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.

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

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.

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?

At the end of this month, the UK will supposedly leave the EU – nearly three years post the referendum. What’s been apparent from this significant decision is the vote’s exposure of our divided nation, a division further worsened by the ambiguity of the leaving process. This feeling of ambiguity is defining how we approach the 29th March, we’re left unsure as to how this will truly impact all in the future. A decision that has left many feeling alienated, it’s incredibly important to celebrate the contributions made by international residents within the UK. In a time of division, it’s crucial to acknowledge our rich cultural heritage, one influenced by artists, practitioners and theatremakers globally. Ahead of the debut A Piece of the Continent Festival at the the Tristan Bates Theatre, Theatre Programme Co-Ordinator Will Mytum discusses this exciting new festival in collaboration with Voila! Europe.

The Shape of Pain made its debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and went on to win a Fringe First Award. Since then, the show has received critical acclaim for its unique capturing of Director Rachel Bagshaw’s personal experiences of living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). A crucial piece of theatre showcasing just how powerful the integration of technology can be, the show is a culmination of carefully crafted sound, lighting and video and projection design. Ahead of the show’s return to Wilton’s Music Hall before embarking on a UK tour, Theatre & Technology Award winning Video and Projection Designer Joshua Pharo discusses further about the show’s collaborative creative process.

We’re living in a time where changes within the industry are proving incredibly significant; conversations around making theatre accessible and a lot more diversified are greatly prominent. There’s a feeling that within the next few years that theatre will truly reflect its audience, both on and off stage. It’s a very exciting time and offers hope to many who perhaps wouldn’t have thought theatre was a space for them, due to the feeling of theatre being an elitist art form. Many initiatives are shaping our landscape, one of which – #CONNECT: Black Women in Theatre offers a space for black creatives within the theatre industry to contemplate various issues to further advocate change. Founder and Executive Producer of the initiative, Stella Kanu tells us more about the event’s second year!