Welcoming the next phase of Jacksons Lane’s architectural and artistic journey, Artistic Director Ade Berry and Executive Director Monique Deletant realise the venue’s vision of becoming ‘welcoming, inspiring, accessible, visible, inviting and reflective of its personality and ambition’ – a vision brought to life by architects Citizens Design Bureau. Currently under redevelopment, Ade and Monique tell us more about what to expect from the newly redeveloped venue.
Dramatising the final days of the famed neo-expressionist Jean-Michel Basquiat‘s life, PoetryHouse present The Lost Generation – a behind-the-scenes examination of Basquiat’s dealings with fame, his collaboration with Andy Warhol, succeeding in the elitist world of art and creating a body of work that he truly believes in.
Originally performed as part of The Actors Centre’s ‘Working Class Season’ in 2018 and curated by theatre company Actors Awareness, Cliffordkuju Henry’s ‘In Search of a White Identity’ returns, a topical piece of political theatre exploring the friendship of two protesters who find themselves on opposing sides of a march. A show exploring class, race and masculinity, Cliffordkuju tells us more about what to expect from the show.
A topic rarely explored on stage, writer Gavin Yule presents his debut play The Bus Stop, a piece based on his own personal experience of experiencing a disability hate crime. Supported by Lung Ha Theatre Company, champions of accessibility and highlighting voices often unheard, Gavin has created the show under the mentorship of playwright Andrew Edwards and director Nicola Tuxworth. With the hopes of raising awareness on this harsh reality, the show is currently available to stream on the Traverse Theatre’s website until Tuesday 8th December. Gavin tells us more about his pertinent show.
“Remember… remember… remember…” a sentiment that echoes throughout Victor Esses and Yorgos Petrou’s digital performance Unfamiliar at Home; the past an integral component informing their present – their journey towards creating a family of their own a powerful and emotional one.
Formed in response to the theatre closures caused by the current pandemic, the first round of the Theatre Artists Fund, established by theatre organisations UK Theatre and Society of London Theatre (SOLT) has supported 2,600 theatre workers and freelancers with emergency grants during this challenging time. Supported by various donors, including Netflix and Arts Council England, the second round of the fund is currently open until Friday 20th November. The Theatre Artists Fund team tell us more about the impact of this year’s pandemic on the industry, how to apply for the fund and how it has supported its recipients.
Inspired by the life and works of celebrated artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, an artist noted for his social commentary on power structures, race and class – PoetryHouse founder Jahmar Ngozi presents The Lost Generation – an online production delving into Basquiat’s experiences of living in New York and being of the Caribbean diaspora. Ahead of the streaming across YouTube and Facebook Live, Jahmar tells us more about why he identifies with Basquiat, adapting the show for an online audience and how he’s found creating work during this challenging time.
A racialised term coined over a century ago, the impact of the term ‘Yellow Peril’ has been a damaging one; English novelist Sax Rohmer’s creation of villain Dr Fu Manchu in the 20th century further playing into the fear of the supposed existential threat imposed by East Asian nations on the West – this perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Exploring this further within her short film Casting Fu Manchu, a digital commission supported by organisation Chinese Arts Now; artist and filmmaker Eelyn Lee tells us more about deconstructing the fictional character – highlighting the inequalities faced by actors of East and Southeast Asian heritage, working with casting director Nicci Topping to cast the film and the process of socially distanced filming.
Fuelled by political and social events that have witnessed noticeable divisions within the past four years, Chris Redmond – co-founder of spoken word collective Tongue Fu has been inspired to curate an album creating a ‘space of hope and solidarity’ during a chaotic time. Ahead of the album’s release later on this month, Chris tells us more about the album’s line up, listening to the final edit and what listeners can expect.
With current restrictions effecting how theatres will operate, this year’s impact has brought with it many challenges that have brought with it new ways of thinking. Returning to the Arcola Theatre after playing a part in the building’s inception 20 years ago, stage designer Jon Bausor has played a crucial role in designing the venue’s new Covid friendly space ‘Arcola Outside’. Ahead of the venue’s opening in December, Jon tells us more about the designing process.