Recognising the need for single mothers to have that much needed mental, emotional and spiritual support, the Only Giving Back Unconditionally Colllective, fronted by Chimna Orji have returned with their second project, Haven Nurture, a relaxing escape for young single mothers. Taking place at the Battersea Arts Centre, the therapeutic event will continue on with OGBU’s mission of supporting their local community, having previously created care packages for NHS workers during the pandemic last year. Ahead of the retreat this year, Chimna tells us more about this very thoughtful initiative!
A condition concerning the function of the ovaries, Premature Ovaries Insufficiency (POI) relates to the reduction of eggs produced and an inconsistency in Oestrogen and Progesterone levels – hormones that have an overall impact on women’s health and well-being. Also referred to as the ‘Early Menopause’, POI differs from this due to the age in which it happens, POI a term used to refer to anyone experiencing it under the age of 40. Exploring this little known or talked about condition in the theatre company’s latest show Flushed, writer and co-founder of Theatre Unlocked Catherine Cranfield talks about taking part in Park Theatre’s ‘Say it, Women’ double bill and creating work in collaboration with POI charity The Daisy Network, of which she is an ambassador of.
A decade long creative process, started from the seed of an idea by composer Gianluca Cucchiara, Vanara – The Legend will make its debut at the Hackney Empire from the 22nd to the 31st October. Following a series of workshops and a concept album, West End and international talent will tell the story of a young woman caught between the battle of protecting tradition and pursuing her progressive spirit. Ahead of the production, Gianluca tells us more about the show, and its environmental message.
An important time within theatre addressing equality and representation, we’re currently witnessing important conversations had and movements formed that are helping to shape our new era of theatre, post pandemic, and the early 21st century. Published by Supernova Books, 50 Women in Theatre shines a light on 25 legends of post war theatre in the English-speaking world and 25 extraordinary women working in theatre today. Playing a significant role in the creation of the book, Theatre Specialist Dr Susan Croft, whose work varies as writer, curator, dramaturg, arts/performance archive consultant and historian, tells us more about the creative process of compiling the book, writing the book’s overview, and what to expect!
Founder of Cut the Cord, a company committed to establishing an enriching theatrical partnership between the Nordic and UK theatre scene, Camilla Gürtler continues on with this mission with the latest edition of the New Nordics Festival, a five day celebration of live and digital contemporary works from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Set to take place at Jacksons Lane Theatre from the 12th to the 16th October, Camilla tells us more about creating this important platform for creatives, her hopes for the festival and what to expect from the event!
Currently debuting her latest show curious, a show exploring the lives of two young, Black, queer actresses trying to find out who they are, award winning writer Jasmine Lee-Jones returns, this time, to the Soho Theatre until 16th October. Establishing the show’s visual aesthetic, co-set and costume designers Camilla Clarke and Rosie Elnile tell us more about working with the show’s themes to realise the visual language, challenges faced in doing so and what they’ve taken away from working on the show!
Having identified a need for a theatre venue supporting new writing and working class artists, Olivier award-winning theatre producer Jamie Eastlake and filmmaker Stephen Robertson have established Laurels Theatre, located above Laurels Whitley Bay tapas bar based in Tyne and Wear. Currently into their first ever season of work, co-founder Jamie tells us more about what it means to be able to provide this integral platform for creatives and what his hopes are for the venue.
Founded in 1997 by British Nigerian actor Femi Elifowuju Jr, tiata fahodzi, meaning ‘theatre of the emancipated’, has been a leading force in regards to producing works placing the British African experience centre stage. Nearly 25 years on, their initiatives expanding on this crucial mission. Previous Artistic Director alumni including critically acclaimed actor Lucian Msamati, and current Artistic Director and CEO of the Northern Stage Theatre Natalie Ibu. Leading tiata fahodzi into their next chapter, critically acclaimed theatre and screenwriter Chinonyerem Odimba has recently announced a new Executive Director and Board of Trustees. Chinonyerem Tells us more about the appointment and what her hopes are for the theatre company moving forward.
Exploring her own personal experiences of being misunderstood for her learning disability, writer and performer Charlene Salter, in collaboration with Access All Areas present The Interrogation, a bespoke interactive audio experience also drawing on real life cases of learning disabled people unfairly criminalised. Having already toured Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, The Marlowe, The Lowry, Tobacco Factory Theatres, the experience will also show at Battersea Arts Centre and Rich Mix. Charlene tells us more about exploring this important topic via audio technology.
The third text in a trilogy of Theban plays written by Sophocles, Antigone proceeds from the aftermath of the Thebes’ civil war, a war that would consequentially witness the deaths of brothers Eteocles and Polynices – two powerful forces leading opposite sides of combat. Eteocles honoured, Polynices shamed by the newly crowned king of Thebes, Creon. Exploring the Ancient Greek text further in a newly adapted production by Merlynn Tong, with direction by Dawn Walton OBE, performer Wendy Kweh talks about taking on the role of Creon, a role traditionally played by a male. Ahead of the production at the Mercury Theatre, Wendy tells us more about what to expect.