Black T-Shirt Collection

In March 2014, Inua Ellams, a British artist of Nigerian origin staged his acclaimed ‘Black T-shirt Collection’ at the NAPA International Theatre Festival in Karachi and Rafi Theatre Workshop in Lahore. Ellams’ practice merges visual art and spoken word in theatre to tell stories with iconic imagery, humour and beauty. This was the first time we brought a British performance to Pakistani audience that addressed the difficult issues of sectarianism, homophobia, capitalism and exploitation. Ellams’ used visual art and spoken word to tell his story with iconic imagery and humour. The play received standing ovations.
Ellams’ also conducted four workshops on performance and poetry in both cities. These interactive workshops were attended by aspiring poets and performers at The Second Floor in Karachi and Olomopolo Junction in Lahore. Participants were challenged to experiment with poetic form, using modern technology on stage.