Sean Mayes – författare

The oil palm is a remarkable crop, producing around 40% of the world’s vegetable oil from around 6% of the land devoted to oil crops. Conventional breeding has clearly been the major focus of genetic improvement in this crop. A mix of improved agronomy and management, coupled with breeding selection have quadrupled the oil yield of the crop since breeding began in earnest in the 1920s. However, as for all perennial crops with long breeding cycles, oil palm faces immense challenges in the coming years with increased pressure from population growth, climate change and the need to develop environmentally sustainable oil palm plantations.In Oil Palm: Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, world leading organizations and individuals who have been at the forefront of developments in this crop, provide their insights and experiences of oil palm research, while examining the different challenges that face the future of the oil palm. The editors have all been involved in research and breeding of oil palm for many years and use their knowledge of the crop and their disciplinary expertise to provide context and to introduce the different research topics covered.

Runner-up for the Kurt Weill Book Prize 2023A radically urgent intervention, An Inconvenient Black History of British Musical Theatre: 1900 - 1950 uncovers the hidden Black history of this most influential of artforms. Drawing on lost archive material and digitised newspapers from the turn of the century onwards, this exciting story has been re-traced and restored to its rightful place. A vital and significant part of British cultural history between 1900 and 1950, Black performance practice was fundamental to resisting and challenging racism in the UK.Join Mayes (a Broadway- and Toronto-based Music Director) and Whitfield (a musical theatre historian and researcher) as they take readers on a journey through a historically-inconvenient and brilliant reality that has long been overlooked. Get to know the Black theatre community in London’s Roaring 20s, and hear about the secret Florence Mills memorial concert they held in 1928. Acquaint yourself with Buddy Bradley, Black tap and ballet choreographer, who reshaped dance in British musicals - often to be found at Noël Coward’s apartment for late-night rehearsals, such was Bradley’s importance. Meet Jack Johnson, the first African American Heavyweight Boxing Champion, who toured Britain’s theatres during World War 1 and brought the sounds of Chicago to places like war-weary Dundee. Discover the most prolific Black theatre practitioner you’ve never heard of, William Garland, who worked for 40 years across multiple continents and championed Black British performers. Marvel at performers like cabaret star Mabel Mercer, born in Stafford in 1900, who sang and conducted theatre orchestras across the UK, as well as Black Birmingham comedian Eddie Emerson, who was Garland’s partner for decades.Many of their names and works have never been included in histories of the British musical - until now.

Runner-up for the Kurt Weill Book Prize 2023A radically urgent intervention, An Inconvenient Black History of British Musical Theatre: 1900 - 1950 uncovers the hidden Black history of this most influential of artforms. Drawing on lost archive material and digitised newspapers from the turn of the century onwards, this exciting story has been re-traced and restored to its rightful place. A vital and significant part of British cultural history between 1900 and 1950, Black performance practice was fundamental to resisting and challenging racism in the UK.Join Mayes (a Broadway- and Toronto-based Music Director) and Whitfield (a musical theatre historian and researcher) as they take readers on a journey through a historically-inconvenient and brilliant reality that has long been overlooked. Get to know the Black theatre community in London’s Roaring 20s, and hear about the secret Florence Mills memorial concert they held in 1928. Acquaint yourself with Buddy Bradley, Black tap and ballet choreographer, who reshaped dance in British musicals - often to be found at Noël Coward’s apartment for late-night rehearsals, such was Bradley’s importance. Meet Jack Johnson, the first African American Heavyweight Boxing Champion, who toured Britain’s theatres during World War 1 and brought the sounds of Chicago to places like war-weary Dundee. Discover the most prolific Black theatre practitioner you’ve never heard of, William Garland, who worked for 40 years across multiple continents and championed Black British performers. Marvel at performers like cabaret star Mabel Mercer, born in Stafford in 1900, who sang and conducted theatre orchestras across the UK, as well as Black Birmingham comedian Eddie Emerson, who was Garland’s partner for decades.Many of their names and works have never been included in histories of the British musical - until now.

Step into a world where the brightest creative minds of contemporary musical theatre share their insights and inspirations.Conversations in Color unveils the untold stories and perspectives of remarkable artists of color shaping the stage today. Delve into captivating interviews with visionaries like André De Shields, Alex Lacamoire, Baayork Lee, and many more, as they discuss the intricate artistry behind crafting unforgettable musical experiences.Unlike any other, this groundbreaking book offers an indispensable resource for the theatre industry. Explore the multifaceted process of musical creation through conversations with directors, choreographers, music directors, orchestrators, stage managers, writers, librettists, artistic directors, and fight directors. Discover the secrets of their craft, from project preparation to rehearsal techniques, career insights, and personal anecdotes. Drawing from Broadway and regional productions across North America, these exclusive interviews provide invaluable firsthand knowledge that transcends boundaries.Conversations in Color fills a vital void in musical theatre studies, shedding light on the absence of diverse perspectives. Immerse yourself in the minds of leading creative practitioners, gaining practical steps and inspiration for your own artistic endeavors. Whether you're a professional or aspiring performer, director, or designer, this book serves as a compass, guiding you towards excellence.Unlock the secrets of musical theatre's most extraordinary talents: a vibrant world of creativity awaits, where voices that have been under-acknowledged are finally heard, and where passion and innovation reign supreme.

Step into a world where the brightest creative minds of contemporary musical theatre share their insights and inspirations.Conversations in Color unveils the untold stories and perspectives of remarkable artists of color shaping the stage today. Delve into captivating interviews with visionaries like André De Shields, Alex Lacamoire, Baayork Lee, and many more, as they discuss the intricate artistry behind crafting unforgettable musical experiences.Unlike any other, this groundbreaking book offers an indispensable resource for the theatre industry. Explore the multifaceted process of musical creation through conversations with directors, choreographers, music directors, orchestrators, stage managers, writers, librettists, artistic directors, and fight directors. Discover the secrets of their craft, from project preparation to rehearsal techniques, career insights, and personal anecdotes. Drawing from Broadway and regional productions across North America, these exclusive interviews provide invaluable firsthand knowledge that transcends boundaries.Conversations in Color fills a vital void in musical theatre studies, shedding light on the absence of diverse perspectives. Immerse yourself in the minds of leading creative practitioners, gaining practical steps and inspiration for your own artistic endeavors. Whether you're a professional or aspiring performer, director, or designer, this book serves as a compass, guiding you towards excellence.Unlock the secrets of musical theatre's most extraordinary talents: a vibrant world of creativity awaits, where voices that have been under-acknowledged are finally heard, and where passion and innovation reign supreme.