London based theatre company creating new work which which explores contemporary cultural and social themes, giving an insight into the challenges faced by at risk/marginalised communities. Established by artistic director and playwright Laura McCluskey, Waiting in the Dark Theatre Company create new work which explores challenging social and cultural themes. McCluskey’s extensive experience worki
ng with at risk/marginalised communities is reflected in the companies’ work in which she isn’t afraid to shine a light on the struggles that exist in a contemporary world. Waiting in the Dark aim to support emerging artists to develop their careers in the industry through production and rehearsal of the plays.
“McCluskey's dialogue excels in capturing friendships that run across generations and classes, and her characters speak to one another with a rich mixture of affection, disapproval, occasional jealousy and compassion.” - One Stop Arts
Currently in research and development for new play ‘Constance and Kelly’. Renowned Constance Markievicz, Irish nationalist, socialist, feminist, has been sentenced to death after her part in the Easter Rising in Dublin, 1916 and is then pardoned due to her ‘s*x’ and sent to HMP Holloway where she meets Kelly McCoy, a boisterous young Dubliner who has received 3 months for stealing baby milk. . . surely there’s more to it? She’s off the drugs and away from her abusive boyfriend and alcoholic mother. What can these two women do for each other? Can Jeremy Corbyn help? Previous work includes:
Cake and Congo, Theatre 503. 2013.
“The day a beautiful young woman who I care about casually told me she was working as a lap dancer and justified her decisions was the day I decided to write this play.” - Laura McCluskey on Cake and Congo. Bringing together first hand research from women who’ve worked in the s*x industry, Cake and Congo gives us an insight into the reality of working life in these professions. When Amba dances, she’s in control. Since she and her aunty fled the Congo as refugees, they’re certainly far safer, but there isn’t much cash about. Aunt Leonie may be happy with a cleaning job and a slice of cake after work, but Amba’s looking for more . . . Will she follow her dream to become a dancer or get caught up in the pursuit of 'easy' money in the dark world of lap dancing . . ?
“. . . female self-empowerment versus exploitation, this new play feels well timed in terms of the questions it raises” - 4 stars, Time Out
https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/cake-and-congo
https://theatre503.com/2013/08/creating-cake-and-congo/
Nina and Shaz, The Brockley Jack and London tour for Black History Month,
What if Martin Luther King didn’t have a dream, huh? Would Y’all be dreamin’ your big dreams? Nina Simone and Shazne, two women, both young, gifted and black, are bound together across generations through violence, civil rights and shattered dreams. Both seize the courage to speak out through their music.
“fearless writing for thrilling actors” - South London Press
“McCluskey leavens bleak stories with crucial notes of humour, hope and solace. This is a play well worth catching.” - One Stop Arts
http://onestoparts.com/review-cake-and-congo-theatre503
