Join us for a special Black History Month event by De La Warr Pavilion and Ten66 Television with Playing The Race Card continuing the Black Joy theme.
We’ll screen two iconic works decades apart set in Peckham, Southeast London, showcasing the changing presentation of Black British lives on screen.
Desmond’s (1989-1994) was a very popular and well-loved sitcom set in a Peckham barbershop, reflecting real-life issues with humour and heart. Created by Trix Worrell, it starred Norman Beaton as Desmond and Carmen Munroe as his wife Shirley. The show was incredibly successful, and was Channel 4’s longest-running sitcom at the time, with 3 to 3.5 million viewers per episode. The barbershop served as a community hub, addressing real-life issues, including black-on-black prejudice, while bringing plenty of laughs. It was filmed using traditional methods, with a live studio audience, fixed cameras and canned laughter.
Fast forward to 2023, and Rye Lane is a glorious and joyful romantic comedy. Set in the midst of Peckham and bursting with colour, this film contrasts with the gritty, every day and down-to-earth feel of Desmond’s. It follows a romance unfolding over a single day, a storytelling technique popularized by Richard Linklater’s Before series. Created by a predominantly Black creative team, Rye Lane stars David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah, and was written by Tom Melia and Nathan Bryon, with direction by Raine Allen-Miller and photography by Olan Collardy.
There will be a Q&A to discuss these changes and the growth of opportunities for Black creatives.
