We all know that our forefathers and their forefathers before have been in a constant game of revenge since the first two men on earth took vengeance on each other to defend their own beliefs. Fathers at war with themselves and others is what has driven countries and communities apart for far too long.
Courtesy of Helen Murray.
Now in its 4th year, the Network of Independent Critics continues its mission of championing the works of independent publications. Offering access to the world’s most popular arts festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, bloggers, vloggers, journalists, critics and reporters are afforded the opportunity of being located in the very heart of this exciting world renowned festival, whilst covering a particular art form of their choice and having a means to focus on their craft without distraction. As the name suggests, individuals will also be joined by a network of fellow critics, encouraging an environment of discussion, supportiveness as well as a shared appreciation for the arts. Ahead of this year’s festival, co-founders of the initiative Laura Kressly (Founder of theatre blog The Play’s The Thing) and Katharine Kavanagh (Founder of blog The Circus Diaries) talk about how they were inspired to create Network of Independent Critics, how the initiative has supported critics taking part and independent critics Jo Trainor and Daniel Perks taking over this year’s cohort.
Caryl Churchill’s innovative Top Girls has been held in high regard ever since it’s Royal Court premier in 1982. Most notable for its pioneering use of non-linear narrative, its feminist skewering of Thatcherite individualism and an anachronistic opening featuring a dinner between central character Marlene (Katherine Kingsley) and a roll call of notable women from down the ages.
Courtesy of Johan Persson.
A childhood gaming favourite turned into a political hierarchy, Noughts and Crosses takes audiences on a high speed dramatic journey through love, loss and life threatening betrayal. The performance has a Romeo and Juliet style innocence, however is laced with the kind of mistrust and social divides you are likely to see in the Hunger Games Saga. District 1 represented by the influential Crosses squeezing their grasp on the poor, in this case the Noughts, towards the lower citizens of District 12.
Due to current political affairs, Brexit encompasses the majority of television, social media and conversation. These discussions are had nationwide between family members, close friends and even strangers. Within these conversations, immigration is often thrown around as a pawn upon a bigger chess board, a throw away part of a larger playing field. Estelle Savasta’s Going Through (originally Traversée) delves into the arduous and lamentable trials of a young girl, having to embark on a journey of immigration that would be dangerous for any adult, let alone a child.
Ali Wright, Going Through, The Bush Theatre
Packed full of classical charm and dynamic vocal artistry, Macbeth takes audiences on a journey through Scotland’s civil war, yet adding the rich flavour of Verdi’s operatic genius. The English Touring Opera, conducted in this performance by Gerry Cornelius, incorporates the bloodthirsty and murderous Shakespearean favourite and balances it alongside the bellowing yet crisp tones sang by the vocalists.
London 2012 marked a landmark moment within the boxing world; it would mark the first time women could compete in three boxing events consisting of the flyweight, lightweight and middleweight competitions. Nicola Adams would go on to become a national treasure and Olympic champion of the flyweight division, marking her as the face of a trailblazing movement. A world dominated by men, moments such as this continue to dismantle the idea that only men can compete. Drawing from her experiences within the boxing world, actor and writer Libby Liburd discusses her latest show Fighter – an exploration of discrimination faced by women and their literal and metaphorical fight to be taken seriously.
Celebrating 5 years this June, the Shubbak Festival continues its tradition of celebrating the nuances of Arab culture with its largest programme yet! From Friday 28th June until Sunday 14th July, over 150 artists will take on a mixed programme consisting of performance, visual art, music and film. Shubbak, meaning ‘window’ in Arabic offers a range of voices from the Arab region, Europe and the UK. Ahead of this year’s festival, taking place at a variety of respected arts institutions across the capital, Artistic Director Eckhard Thiemann talks about this year’s ambitions programme, the theatre programme at The Gate Theatre and what he’d like for audinces to take away from the festival.
Showing as part of the 5th edition of the Shubbak Festival, Halka is a Moroccan production, created in partnership with The Abu Dhabi Festival, and in association with Crying Out Loud. Created by Groupe Acrobatique de Tanger – the company draw upon the tradition of performing acrobatic tricks on ‘Moroccan beaches and in village squares, creating spectacles for the public with astounding human pyramids, cartwheels and somersaults, always accompanied by music and song’. On Thursday 11th July, the 14 strong troupe will bring this vivacious tradition to the Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Centre.
Courtesy of Camilla Greenwell.
Now more than ever, conversations revolving around mental health are crucial, particularly within men. In a society that has so often taught us to keep quiet, and deal with emotional and psychological issues on our own, we’re now having to reverse that way of thinking in order to better improve well being and have much needed, open conversations. Exploring mental health within his latest dance-theatre piece Elephant in the Room, choreographer and actor Lanre Malaolu talks about his approach towards creating the show, how various organisations including Talawa have supported his work and what audiences can expect from the show.
Your latest show Elephant in the Room will be performed from the 2nd to the 20th April at the Camden People’s Theatre. How are you feeling ahead of the show?