From Monday 20th to Sunday 26th May, Dementia Action Week aims to encourage ‘everyone to take action by starting a conversation; whether it’s calling a relative with dementia or visiting a neighbour, it’s time to start talking’ (Alzheimer’s Society). The week will ‘unite people, workplaces, schools and communities to take action and improve the lives of people living with dementia’. We’re living in a time whereby discussions around dementia are starting to become prominent, however greater awareness to the disease is a necessity. Having conducted workshops with dementia peer groups; inspiring the creation of their immersive show One Hundred Trillion, The Dot Collective look to create a sensory show raising awareness as well as being relatable to its audience. Read on to find out more about the show’s creation process and inspirations as we spoke to Director Laura Harling ahead of the show.

With the rise in popularity of phone apps, the accessing of products/services has become increasingly easier, the e-commerce industry in effect making shopping experiences convenient for customers as they’re able to utilise apps at whatever time and whenever. Apps can be found for a variety of industries whether that be gaming, beauty, social networks, you name it, however theatre seems to be new ground. Having been inspired to create an app, Getgo Culture, to help introduce audiences to new theatre experiences, Joshua Beecham and his team look to make theatre a lot more accessible to both theatre goers and those new to the theatre. Read on to find out more about this exciting and innovative theatre subscription service!

Helen Edmundson adapts the late Andrea Levy’s adored novel for the National Theatre stage. Directed by Rufus Norris, the epic three-hour narrative is a triumph. The story follows those that were affected by Empire Windrush, the Second World War and British colonialisation, and is told by a company of 40 on the Olivier stage.

Courtesy of Brinkhoff-Moegenburg.

Inua Ellams strikes again with his signature rhythmic flare and sharp analytical eye. The Half God Of Rainfall merges Greek and Yoruba mythology in a humorous but poignant 80 minute piece that explores, masculinity, sexual violence and colonialism. 

The one-woman Funeral Flowers follows a 17 year old Angelique, who is both played and written by Emma Davis Edwards. With a mother in prison, a father out of the picture and a wolf in sheep’s clothing for a boyfriend, Angelique has some hefty odds to overcome to pursue her dreams in floristry. Directed by Rachel Nwokoro, the plot begins on a positive note. Edwards performs in a colloquial manner, laid back she chats with the audience as if they have popped over for a cup of tea and a catch-up. But with the fourth wall broken, Angelique begins to let us in, and with it we discover her harrowing experience.

Avalanche: A Love Story is a truly heartbreaking adaptation of Julia Leigh’s memoir. Directed by Anne-Louise Sarks, the one-woman play starring Maxine Peake details the emotionally charged journey of Julia battling all odds in an attempt to become pregnant. The single act play whips through its 90 minute run time with an engrossing narration of events that delves into, love, loss and an eye-opening commentary on IVF and its financial underbelly.

Courtesy of The Other Richard.
©The Other Richard

Currently deliberating over this year’s Network of Independent Critics cohort, independent critics Jo Trainor and Daniel Perks know all too well just how beneficial the experience can be for content creators looking to pursue a career within arts journalism. The world’s largest arts festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe attracts the best globally and just under 3 million arts goers. With so much going on, covering as much as possible can prove difficult; however creating the opportunity for independent critics to cover different genres of performance helps to diversify the arts journalism landscape. This is the Network of Independent Critic’s aim, to offer opportunity to underrepresented writers. Both Jo and Daniel have now taken over from co-founders Laura Kressly and Katharine Kavanagh to organise this year’s experience; they both talk to us about the introduction of well being sessions for this year’s participants.

Father is a one-woman show by Francesca Bartellini, outlining her personal experience of abuse from her father as a young girl. Shows of this calibre are of increasing importance in the ‘Me Too’ era, and I am so glad that Bartellini has found a platform to express the atrocities committed against her.

Cora Bissett’s Fringe smash-hit What Girls Are Made Of has begun its Scottish tour this week with a week’s worth of shows at Tramway. This gig-style show tells the story of Bissett’s five minutes of fame back in the 90s, touring with the likes of Radiohead and Blur all before she had even turned 20. While the title shouts feminist anthem, the summary sounds a little indulgent to me. But, I could not have been more wrong. What Girls Are Made Of is an electric celebration of womanhood in an era when we have more opportunity, and inspiration, than ever.