We all have our own stories to tell, our lives a mixture of circumstances and obstacles that have shaped our present. Inspired by a childhood friend’s tough circumstances, musical performer and theatre maker Jeannette Bayerdelle crafted her award winning one woman show ‘SHIDA’, a show focused on family, friendship and love. Currently showing at The Vaults, the recently Off West End Award nominated show integrates rock, R&B, jazz and gospel music to give voice to her friend’s story. Ahead of the run, Jeannette discusses her creative process, working with Joshua Zecher-Ross and Noam Galperin on the musical aspect of the show and what she’d like for audiences to take away from the show.

In a matter of weeks, Boris Johnson will foresee the UK leaving the European Union after three years of unpredictable twists and turns within parliament, as well as an extension from our original leave date, 29th March 2019. One of, if not the most significant of political decisions made post WWII, we face a post EU era of uncertainty.

Little did I know when attending the press conference in June, that the Münchner Kammerspiele would be voted “Theatre of the Year 2019” by the critics of the highly esteemed theatre magazine “Theater heute” only two months later. “Theater heute” also chose the impressive 10-hour production Dionysos Stadt by Christopher Rüping as “Production of the Year”and Nils Kahnwald as “Actor of the Year” for the same production. Best newcomer awards went to Kammerspiele ensemble members Gro Swantje Kohlhof and Benjamin Radjaipour. Lena Newton‘s stage design for Susanne Kennedy’s adaptation of Three Sisters was also considered the year’s best work. A triumph for Artistic Director Matthias Lilienthal who presented his final season at the Kammerspiele.

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For many of us, Girl Guides provided a sense of community amongst women. A charitable group providing opportunities to develop life skills and meeting friends from various walks of life, the influential group has helped to instil a sense of pride and worth to many. Continuing on from the topic of a sense of unity amongst women, the bonds between grandmothers, mothers and daughters are perhaps our introduction to future networks formed. An unconditional bond, these shape our interactions throughout life. Exploring these connections in her play Do Our Best, Remy Beasley tells us more about her personal reasons for creating the play, her creative process and how the whole experience has been cathartic for her to explore.

Addressing the lack of culturally diverse stories depicted on stage, Steven Kavuma’s ‘This is Black’ Festival gives voice to four new pieces of writing, offering a platform to varied perspectives of the black experience within the UK. Taking part in the inaugural new writing event, playwrights Chantelle Alle and Melissa Saint present ‘PYNEAPPLE’, a show exploring the stereotypes that young black women face within society. Ahead of the show, both Chantelle and Melissa tell us why they’ve explored this important topic, they’re creative process and what they’d like for audiences to take away from the show!

Addressing the lack of culturally diverse stories depicted on stage, Steven Kavuma’s ‘This is Black’ Festival gives voice to four new pieces of writing, offering a platform to varied perspectives of the black experience within the UK. Taking part in the inaugural new writing event, playwright Macadie Amoroso presents ‘Blue Beneath My Skin’, a show exploring the protagonist’s struggle with her mixed raced identity, and the struggles many of us face also. Ahead of the show, Macadie tells us more about taking part in Steven Kavuma’s debut festival, her creative process and what she’s learned from creating the show.

Addressing the lack of culturally diverse stories depicted on stage, Steven Kavuma’s ‘This is Black’ Festival gives voice to four new pieces of writing, offering a platform to varied perspectives of the black experience within the UK. Taking part in the inaugural new writing event, playwright Abraham Adeyemi presents ‘All the Shit I Can’t Say to My Dad’, a show exploring a strained parent relationship, differences of faith and absent fatherhood. Capturing the complexity of  parenthood and family relationships, Abraham tells us more about why he’s chosen to explore this topic, his writing process, and offers his advice to aspiring theatre makers!

Addressing the lack of culturally diverse stories depicted on stage, Steven Kavuma’s ‘This is Black’ Festival gives voice to four new pieces of writing, offering a platform to varied perspectives of the black experience within the UK. Taking part in the inaugural new writing event, playwright Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo presents ‘Teleportation’, a show exploring polar opposites and the connections that bind us together. Currently showing at The Bunker Theatre, Ronkẹ tells us more about her creative process and taking part in this crucial initiative.