Elizabeth Efua Sutherland

‘Acts of Witnessing’ at Tyne and Wear Theatre and Opera House

Elisabeth Efua Sutherland presented her ongoing research with D6 and in collaboration with African Lives in Northern England Project and NEEA&CA at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House’s 1867 Café Bar. She shared her work tracing the presence of black performers who toured the UK and Europe from the mid-1800s to the early 20th century, including James Alan Bland, Mr. Kool Kennedy, and the Jubilee Singers from North Carolina. 

Collaborating with vocalist Chantelle Gillies and pianist Daps, she invited us into a space of song, filling the room with music that may well have once echoed through those walls - from spirituals to dancehall favourites.

Ten members of the African Lives in Northern England Project and NEEA&CA were part of the invited guests and Beverley Prevatt Goldstein joined Elisabeth for the closing words, speaking about Elisabeth’s research and connection to African Lives In Northern England, and the depth and expansion of the work; and Pat Poinen (Chair of the North East of England African and Caribbean Community Association) speaking to Acts of Witnessing and links to the wider pan-Africanism movement and activism across Africa, Caribbean and UK.