How do queer, Black femmes achieve legitimacy when their soil is hostile?

What happens to their roots?

Who deserves solace on a sinking island where performativity is currency?

…cake, a psychological drama which unapologetically queers the existing complexities of family, roots and belonging; where power and duty dance in equal measure.

Written by Women’s Prize for Playwriting 2020 finalist, actor and poet babirye bukilwa, …cake forms part of a trilogy of plays and is a prequel to bukilwa’s acclaimed …blackbird hour (also shortlisted for the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2019 and Alfred Fagon Award 2020). A first for the venue, this piece of new writing will be produced in-house, with the drama premiering as a fully staged production across 4 weeks from the 13 July until 7 August 2021.

bukilwa, who completed the play during the pandemic, says they wanted to write a story through a Black queer femme lens that interrogates the meaning and function of love and self-worth in an exploitative climate of working-class London in the noughties. At its heart, the play examines performativity in relationships and how generational trauma can be inherited.

Book your tickets here

Performance Times

Tues, Wed, Fri – 7.30pm

Thurs – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Sat – 2.30pm & 7pm

“babirye’s writing is innovative and pushes the boundaries of form. Providing a safe space and a platform to thrive stays true to the mission of Theatre Peckham. This is a vital and bold new play which honours intersectionality and re-centres voices which will connect not only with our local community but with audiences London-wide.” – Suzann McLean

Meet the Cast

Danielle Kassarate – Sissy

Donna Banya – Eshe

Meet the Creatives

• Sarudzayi Marufu – Producer
• Malakaï Sargeant – Director
• Debbie Duru – Set and Costume Designer
• babirye bukilwa – Writer
• Xana – Sound Designer
• Eleanor Manners – Vocal Coach
• Jocelyn Yeboah-Newton – Facilitator
• Phyllys Egharevba – Stage Manager
• Gerrard Martin – Movement Director

Photo of babirye bukilwa by Jennie Scott