BASS Festival’s controversial ‘Three Way’ speaks out twice


Theatre fans will be treated to two performances of a controversial new play next week, as this year’s BASS Festival draws to a close.

Presented by Apple & Snakes and Birmingham Repertory Theatre, ‘Three Way’ will play at Birmingham REP’s The Door on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June.

The play follows the personal stories of three black characters following an attack on a young white immigrant. Told through poetic conversation, the play is an intricate snapshot of racial politics in a community both bound and divided by difference.

‘Three Way’ has been developed as part of Incubate, a pioneering Arts Council-funded scheme for UK spoken word artists. Lead writer and performer Yusra Warsama describes the work as a ‘monologue’ that weaves a dialogue between realism and fantasy.

BASS fans looking for a further theatre fix will be able to catch a credit-crunching double bill on Friday 26 June. ‘IFE – A Nigerian Love Story’ and ‘1968: The Year That Never Ended’ will be performed back-to-back, delivering an evening of music, dance and spoken word performance for only £8.

This year’s BASS Festival has already received the acclaim of being the only Birmingham-based festival to feature in The Sunday Times’ ‘Top 100 Festivals’, and has broadened its reach to deliver the exhibition ‘Art’s Own Kind’ in London, which featured special guest appearances from iconic artist Lemi Ghariokwu and Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen.

‘Three Way’ will take to the boards from 7.45pm on both nights. Tickets cost £3 and can be purchased at www.birmingham-rep.co.uk or from the Box Office on 0121 236 4455.

For more information on BASS Festival, visit www.bassfestival.co.uk or www.punch-records.co.uk.