Screenshot of students performing in I Can't Breathe

‘I Can’t Breathe’ – This is the cry of my people

Published on:
21st January 2021

In the wake of the killing of George Floyd, a band of artists created pieces using their mobile phones to share their feelings concerning the inner sorrow of police brutality, injustice and systemic racism.

Multiple students & alumni from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School have created ‘I Can’t Breathe’, which premiered this week.

The short film is written & directed by BOVTS student Lionelle Nsarhaza and features BOVTS alumni Kel Matsena, Denzel Baidoo, Issam Al Ghussain, Ben Prusiner.

Speaking to the School, Lionelle said, ‘The team and I hope that this piece allows people to reflect on their livelihood, and through its poetic prose, raise some questions. It is not to cause a divide but form unity through reflection.’

You can read an interview with Lionelle in Bristol 24/7.

‘I Can’t Breathe’ is available to watch now.

Training at BOVTS set me up with the skillset, confidence and connections for the career I now have as a freelance theatre designer. Max Johns, MA Performance Design Alumni