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Theatre & Dance

SEEN Lewisham is back! Celebrating cultural diversity

The 10-day festival of theatre, dance, music, comedy and visual arts nurtures and showcases young creative artists alongside established talent.

SEEN Lewisham is back! Celebrating cultural diversity
Emily Obasohan and Ryan Calais Cameron from Nouveau Riche at the opening event. Image: Salamander

SEEN Lewisham is running for the second year, with performances and events at the Broadway Theatre and across the borough. As well as theatre performances, it includes Poetry Nights, community library events, school programmes and pop-ups.

The festival is dedicated to developing and platforming local talent and amplifying global majority and underrepresented voices.

The SEEN artist mentoring programme is central to the project; it offers funding and support for a group of mentees, who have gained a range of skills and experience and are now performing at SEEN.

Four unaccompanied performers on stage, Isolin and GS Creative
Iso Lyn and GS Creative perform at the opening event. Image: Salamander

The council partnered with the Broadway Theatre, Catford and Nouveau Riche to deliver the festival. Nouveau Riche was co-founded by Ryan Calais Cameron, award-winning writer, actor and theatre director who grew up in Catford.

Cameron said: "Together with the Broadway Theatre, we’re investing in local creatives, providing meaningful platforms, and ensuring that the rich cultural identity of this borough is truly seen, heard, and celebrated.

SEEN 2025 is about amplifying voices, creating opportunity, and making lasting impact.”

The Broadway Theatre received Arts Council funding for the first time for the SEEN festival.

Local poet Blaze performs Soundtrack to your soul.
Local poet Blaze performs Soundtrack to your Soul. Image: Salamander

Carmel, compere at the Festival opening event, quoted Maya Angelou: "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."

The festival aims to tell some of those stories, with projects and events reaching across generations and communities.

SEEN Family Day Saturday 11 October from 10am - 3pm

Free activities include face painting, performances and treasure hunt. At the Broadway Theatre, Catford.

SEEN Marketplace Saturday 11 October 11 am - 7pm

The marketplace for local makers, traders and entrepreneurs will offer fashion, food, crafts, books and more. At the Main House, Broadway Theatre, Catford.

SEEN festival runs until Sunday 12 October, book tickets and discover free events.

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