The BiBi Crew was committed to challenging the lack of diversity within the creative industry in audiences and on stage. They devised and directed their own productions at Theatre Royal Stratford East from 1991-1995

By Newham Voices

BiBI Crew original members — BibI Crew original members

The BiBi Crew, a collective of talented writers bringing the Black British experiences to a wider audience, will be honoured with a Newham Heritage Plaque in a project coordinated by Newham Voices writer Neandra Etienne and the Theatre Royal Stratford East.

Neandra writes: The BiBi Crew was a collective of seven creative women, Joanne Campbell, Judith Jacob, Janet Kay MBE, Suzette Llewellyn, Josephine Melville, Beverley Michaels and Suzanne Packer. Between them they have experience as actors, writers, directors and producers.

Founded in 1991 by Beverley, their aim was to produce high quality new writing from an African Caribbean perspective, introducing the Black British experience to a larger cosmopolitan audience. The BiBi Crew was committed to challenging the lack of diversity within the creative industry in audiences and on stage. They devised and directed their own productions at Theatre Royal Stratford East from 1991-1995.

It was a time of nerves and vivid memories. “All I remember is being nervous,” said Judith, “yet very excited to show what we had devised. The show started with the sperm dance. We were naked under the all in one leotard. We had a quick change and I couldn’t find my next cossie so I was running around naked backstage. Shame!”

The BiBi Crew have never added anyone else, even when Jo Campbell died. Judith said: “Now Josephine has left the world BiBi’s will not be the same. The future of BiBi’s is up in the air. No decisions have been made.”

Please book your free tickets at: www.newhamwindrushday.org

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