YouTube has today announced the launch of The Digital Theatre Initiative. The Initiative is designed to support those who want to create content that answers the question ‘what is theatre when it’s online?’ The aim is to help participants continue innovation in digital theatre, break down boundaries, make the arts accessible to more people, and ultimately encourage more people to engage with live theatre. With lockdown easing and the cultural sector beginning to look to the future, YouTube is exploring ways to support the industry and ultimately drive people back into theatres.

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On Sunday 28^thFebruary, Utopia Theatre Company hosted their next rehearsed reading of the year, ‘And the Girls in their Sunday Dresses’ by Zakes Mda via Zoom.

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Originally performed in 2019 at the Albany Deptford, Flight Paths gains inspiration from the term ‘Goze‘, a term referring to visually impaired Japanese women who worked as musicians during the medieval era, the Edo Period (17th to 19th century Japan) most notably witnessing the formation of organisations promoting the art form. Drawing parallels to 21st century London, visually impaired performers Amelia Cavallo (US), Sarah Houbolt (Australia), Takashi Kikuchi (Japan) and Victoria Oruwari (Nigeria) cross paths, presenting their own experiences of migration to the UK.

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Responding to the powerful statement “Things I am Not!”, ten female artists were asked to use this as a basis to ultimately create ten original monologues produced by LegalAliens Theatre Company. Highlighting the experiences of female artists who have migrated to the UK, the THINGS I AM NOT podcast series gives voice to the often underrepresented. Currently available to access via the LegalAliens website, Director Becka McFadden tells us more about why the company were inspired of to use the “Things I am Not!” statement as a starting point, how she’s approached directing the podcast series, and what she’d like for listeners to take away from the project.

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Courtesy of by Paula David.

Responding to the powerful statement “Things I am Not!”, ten female artists were asked to use this as a basis to ultimately create ten original monologues produced by LegalAliens Theatre Company. Highlighting the experiences of female artists who have migrated to the UK, the THINGS I AM NOT podcast series gives voice to the often underrepresented. Currently available to access via the LegalAliens website, writer and performer Sabrina Richmond tells us more about her process responding to the “Things I am Not!” statement, working with director Becka McFadden to realise her episode and what she’s taken away from from the project.

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An extension of the initiative Beyond the Canon; formed to highlight the works of Black, Asian and POC playwrights, Beyond the Canon: Writers Room Podcast further delves into this conversation of representation in a post pandemic world. Debuting last year amidst the global crisis and Black Lives Matter movement, the podcast returns for its second season,  featuring conversations with award winning playwrights and play anthology specialists. Founder Simeilia Hodge-Dallaway – also known for her important work leading the Artistic Directors of the Future tells us more about what to expect.

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As the industry continues on the roadmap to recovery a year post the pandemic, we’re reminded of just how crucial the arts are in terms of bringing communities together, wellbeing and creativity. In a year that has brought with it various challenges and difficulties for many, it’s a case of rebuilding a more hopeful and sustainable future. Committed to supporting a mid scale production suitable for both a live and digital space, Arch 468 present the Arch 468 Hope Prize, a £10,000 commission supporting a creative team realise a new work offering the vision of hope. Artistic Director Rebecca Atkinson-Lord tells us more about the award.

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Most recognisable from season two of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Drag queen Tayce has proven week on week with her sharp wit, effortless confidence and determination that she’s a rising star in the making, paving her way through the iconic competition’s various challenges and catwalks. Following the reveal of the nation’s roadmap to recovery, theatre will gradually begin to resume within the next few months, bringing with it an array of events – reminding us as to why the arts are crucial. Taking part in The Parking Lot Social’s DriveTime Drag Tour this Easter, Drag stars from both seasons one and two will entertain with a programme of live comedy, lip synching and more. Ahead of the UK tour, Tayce tells us more about what to expect from the performances, what inspired her to pursue a career in Drag and her time on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.

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Creating a space and opportunities for writers who identify as women to showcase new work, Burn Bright, co-founded by Tori Allen-Martin and Sarah Henley offers mentorship and feedback sessions from industry professionals with their Time Bank initiative, insight into the industry with their newly launched podcast featuring a range of creatives, the opportunity to network with their Connect Series as well as hosting digital showcases. Their next event, Hear Me Roar will showcase new work from writers Chantelle Dusette, Gail Egbeson, Soph Galustian, Tiwa Lade, Lauren Nicole Mayes, Anna Morris and Pegeen Murphy. Ahead of the event, Tori tells us more about the importance of creating these spaces, a featured interview with playwright Morgan Lloyd Malcolm – writer of award winning play Emilia and what to expect from the event.

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Awarding 33 creatives with a £20,000 grant and career support, the Live Work Fund – made possible by Jerwood Arts, Wolfson Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The Linbury Trust, demonstrates the significance of collaboration, from the consortium of funders bringing with them their own valuable expertise to Jerwood Arts’ Artist Advisers offering their insight which in turn supports the decision making process. After the recent announcement of the Live Work Fund recipients, Jerwood Arts tell us more about the crucial fund, how they’ve found responding to growing need and what they’ve learned from their survey of 1200 applicants.

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