Leave Taking, Bush Theatre

First performed in Liverpool in 1987, Winsome Pinnock's Leave Taking is back in a revival directed by Bush Theatre's Artistic Director Madani Younis.

The play tells the story of a second-generation Caribbean family living in London. At the heart of the action is single-mother Enid (Sarah Niles) and her two daughters, Del (Seraphina Beh) and Viv (Nicholle Cherrie). Despite Enid's best efforts, Del and Viv have lost their way.

Following a visit to the local ‘Obeah’ woman for some traditional Caribbean soul healing, secrets are spilled, memories fractured, the notion of home and identity questioned. As they negotiate the frictions between their countries and cultures, this family trio unearth what it really means to long for home.

Often referred to as the 'godmother of Black British playwrights', Winsome Pinnock won the George Devine Award for Leave Taking in 1991 and was the first black British woman to have one of her plays produced at the National Theatre. She has since won multiple awards and has written a roster of plays that place black experience centre-stage.

Leave Taking inaugurates the Bush Theatre’s three-year initiative Passing the Baton. The new programme introduces or reacquaints theatregoers with the artists of colour who carved their way through British playwriting with distinction. Winsome Pinnock has said of the initiative: ‘Passing the Baton will create a dialogue between past, present and future generations. [The revival] also gave me pause to reflect on whether the goals of my parents’ generation – often called the Windrush generation and the focus of the play – had been achieved’.

Culture Whisper is offering Gold Whisper members free tickets to watch this play on 24 May or 4 June. Book now to avoid disappointment!