Barber Shop Chronicles

Written by Inua Ellams, Barber Shop Chronicles are set in 6 different locations across the world. The play explores the lives of six different African men residing in six different parts of the world, although the barber-customer dynamics remain the same. Olivier Award-winner Bijan Sheibani is in charge of direction. Innua Ellams is a world-renowned playwright and poet and has won an Edinburgh Fringe First award for his one-man show The 14th Tale. Barber Shop Chronicles was shortlisted for the Alfred Fagon Award in 2017 and has won universal acclaim from the audience and critics alike. Ellams is also a designer and graphic artist, and you can see a juxtaposition of textures, colours and vector images in his plays, as he tries to mix the old with the new.

The changes of scene are beautifully choreographed as a formation dance and are absolutely breathtaking to see. The play is largely based on Ellams’ own life, and the challenges he had to face when younger. Ellams has captured the cadence and culture of various African nations wonderfully and has used real-life interactions to string together the play. What makes it special is that it cuts through the vital issues with incredible emotional clout and eloquence, something that is rarely seen on stage. Do not miss this eye-opening play that delves into the conversation of a barbershop!

The Story

Six different locations, Lagos, London, Kampala, Harare, Accra, and Kampala are explored over the course of a single day. Barbershops are more than just places for a haircut, but also enterprises where African men feel free to speak about anything and everything on their minds. A football match between Barcelona and Chelsea is being played on television. Topics range from racism in football and supporting a team to role models and girlfriend troubles.

A barber is woken up at 6 AM by someone who is in a desperate need for a haircut for a job interview. The customer does not have enough money to pay for the haircut, and somehow convinces his way out. At London, there is a tension between a young barber Samuel and his colleague Emmanuel regarding Emmanuel’s former business partner, Samuel’s father. Samuel blames Emmanuel for his father’s predicament, as uncomfortable revelations are made. Follow the stories of these characters, as they attempt to navigate through their lives.

Good for

Lovers of Introspective Plays | Innua Ellams Fans | Fans of Social Dramas

Critics Reviews

N/A