A decade long creative process, started from the seed of an idea by composer Gianluca Cucchiara, Vanara – The Legend will make its debut at the Hackney Empire from the 22nd to the 31st October. Following a series of workshops and a concept album, West End and international talent will tell the story of a young woman caught between the battle of protecting tradition and pursuing her progressive spirit. Ahead of the production, Gianluca tells us more about the show, and its environmental message.
Hamlet – Prince of Denmark, is left grief stricken after the murder of his father by his tenacious uncle, Claudius who now resides the thrown alongside his mother, Gertrude. A tale of revenge, Hamlet’s melancholic mental state is clear, this dictating how he navigates the world moving forward. One of Shakespeare’s most iconic tragedies, Cush Jumbo takes on the complex lead in Greg Hersov’s adaptation.
Courtesy of Helen Murray.
An important time within theatre addressing equality and representation, we’re currently witnessing important conversations had and movements formed that are helping to shape our new era of theatre, post pandemic, and the early 21st century. Published by Supernova Books, 50 Women in Theatre shines a light on 25 legends of post war theatre in the English-speaking world and 25 extraordinary women working in theatre today. Playing a significant role in the creation of the book, Theatre Specialist Dr Susan Croft, whose work varies as writer, curator, dramaturg, arts/performance archive consultant and historian, tells us more about the creative process of compiling the book, writing the book’s overview, and what to expect!
The experience of feeling lost can feel very overwhelming, we all having our own ways of dealing with this. Having encountered this on the way to the theatre one day, writer and performer Charlene Salter draws from her own experience of seeking directions, but rather than being greeted with support, being greeted with the complete opposite. We hear of misunderstandings and confrontation, Access All Areas– renowned for their work highlighting the often unheard voices of learning disabled artists presenting their latest audio immersive tour, The Interrogation.
Dealing with mental health issues, particularly at a younger age can feel isolating and confusing. Especially with attitudes and the stigma placed around mental health. Exploring this delicate topic within production Malindadzimu, Mufaro Makubika draws on establishing cultural roots and heritage, as well as spirituality as a means of supporting with mental health recovery.
Courtesy of Robert Day.
Founder of Cut the Cord, a company committed to establishing an enriching theatrical partnership between the Nordic and UK theatre scene, Camilla Gürtler continues on with this mission with the latest edition of the New Nordics Festival, a five day celebration of live and digital contemporary works from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Set to take place at Jacksons Lane Theatre from the 12th to the 16th October, Camilla tells us more about creating this important platform for creatives, her hopes for the festival and what to expect from the event!
Currently debuting her latest show curious, a show exploring the lives of two young, Black, queer actresses trying to find out who they are, award winning writer Jasmine Lee-Jones returns, this time, to the Soho Theatre until 16th October. Establishing the show’s visual aesthetic, co-set and costume designers Camilla Clarke and Rosie Elnile tell us more about working with the show’s themes to realise the visual language, challenges faced in doing so and what they’ve taken away from working on the show!
Life… death… and all the plans in between… bold concepts explored in Brian Beaton’s black comedy, Swedish.
A celebration of womanhood and the experiences that have shaped our leads, writers Rhiannon Owens and Nick Maynard present Jam Tart/Lemon Kurd – two monologues delving into the relatable, offering up space to connect.
Katy Maw – Jam Tart
Iva Toguri – not a name you are familiar with perhaps – but certainly a woman whose story is worth telling. A proud American of Japanese descent caught in the cross fire after the Second World War; she was accused of treason for radio broadcasting Japanese propaganda to Allied Forces. Burnt Lemon Theatre have brought to life this astonishing slice of history in their new musical Tokyo Rose, and it is a whirlwind.
Burnt Lemon Theatre