Workshop

Cold Reads: Moved by Tony Graves

An Amplify Members Only Event Mon 14 Sep

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Details

Dates

Mon 14 Sep

Content Warnings

Themes of racism. Use of the ‘F’ word.

Time

6.00pm – 9.00pm

Location

Company One

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Writers and actors, a chance to get together and read some scenes.

A chance to get together and read a new play. Cold Reads is an opportunity for actors and writers to come together, to read a brand new draft of a script out loud for the first time.

Come along for an opportunity to perform, practice your cold reading skills and feedback on writing, or just listen to a new work by a local writer, whilst networking with other local theatre artists.

Producers, directors and other theatre makers are also welcome to attend. If you do not wish to read there will be an opportunity to ‘opt out’ at the beginning of the session.

Play Synopsis

Jerry and Marcia are a black middle-class couple. They believe they can fit in anywhere, including classical music concerts. However, this is questioned when they find an entitled couple in their seats who refuse to move. A black usher is of no help. So, they turn to the audience for help. ‘MOVED’ is a satirical play that puts the audience on the spot. It asks questions about theatre, class and race.

Cast List

Marcia : Ghanaian woman mid-30’s

Jerry : Ghanaian man mid-30’s

Kweku : Ghanaian man mid-20’s

Mr Ribeiro : Ghanaian man late 60’s

Marcia’s mother (Voice over) : Ghanaian woman early 60’s

About the Writer

Tony was Associate Professor and Head of Subject for the Arts and Festivals Management, BA undergraduate degree at De Montfort University. He was also Programme Leader for the MSc in Cultural Events Management.

He has a background in the arts both as a performer and administrator. A former classical pianist, he is a graduate of the Royal College of Music, and was previously the Chief Executive of The Drum Arts Centre, Birmingham and a producer at Nottingham Playhouse.

He was Director of DMU’s annual Cultural eXchanges Festival. Previous guests included David Olusoga, Grayson Perry, Ken Loach, Bonnie Greer, Meera Syal, David Harewood and Adrian Lester.

He is Chair of Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage and a Trustee of YMCA Leicestershire and has served on a number of boards including Nitro Music Theatre Company, The New Art Exchange and Dance 4.

In the early 90’s he had a rehearsed reading of a one act play he wrote called ‘Mandala Symbol’. His retirement 4 years ago has given him the opportunity to focus once again on his writing. In 2023 he had a script in hand performance at Upstairs at the Western, Leicester of a play titled ‘The Cost’. In addition, a short extract of his play ‘Moved’ was performed as part of a Scratch Night at Curve Leicester for Black History Season, October 2025. He also took part in a writer’s workshop led by Juliet Gilkes Romero, produced by the Alfred Fagon Awards in November 2025 at Nottingham Playhouse.

His Ghanaian heritage is a major influence in his writing.