Complicité - Screening Announcement

The filmed production explores the climate crisis through the lens of a young Black British artist and activist.  Inspired by Fehinti Balogun’s experiences in environmental activism, Can I Live? is an uplifting and energising performance prompting an urgent conversation about the

lack of representation at the heart of the British climate movement.

Rising star Fehinti Balogun’s (Dune, I May Destroy You?; Juliet Naked, ITV’s View Point and Walden in the West End with Gemma Arterton) Can I Live? is his vital, energising exploration of the place where the climate emergency and social justice meet.

Using rap, spoken word and theatre, Can I Live? is a call-to-arms to anyone who may have felt excluded from activism or is curious about how to get involved. It’s a personal story that follows Fehinti’s own journey into climate activism, featuring a cast of some of his own family. The film has been produced by Complicité (The Encounter; A Disappearing Number, Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead) – one of the most highly regarded theatre companies in the world.

The actor and activist also added:

“Oftentimes, we don't make the connection between the colonial history of Britain and the climate breakdown, nor do we think about the thousands of immigrants who come to the UK as a direct result of climate related issues. ‘Can I Live?’ is about opening up the conversation, taking up space as a Black person and making space for others.”

Directed by Bush Theatre Associate Artistic Director Daniel Bailey (August In England, Red Pitch, The High Table, Blue/Orange, Concubine) and co-directed by Complicité’s Simon McBurney (The Encounter, Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, The Master and Margarita), Can I Live? creates a dialogue with the audience, encouraging self reflection, anger and joy. 

Award-winning social and environmental Justice theater company Empatheatre will be hosting a screening of Can I Live? with a post film discussion facilitated by Empatheatre co-founders Neil Coppen and Dr Dylan McGarry. 

The film will be screened at the Bertha House Cinema (69 Main Rd, Mowbray, Cape Town) on the 12th October from 16:00 - 19:30.  There will be no charge to attend this event but tickets will be reserved on a first come first serve basis with 62 places available. 

To reserve a booking at the event please RSVP to empatheatreinfo@gmail.com.

Conceived, written & performed by Fehinti Balogun

Director, Daniel Bailey

Co-Director, Simon McBurney

Projection, Animation & Visual Effects Design, Ash J Woodward

Music Director & Composer, Khalil Madovi

With Kwame Odoom as Deji

A Complicité production in association with the Barbican, London, supported by Oxford Playhouse and Doc Society Climate Story Fund.

Running Time: 60 mins | Suitable for ages 12+

Trigger warnings: contains some flashing images, some strong language, explores themes of racism, classism and describes some violence.