In prison, talk is cheap… relationships are dangerous.  Talking about the legacy of the past and sharing dreams for the future build a fragile intimacy which is threatened when Charlie receives a visit from an old friend. Will he believe what Ash tells him? Or will old patterns and prejudices resurface? The play challenges assumptions about action, intent and relationships.

Basic, 2007 © Marian Alonso


“A powerful 75 minutes of theatre, which couldn’t have more contemporary relevance.” – David Simmons – The Stage

“A firecracker performance” – Claire Alfree – Metro

“Under Franko Figueiredo’s direction, Oyeniran switches between childlike vulnerability, lethally wired energy and alarmingly unfocussed fury to get to the play’s nub” – Claire Alfree- Metro

“Bleak, honest and powerful” – Lloyd Evans – The Spectator

“Powerful, edgy and hypnotic” – Emma John – Time Out


Written by Lynn Greenwood
Directed by Franko Figueiredo
Assistant Director: Gael Le Cornec
Cast: Femi Oyeniran & Christopher Streeks
Designer: Lu Firth
Lighting Designer: Adam Crosthwaite
Sound Designer: Dinah Mullen
Fight Director: Haruka Kuroda
Set Builder: Scott Firth
Scenic Painter: Anna Cottray
Graffiti Artwork: ONTDESIGN
Stage Management: Jo Strickland

Basic was presented at Hackney Empire Studios and supported by Arts Council Of England and Unity Theatre Trust.