So we know the musical line up for this year’s Latitude Festival, with the likes of The Maccabees, The National, New Order, Grimes, Kurt Vile and the Violaters and Of Monsters and Men headlining the weekend from the 14th-17th July. However it’s now time to find out who’ll be joining this not to be missed weekend in the worlds of dance and theatre!
 

When you think of circus, what immediately comes to mind? Death defying stunts? Unimaginable tricks? Adrenaline fuelled sequences? Heart racing music? A genre I’m sure you’ll agree associated with the awe-inspiring, circus, just like a piece of drama can be versatile, and Me, Mother is a considered example of this.

Image by David Levene

A night of inventive and creative performance, a contemporary circus practice that is fun and comic to watch. The night consists of two performances, opening with a piece in development performed by Pop: A New Circus Concept, followed by Barely Methodical Troupe presenting Kin, a World Premiere. Complimenting each other both pieces embody contemporary circus, enhancing an element of story telling, characterisation and aesthetics of production.

A creative and colourful blend of defined choreography merged with eye catching set and staging, The House Of In Between at the Theatre Royal Stratford East takes theatregoers on a trip through classical Indian art and culture. Allowing one to engage freely in this rather sensitive story of transgender dress and at the same time learning how tradition (as well as family ties) can affect the journey these individuals take in identifying themselves.

As a long time admirer of Tango I have always found myself drawn to its versatility; what initially attracts me to this particular style of dance is how it is capable of so many emotions and how despite the rigid rules and etiquettes of its nature, Tango does not have to be inherently sexual or overtly flash. It is a dance that can be shared by two of the same gender, or a couple with a vast age difference, and what I have always loved is how in the moment of that dance, there is a great amount of context and respectively, expression.

Photograph courtesy of Patrick Baldwin

Since the 1980s, Graeae have trail blazed the performance arts landscape by shattering perceptions of disability and making the arts accessible to all. 36 years down the line, and they show no signs of slowing down, bringing their brand of fun, collaboration and daring to their latest and popular production, Reasons to be Cheerful, a feel good musical tying the songs of the legendary artist Ian Dury and the Blockheads to create an unforgettable experience. Ahead of Graeae’s summer tour, starting off at Latitude, Theatrefullstop were lucky enough to speak to lead vocalist, John Kelly about what being apart of Graeae means to him, what drew him to take part in the production 6 years ago, and  what it felt like taking part in the 2012 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony.

A term most often associated with sporting tournaments, the Race Horse Company offer their very own Royal Knockout consisting of the brave, the hilarious and the out right daring in their latest production, Super Sunday.

Violet returns to the Southbank, kickstarting another season of the Underbelly Festival. For those who haven’t been, the Underbelly is London’s go-to popup venue for all things comedy, burlesque, circus or generally fringe related. It’s a great opportunity to catch acts before they ship-off (and generally sell-out) to Edinburgh.