SOMALIA SEATON
"What I hope to do, all the time, is to be so completely myself... that my audiences and even people who meet me, are confronted with what I am, inside and out as honest as I can be, in this way they have to see things about themselves, immediately.... " – Nina Simone
ABOUT
Somalia Seaton is a British Jamaican-Nigerian, Brooklyn based multidisciplinary artist, playwright, theatre disruptor, filmmaker, educator, and holistic arts practitioner. Born and raised in South-East London, her work spans across theatrical boundaries, consistently centering marginalized voices whilst creating space for transformative storytelling.
In theatre, Somalia has garnered international recognition for her innovative playwriting. Her Royal Shakespeare Company commission Fall of the Kingdom, Rise of the Footsoldier was a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, while her debut play Crowning Glory earned a shortlist nomination for the Alfred Fagon Award. Her body of work extends to include Red(commissioned by Tonic Theatre),House(Clean Break),Curly Fries and Bass(Lyric Hammersmith),Mama's Little Angel(The Yard),Hush Little Baby(Soho Theatre) andLove Letter to the Cloud Seekers(National Youth Theatre).
As the founder and former Artistic Director of London based forum theatre initiative No Ball Games Allowed, and the founder and director of Brooklyn based RISE School of Creative Arts, she has created transformative theatre experiences that embolden young people to creatively explore and address the multitude of stories that orbit their lives and communities. Her educational influence spans across London schools and universities, including a regular lecturing post at her alma mater, University of Essex's East 15 Acting School. Through partnerships with leading institutions such as the National Theatre, Young Vic Theatre, Royal Court Theatre, and Kiln Theatre, she has pioneered innovative programs that merge artistic excellence with social impact.
Drawing from her cross-cultural perspective, Somalia's approach to storytelling challenges conventions and disrupts exclusionary cultural norms. Her work, whether for stage, screen, or educational institutions, creates space for truthful dialogue while pushing boundaries and maintaining a deep connection to the human experience.
It’s also imperative to note that she enjoys salt baths, naps and people that wash their legs.
PORTFOLIO
Crowning Glory, Theatre Royal Stratford East
Crowning Glory is a poetic exploration of how white ideals of beauty are projected onto Black women. Hair is used as a metaphor through seven interwoven monologues and poems, that put the audience in the position of both spectator and antagonist.
FALL OF THE KINGDOM, RISE OF THE FOOTSOLDIER
‘This is our England.’
In a country where protectionism masquerades as patriotism, a new national identity is being forged. Nostalgic notions of Englishness fracture as the rallying cries of a new generation are heard on the streets. In London, an attack on a student forces her teacher to confront the uncomfortable truth lurking beneath the veneer of community cohesion.
Somalia Seaton peels away the privileged ignorance of Neo-liberalism to expose the deep wound of cultural tension cutting through modern England.
HOUSE
Pat returns to her childhood home after a five-year absence, seeking reconciliation with her mother, Mama, for past neglect. However, Mama is unwilling to confront the painful memories associated with Pat's return.
The play was commissioned by Clean Break and produced in association with the Yard Theatre, London. It premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2016 before transferring to The Yard.
Critics have praised House for its raw and intelligent exploration of cultural and familial intersections. Broadway Baby described it as "a focused but never narrow look at the intersection of culture and family," while The Observer noted that "every word compels."
RED
Red is a poignant play by Somalia Seaton that delves into the internal lives of young women, focusing on themes of grief, loss, and memory. The narrative centers on Dee, a teenager grappling with the disappearance of her best friend, Jay. To cope with her profound loss, Dee retreats into a twilight world called Dusk, where she revisits fragmented memories and conversations with Jay. This imaginative realm contrasts with the mundane reality of her suburban surroundings, highlighting the tension between her inner world and external life.
Red is part of the Platform series, an initiative by Tonic Theatre aimed at addressing gender imbalance in theatre by commissioning plays with predominantly or all-female casts, specifically for young actors. The play has been praised for its unflinching exploration of young women's experiences and its versatility in performance, and continues to be performed by young performers worldwide.
For those interested in performing or studying the play, the script is available for purchase through Nick Hern Books.
Red offers a compelling and empathetic portrayal of the complexities of adolescence, grief, and the enduring bonds of friendship.
