‘My Fruits’ is an experimental approach to documenting Black British History; it is a live, video-based performance designed to resist established methods of documentary filmmaking. The piece was created as part of an extended research project into how Black British histories may be documented in a way that resists reinforcing (neo)colonial ideas of the Other.
The show explores the lives of my mum and her siblings, delving into their childhood experiences of racism and its lasting effects. It follows their arrival on a London council estate, the first Black family to be housed there, continuing into their present day reflections on this shared past. ‘My Fruits’ presents a counter-narrative to the monocultural way in which British history is commonly presented. The piece invites its audience to reimagine a sense of British national identity that incorporates the experiences of ordinary, Black Britons.
As cultural organisations look to decolonise their curating and exhibitory practices, this project emphasises the importance of providing the space for communities of colour to creatively engage with the archival materials that document their heritage. In doing so, museums and galleries can unearth little-known histories, offer new perspectives, and invite people to meaningfully engage with the past.
Note: Video has no sound.
'My Fruits' was programmed by HOME Theatre as part of PUSH Festival 2023. If you would like to learn some more about the project, explore the digital archive below.
