Play by city's ex-poet laureate set to open

A play written by Birmingham’s former poet laureate is set to hit the stage.

Please Do Not Touch tells the story of Mason, a social justice activist, who works to uncover the true stories behind artefacts displayed in museums and stately homes.

The drama by Casey Bailey explores themes of colonialism, ownership, the criminal justice system and contested items.

It premiers at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry on Wednesday and runs until 21 September.

“The inspiration came from me visiting art galleries, museums, heritage houses and they’re covered in the signs that say 'please do not touch',” Mr Bailey told BBC Radio WM.

“I started thinking these things shouldn’t be here, there were items that were taken from Ghana, India and China and you’re telling me 'please do not touch', but why did you touch it in the first place?

“So then I started delving into some of the hypocrisy of that, but also some of the interesting stories of these things.”

The playwright and teacher first published a collection of poems in 2021 with the same title, which focused on a similar theme and the impact on the lives of young black men who grew up in the city.

He added: “When we pick up something and take it then we’re criminals and crooks. But 200 years ago, people who picked up and took things became admirals, generals, legends and heroes so it was about picking apart that difference.”

“All these layers of society stack up and basically do the same job which is lift up some people and push down other people.”

Directed by Gail Babb, the play unfolds as the protagonist finds himself in a young offender facility after an incident with an artefact and he uses poetry as a tool to survive the ordeal.

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.