For three weeks Talawa’s studio is a hub of activity as upcoming directors lead development workshops on the scripts of emerging writers, followed by a series of play readings and discussions. HALF A LIFE STAGED READING: Wednesday 5 June 7pm @ the Talawa Studios, Old Street Written by Rex Obano Directed by Clint Dyer Half a Life is a harrowing drama that tells the stories of Lee, Cara and Barry whose search for identity lies in family, friendship and the truths buried in their childhood. DAVID LAN – THE SUCCESS OF DIVERSE PROGRAMMING: THE YOUNG VIC CASE STUDY Thursday 6 June at 7pm: Q&A @ Talawa Studios, Old Street David Lan, Artistic Director at the Young Vic, presents a case study of the impact, difficulties and rewards of implementing one of the UK’s most diverse programmes. This is an evening for theatre programmers to explore and learn about the Young Vic experience. THE NEW VOICE OF HOME – HOTSPOT WORK IN DEVELOPMENT Friday 7 June 7pm @ Talawa Studios, Old Street Written and directed by Anthonette Isioma , The Opiah family has always been very reputable, rich and proud but now the generational gap of experience is causing the family problems and a house divided against itself cannot stand. THE GLORY ROAD STAGED READING Wednesday 12 June 7pm @ Talawa Studios, Old Street Written by Martin Edwards Directed by Monique Sterling - A former rundown part of London now transformed into the latest property hotspot is the setting for this new play that seeks to examine questions of race, gentrification and what it means to belong. The Glory Road is Martin’s first play. NINA STEIGER – BEYOND PITCH: HOW TO TELL THE WORLD ABOUT YOUR VOICE AS AN ARTIST AND EMPOWERED WRITER Q&A Thursday 13 June at 7pm @ Talawa Studios, Old Street Nina Steiger is Associate Director at Soho Theatre and leads the Company’s work with writers. Alongside her work there, she is also interested in the intersection of traditional theatre and digital media with a focus on interactive performance, game design, pervasive technologies and transmedia narratives. DEEP HOTSPOT/PERCEPTION-ISM (Double bill) 7PM @ Talawa Studios, Old Street DEEP HOTSPOT Written by Rebecca Ubuntu David explores the impact of social exclusion within intimate relationships. When a person is more carer than partner, when the stress of unemployment takes its toll, when heritage is questioned, how does a relationship withstand the pressures? PERCEPTION-ISM Written and directed by Sharla Smith explores life in Brixton during the 2011 London riots through the eyes of three very different characters; Seymour, Liz and Zayne. Does each of them share common beliefs and together can they put order back into their community. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE STAGED READING Wednesday 19 June 7pm @ Talawa Studios, Old Street Written by DD Armstrong, Directed by Roy Alexander Weise From terrace chants to dressing room squabbles, You Know What You Are explores racism in football, friendship and what it means to wear club colours. MICHEAEL BUFFONG ON DIRECTING – THE JOURNEY FROM PICKING THE PLAY THROUGH TO PRESS NIGHT Q&A Thursday 20 June at 7pm @ Talawa Studios, Old Street Using a couple of...