Due to launch this April, after envisioning the concept 5 years ago, YARD Arthouse, formed by the MAIA Group, will serve as a community hub for locals to realise their ideas and projects. Based in Lady Wood, West Midlands, the venue marks the initial phase of a regeneration project that will also include an artist led hotel and cultural hub by 2023. Ahead of YARD Arthouse’s launch, MAIA Group co-founder Amahra Spence tells us more about what to expect from the venue, transforming her local neighbourhood and what her hopes are for the venue.
Tertia Sefton-Green, courtesy of Clive Barda.
Seeking inspiration from various female scientific pioneers who have helped to shape the field, HMDT Music’s production, Jina and the STEM Sisters will highlight their often unrecognised achievements, fusing puppetry, music and theatre to present an online musical for families to enjoy. Available to stream online via the HMDT Music website, Creative Director Tertia Sefton-Green tells us more about acknowledging these important achievements, working on the show’s musical element and what she’s learned from creating the show.
Revisiting her production of Diary of an Expat, originally performed at the the 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Festival, writer and performer Cecilia Gragnani returns with an adaptation of the production with podcast series London Expat. Joined by Drag Queen Jonny Woo, the pair examine experiences of what life as an expat means within the UK, Jonny Woo taking on the role of the ‘Spirit of London’ as each episode delves into the topic of migration further. Currently available to access via Storie Libere’s website, Cecilia tells us more about what she’s taken away from the journey of creating both shows.
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.
On Sunday 28thFebruary, Utopia Theatre Company hosted their next rehearsed reading of the year, ‘And the Girls in their Sunday Dresses’ by Zakes Mda via Zoom.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.