News / Black theatre
Retracing the path of Alfred Fagon
A cyclist said he hopes that his 160-mile journey following the footsteps of pioneering playwright Alfred Fagon will remind people “how minorities contribute to how we build this country”.
Travelling over two days, Godwyns Onwuchekwa retraced Fagon’s own journey from Nottingham, where the Jamaican-born playwright once lived, to Bristol, where he later settled and is commemorated with a bronze statue.
As the evening sun dipped over St Paul’s on Sunday, supporters gathered next to the bust to welcome the exhausted barrister as he finished the sweltering sponsored ride, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Alfred Fagon Award.
is needed now More than ever
The award was created to commemorate Fagon’s life and support the work of today’s playwrights and storytellers of African and Caribbean descent.
Fagon was a poet, playwright and actor at the vanguard of the Black British theatre movement of the 1970s and 80s.
Born in Jamaica, he moved to England as a young man and spent many years living in Bristol before his death in London in 1986.
His bust, created by Zimbabwean sculptor David Matusa, was unveiled at the Grosvenor Road Triangle in 1987.
Ten years later, in 1996, the Alfred Fagon Award was founded which, over the past three decades, has built an illustrious record of winners including Michaela Coel, Theresa Ikoko and Roy Williams.
The bust of Alfred Fagon is the only permanent statue of a Black man in Bristol – photo: Alfred Fagon Award
Speaking next to the Grade II-listed memorial, Onwuchekwa said he was “touched” by Fagon’s story and wanted to “help people pursue their dream” by raising money for the organisation.
“Even if it’s one person, I hope that more people will hear about what this great organisation does in supporting those who otherwise would not be recognised,” he said.
Onwuchekwa said that learning about Fagon’s life made him reflect on his own experiences as a Nigerian-born immigrant living in Britain.
“Even today, Black men like me still face suspicion,” he said, recalling how, while most people he met during the ride were welcoming, he sensed initial hesitation during one countryside encounter.
“I think they thought, ‘He’s a Black guy. He’s muscular. He has dreadlocks. Who is he?’ But once we started talking, everything changed.”
Family, friends and supporters celebrated the arrival of the cycle tourer – photo: Betty Woolerton
James St. Ville, chair of the trustees for the Alfred Fagan Award, told Bristol24/7: “There have been range of people who’ve been recognised, uplifted, provided with an additional community of playwrights and theatre-makers that really support them, and that’s just a wonderful thing.”
Asked why the awards remain important after 30 years, he said: “Because there is still work to be done. There is still opportunity to be given to people who have less of an opportunity.”
St. Ville added: “Alfred Fagon’s presence in this city, his presence in the theatre world and the presence of a statue here show his long term significance and influence.
“It brings people together to make art that reflects the world we live in and the problems that we face.”
To donate to the fundraiser, visit www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/alfred-fagon-award-sponsored-bike-ride
Main photo & video: Betty Woolerton
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