A new comedy-drama by Rikki Beadle-Blair

Thursday 20 October - Saturday 19 November 2011

Theatre Royal Stratford East

The Theatre Royal Stratford East is fast becoming one of the UK’s most innovative and interactive theatres – Daily Telegraph, 2011

Theatre Royal Stratford East is delighted to present a new play from award-winning writer & director Rikki Beadle-Blair. Shalom Baby is a love story initially set within the vibrant backdrop of 1930s Berlin as the city's well-documented nightlife culture contrasts with the rise of the Nazis and the onslaught of the Second World War. Events unfold as the daughter of a wealthy Jewish family falls in love with their black 'Shabbes Goy' – A term used for individuals who regularly assist religious Jews on the Biblical Sabbath with tasks forbidden to Jews within Jewish law.

The play consequently crosses time zones and continents as a mixed-race couple in seemingly unprejudiced modern-day Brooklyn cope with a multitude of calamities. Shalom Baby is a poignant and humorous exploration of family, love and friendship.

When creating this piece, Rikki Beadle Blair became aware of a noticeable lack of information about black survivors of the holocaust. He was initially motivated to write Shalom Baby during a trip to the US and has subsequently traveled to Berlin to extensively research what leads, facts and legacies exist. The results have been woven into a colourful, transatlantic story exploring issues of racism and sexuality with Beadle Blair's customary warmth and observational humour.

Brazil v Ghana - football match at Craven Cottage, Fulham FC

London's Craven Cottage, home of Fulham FC, will host the five-time World Champions Brazil, for a glamorous friendly on Monday 5th September 2011. The Brazil World Tour returns to London for a mouth-watering clash with Ghana. The 'Black Stars' of Ghana distinguished themselves against England at Wembley Stadium, earlier this year. Further building on their heroics during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which earned them high regard from neutrals and football fans around the world. A sell-out crowd is anticipated for this clash with the Seleção, and the first time in its history, that Fulham has played host to the Brazilian superstars. The match is organised by the UK arm of sports marketing company, Kentaro.

Originally Brazil were due to play Egypt in Cairo, but security fears in the Egyptian capital led to the necessary cancellation of that tour date. Ghana have stepped in as welcome replacements. A spirited campaign saw them exit at the quarter-final stage on penalties - after a tense evenly balanced match against Uruguay, in the 2010 World Cup Finals. Residents nearby should expect vuvuzela 'mood-music' to accompany their fanatical local and travelling supporters.

"The Brazilian and Ghanaian National Teams both produced exhilarating and memorable footballing encounters during the World Cup last year and this coupled with their fanatical support should create a fantastic match and occasion at Craven Cottage," Kentaro COO Jonathan Hill said. "We are delighted to be able to bring this match to London and are expecting a huge level of interest in the game."