 4404. £5 tickets also available to those aged 25 and under.
Poetry Night
Sat 19 Jun 7.30pm
A post-show Poetry and Spoken Word event hosted by Yomi Ṣode. More info
Live streamed performance
More details about how you can watch the production from home will be announced soon.
CONCESSIONS
All concession tickets are limited and subject to availability. Proof of eligibility is required. Concessions in the final week of performances are only valid for Access bookings. For full information click here.
Access
D/deaf and disabled patrons and a companion can buy tickets for £20 for all performances by calling the Box Office on 020 7359 4404.
25 & Under
£5 tickets are available to those aged 25 and under on all performances. Enter the promo code 25UNDER when selecting your seats. Book here.
Students, Under 30s, Over 65s, & Unemployed
If you are any of the above you can book top-priced tickets for £20 on all performances (excluding final week).
Islington First
Wed 16 - Fri 25 Jun
If you live or work in the Islington area you can book best available seats for £25 for the opening performances, subject to availability. Enter the promo code ISFIRST when selecting your seats. For applicable postcodes see here.
Key Workers
NHS staff, teachers and blue light card holders can book £10 tickets on Mon-Thu performances and Sat matinees using promocode BLUELIGHT. Limited to 2 tickets per person.
Additional information
We’ve put in a number of steps to ensure our audiences are safe when visiting the Almeida, including socially distanced seating and flexible ticket exchanges. Find out more about how we’re welcoming audiences back here.
Please note there will be strictly no latecomers for this performance.
The running time is approximately 1 hour. Find out more about our running times here.
CONTENT WARNING
and breathe... contains references to cancer, and is recommended for ages 13+. Read more here about our production guidance and warnings or email boxoffice@almeida.co.uk if you have specific concerns or questions.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in the production, the Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. Visit their website here or call 0808 808 00 00.
Cast & Creatives
By Yomi Ṣode
Direction Miranda Cromwell
Light Paule Constable
Sound Tony Gayle
Video Ravi Deepres
Composer & Musician Femi Temowo
Design Consultant Miriam Buether
Costume Claire Wardroper
Assistant Director Ewa Dina
Cast
David Jonsson