“This love word. Do people just use it when they feel sorry?”

Eshe hasn’t left the flat. Loved-ones keep reaching out: blowing up her phone and showing up at her front door. They say they’re going to “save” her. She’s not saying anything back. Until, in the dark early hours, surrounded by half-eaten food, dirty washing and a damn good playlist, she focuses on the letter in front of her.

…blackbird hour is a visceral and moving exploration of a queer Black woman’s call to arms for loving oneself when love has made itself scarce. Making its world premiere in early 2025, babirye bukilwa’s profound insight into caring and belonging serves as a continuation of their critically acclaimed playwriting debut... cake (Theatre Peckham).

Finalist for the Bruntwood Prize, Women’s Prize for Playwriting, and the Alfred Fagon Award. Produced by Vital Xposure. Supported by the Talawa Firsts programme.