Freedom to Reimagine offered audiences a glimpse into the creative process behind our upcoming landmark production Nanny of the Maroons, which tells the story of Queen Nanny, the 19th-century Jamaican warrior and feminist icon.
Between Wed 18 – 20 Mar 2026, we hosted a range of performances, exhibitions, and discussions that highlighted the Belgrade’s collaborative approach to storytelling.
Wed 18 Mar – Media Academy Showcase
The first day featured the Belgrade’s Media Academy Showcase, presenting original short films, podcasts, and written work created by community participants around the theme Female Heroes. Each piece reflected the unique perspectives, stories, and creativity of young people, families, and local artists.
Thu 19 Mar – Community Showcase
The second day brought the community together for an evening of performance, conversation, and reflection. Students from Blue Coat School and Hereward College presented newly devised work across poetry, dance, and theatre, developed through weeks of creative exploration.
The Blue Coat Gospel Choir performed original songs in collaboration with Nanny of the Maroons composer Corah Fowles, while members of West Midlands Youth Revival Church also contributed to the creative process. Coventry’s Young Poet Laureate, Diamond Kayode-Osunlana, performed a newly commissioned spoken word piece responding to the theme Freedom to Reimagine.
Fri 20 Mar – Nanny to Now Panel
The celebration concluded with Nanny to Now, a panel discussion exploring the legacy of Queen Nanny and the ongoing cultural and political relevance of her story. Hosted by Sandra Griffiths, founder and CEO of The Red Earth Collective, the panel featured prominent Black women leaders and cultural voices:
- Lavinya Stennett, writer, activist, and Founder/CEO of The Black Curriculum
- Nissy Tee, award-winning content creator and founder of Powerclass Masterclass
- Chinonyerem Odimba, Artistic Director of tiata fahodzi and acclaimed playwright
The panel explored themes of leadership, resistance, identity, and community through the lens of Queen Nanny’s enduring influence. It also coincided with the launch of the visual podcast series The Nannys of Today, featuring co-director Justine Themen in conversation with inspirational Black women about their careers and Queen Nanny’s legacy.
Looking Ahead: Nanny of the Maroons
Freedom to Reimagine was a three-day celebration that showcased the power of community co-creation while offering a sneak peek into Nanny of the Maroons. Tickets go on sale to Belgrade Members on 13 Apr 2026 and General Sale on 23 Apr 2026, ahead of the production’s Summer 2027 world premiere.
The three-day celebration highlighted how Coventry’s communities can actively participate in shaping theatre – from storytelling and performance to creative discussion – making the Belgrade a hub for shared creativity and cultural exploration.
Photos by Nicola Young Photography
“Freedom to Reimagine brought people together to share stories, ideas, and creative work developed over recent months. It showed the magic that happens when communities, young people, and artists collaborate.”