‘Rest is a revolutionary priority’: Skin Deep Meets Evie Muir

Photo: Ai Narapol

Evie Muir writes about burnout from personal experience – but as her new book sets out, this systemic sickness is anything but an individual problem. We discuss writing under capitalism, her literary and community influences, and how nature shows us the way to a post-burnout future

The Return of Babymother: A Celebration of Harlesden’s Reggae Roots

Three black women and a baby sitting on a wall, smiling, in front of a highrise building

Widely considered to be the first Black British musical, Babymother follows Anita (Anjela Lauren Smith), who has an ambition to become a local Dancehall star. Courtney Yusuf meets Julian Henriques and Parminder Vir, director and producer, to retrace the film’s steps, over 20 years after its release.

On finding joy and honouring spirit: Skin Deep Meets playwright Yasmin Joseph

J’Ouvert by Yasmin Joseph ; Production ; Cast: Annice Boparai, Gabrielle Brooks, Sapphire Joy and Zuyane Russell Directed by Rebekah Murrell ; Lighting Director: Simisola Majekodunmi ; Set Designer : Sandra Falase in collaboration with Chloe Lamford ; Movement Director: Shelly Maxwell Sound Designer: Beth Duke Assistant Director: Abigail Sewell Production Photography: Helen Murray ; Casting Director: Isabella Odoffin ; Harold Pinter Theatre ; London, UK ; 27th March 2021 ; Credit and copyright: Helen Murray

In her writing, Yasmin Joseph emphasises collective responsibility and collective power. Nkenna Akunna chats to the J’Ouvert writer about collaborators, the call of Carnival, and the spirits of Black women pioneers who came before.