Birmingham 2022: Amaechi music performance project needs basketball players

Birmingham 2022 Festival is looking for three basketball players to take part in 'Amaechi', a new music performance project that reflects the dynamism and energy of 3x3.

This project is inspired by the life and writings of psychologist and ex-NBA basketball player John Amaechi, who was a bronze medallist with England in the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

His personal story shines a light on the universal experience of ‘coming out’ for all gay people, and the piece will use texts from his books 'Man in the Middle' and 'The Promises of Giants'.

There are 35 Commonwealth countries where homosexuality is illegal, of which 13 countries punish homosexual acts with imprisonment or death. This event offers an ideal platform to present an imaginative celebration of sports and human spirit regardless of sexual orientation.

This project is being presented as part of the Birmingham 22 Festival, a six month celebration of creativity across the West Midlands and the Commonwealth.

The performance will feature three basketball players, three percussionists, three singers and an electronic musician. Collectively, they will create a fast-paced energetic performance of fifteen minutes on the Commonwealth Games Practice Court at Smithfield, right next to the main court where the 3x3 basketball event takes place.

What you need to know:

  • Selected basketball players will receive a fee of £1000.
  • You will be a basketball player who has some experience of playing at club level.
  • You will need to be available for rehearsals between June – July.
  • The piece will be performed twice a day on 30 & 31 July.
  • The performance will be captured on audio and video and made available online.
  • We are keen to work with people who define themselves as LGBTQ+, but this is not a pre-requisite.

Applicants need to be 18+ and can apply either in writing or by sending a short video.

Find out more about the project and how to apply by clicking the link below. 

Basketball has the power to change lives. The #GameTime campaign will aim to raise awareness of the positive impact that our sport can have on people no matter who they are or where they are from. 

Basketball England aims to engage one million people in basketball via the Commonwealth Games 2022, 3x3 and more.  

Whether you want to: 

  • Support Team England 
  • #GetInvolved as a player, coach, official, volunteer or fan 
  • Or improve your local court with #ProjectSwish 

...regardless of age, gender or background, across every part of the basketball family, it's #GameTime!