Ayla: In Concert is a showcase of breathtaking music that tells the story of Ayla, our hero of hope for the future.
Ayla tells the story of a young woman who questions her own traditions and the powers that be, willing to sacrifice everything she holds dear to fight for a better future for her people and the planet, one that will safeguard the natural world and the delicate ecosystem in which they live.
In a virtuosic display of hauntingly beautiful voices and athletic physicality; we find a new language of total expression on the edge of survival.
Ayla moves us through timeless themes of love, passion overcoming adversity, societal injustice, and human’s impact on the natural world leaving a powerful contemporary resonance.
This showcase marks a big step on an exciting creative journey towards Ayla a New Musical.
The show is produced by academy award producer Giovanna Romagnoli and Gianluca Cucchiara.
The cast includes Sam Tutty, known for playing the role of Evan Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen (Noel Coward Theatre) for which he won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He will next be seen playing the role of Dougal in Two Strangers (Kiln Theatre). He also featured in Once on this Island (British Theatre Academy, Southwark Playhouse), and Sha Dessi, Tarantino Live (Riverside Studios), Pump up the Volume (Turbine Theatre), Les Misérables (Sondheim Theatre), The Pirate Queen (London Coliseum), Songs for a New World (London Palladium), Best of the West End (Royal Albert Hall).
Arlissa. After posting an acoustic viral recording (100mil views) of “Heart’s Ain’t Gonna Lie” on Facebook, caught the attention of Jonas Blue, who remixed the record, released on Def jam Arlissa wrote and performed “We Won’t Move” from the critically acclaimed movie The Hate You Give (song was shortlisted for Best Original Song at the Oscars) She also wrote and performed on BTS’s diamond breakthrough hit “Spring Day” and “Eyes Off You” – M-22, Arlissa & Kiana Ledé for Ariana Grande’s soundtrack for Charlie’s Angel’s.
The cast is completed by the incredible duo of dancers Jemima Brown and Ru Fisher.
The music, written and arranged by award winning composer Gianluca Cucchiara with lyrics by award winning lyricist Andrew James Whelan, will be performed by a 5 piece live band. Fabio Staffieri, Guitar and Mandolin – Mykey Kew, El Guitar and Keys – James Reddick Winds and Ethnic Flutes – Kotono Sato – Cello and Violin – Valerio La Piana – Percussions and drums.
The show is Directed and Choreographed by award winning choreographer Eleesha Drennan
