Jords announced as Executive Producer of PlayFight at Seven Dials Playhouse
Artist Jords has been announced as Executive Producer for PlayFight, heading to the West End’s Seven Dials Playhouse this summer. This powerful portrayal of a broken system that demands change (Theatre Weekly) explores how racism within education systems and wider communities has a dangerous effect on young Black people’s lives.
Jordan Edwards-Wilks, better known by his stage name Jords, is a Croydon singer, songwriter and producer, who combines clever lyrics with raw emotion and thought-provoking concepts. His work has premiered on Capital Xtra and been named Track of the Week two weeks running on BBC Radio 1xtra. Jords has performed with the likes of Sofar Sounds, Mahogony Sessions on YouTube and ASOS for private acoustic sessions. His debut album Dirt in the Diamond was released on 26th May 2023 by Motown Records, making him the first UK rap artist to be signed to the historic US label.
The cast of PlayFight returns from the previous run at The Pleasance. Kai will be portrayed by "quietly impressive" (The Reviews Hub) Iain Gordon (Othello; Omnibus Theatre, Casualty; BBC), and Landry Adelard (Guerrilla; Showtime, Number 1; Bush), who was previously praised for his "skilful warmth" (Theatre Weekly), reprises the role of TJ. They are joined by Carla Garratt (Tangled Feet Tour; Polka Theatre, Gulbenkian and Brixton House, Bridgerton; Secret Cinema) in the role of Zara, the piece’s "emotional bridge" (The Reviews Hub).
The play follows three previously inseparable friends as life starts to pull them apart. For these young people, the way they are perceived feels like an inevitable script written in stone. When the weight of that stone threatens to crush them, slowly and imperceptibly at first, this piece explores how alienation and a lack of support can make already vulnerable young Black people victims of harmful stereotypes.
Produced by Orísun Productions, PlayFight is directed by Leian John-Baptiste (Waterfalls, Stop and Search, Barbershop Chronicles, is god is).
Jords comments, "As a black man, the West End was always seen as something that was “too good” for us, and felt like a world away. To be able to contribute in any shape or form is an honour, especially for brilliant plays like PlayFight, one that gives context to a shared experience in the most beautiful way."
Book tickets here.
