The full cast for Lament for Sheku Bayoh, the upcoming co-production from National Theatre of Scotland, Edinburgh International Festival, and Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, has been announced today.

Written and Directed by acclaimed spoken word artist and theatre-maker Hannah Lavery, Lament for Sheku Bayoh is a personal response to the death of 31 year-old gas engineer Sheku Bayoh, who lost his life in police custody on the streets of his hometown of Kirkcaldy, Fife, in 2015.

After Sheku Bayoh lost his life in 2015, his family launched a campaign seeking justice and answers about the manner of his death. In 2019 it was announced that a judge-led inquiry into the case would be held, with a view to establishing the circumstances behind the case. Earlier this year it was announced that the remit for the inquiry would include examining whether Mr Bayoh's "actual or perceived race" had played any part in his death.

Lament for Sheku Bayohwill be performed by cast members Saskia Ashdown, Patricia Panther, and Courtney Stoddart from the Lyceum theatre’s stage and streamed to audiences at home. It will also feature music from composer Beldina Odenyo, AKA Heir of the Cursed.

Three performances will be streamed on 20 and 21 November 2020 and made available to a paying audience. Viewers can buy tickets to watch performances from either the National Theatre of Scotland or the Lyceum Theatre’s website.

Lament for Sheku Bayohwas originally commissioned and presented as a rehearsed reading by the Lyceum Theatre, supported by the Edinburgh International Festival as part of the 2019 International Festival’s You Are Here strand.