Courtesy of Eva Roefs.
It can often feel that we need to have a clear, decisive view of the world in order to thrive and survive, that strong opinions equate to your standing in the world. In a time where cultural wars are prevalent, not picking a side in itself could be seen as a rebellious act. Drawing on this further with current show Commitment Phobe to show at the Yard Theatre’s NOW23 Festival, writer and performer Ira Brand explores doubt in a world that values certainty. A live, physical and performative experiment, Commitment Phobe is dedicated to observing what it means to not pick a side in today’s inconsistent society. Ahead of the show, taking place from 2nd to 6th May, Ira tells us more about what to expect!
Hi Ira, you’ll be presenting your show Commitment Phobe as part of Yard Theatre’s NOW23 Festival from 2nd-6th May. How are you feeling ahead of the show?
A figure not as well known to us here in the UK, Zejneba Hardaga, alongside the Hardaga family risked their lives to save the lives of Jews who faced the prospect of prosecution from the Nazis during WWII in Bosnia. An Islamic household, the gesture greatly showed the strength of community – the Hardaga family’s heroism seeing them rewarded with the ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ title post war, bestowed onto non-Jewish individuals who risked their lives to save others during the holocaust. Inspired by the efforts of this extraordinary family, writer and director Sabina Zejneba presents Sevap/Mitzvah, a film 50 years post war, where the tables have now turned and it’s now Zejneba’s turn to be protected from being hunted. Having recently taken part in this year’s Cleveland Film Festival, Sabina tells us more about the film. 
From Easter to Midsummer’s night, Budapest and Hungary will become a celebratory meeting point for theatrical world as 400 companies from 58 countries converge to perform in the 10th International Theatre Olympics. Originally taking place in Greece in 1995, the event is theatrical gathering in the spirit of tradition, modernity, and the ancient Olympics. This year, companies from as far as Mexico and Japan will journey to the nation’s capital and venues around Hungary. With theatre, street theatre, dance, puppetry exhibitions and alternative arts, summer in Hungary will be packed with performance of all styles, shapes and sizes. The festival opening ceremony will take place on 15th April with street performances and concerts all over Budapest (further details TBA).