One man show brings a feast of visual and spoken art to Cheltenham (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Inua Ellams' show at Cheltenham's Parabola Arts Centre

4:24pm Thursday 26th April 2012 in What's On

INUA Ellams draws influences from theatre, visual art and spoken word for an epic one man performance about the friendship of two brothers, beginning in childhood in Nigeria and carrying them across the years and continents.

Rich with Ellams' trademark attention to detail, poetry and iconic imagery, Black T-shirt Collection reflects on the political and personal consequences of living in a capitalist world, and the cost of success.

In their teens, brothers Matthew and Muhammed launch a T-shirt business in the markets of Nigeria. As it grows, The Black T-shirt Collection turns into a global brand, taking them first to Egypt then London and China. But their success affects their personal relationship, and forces them to make difficult choices about the things that really matter.

Inua Ellams is a poet, writer, teacher, performer and graphic artist. He has performed extensively at venues and festivals including the Soho Theatre, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Tate Modern, Glastonbury and Latitude, and has published four books including his first collection of poetry, 13 Fairy Negro Tales, when he was just 22-years-old. Running time one hour, April 27, 7.30pm, Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham