Celebrated for its boundary pushing line ups, the LIFT Festival brings to the capital some of the world’s most exciting theatrical works. Challenging theatre form, practitioners present ideas in ways that have audiences talking afterwards. East Wall contributes to this tradition, a large scale outdoor production situated in the Tower of London’s Moat. A project crafted by some of the UK’s leading choreographers – Hofesh Shechter, Becky Namgauds, Duwane Taylor, James Finnemore and Joseph Toonga, East Wall’s 150 strong East London Dance cast will no doubt draw the crowds. Krump specialist Duwane Taylor talks more about the creative process behind the show.

Curated by musician and theatre maker Kim ‘Busty Beatz’ Bowers and dance/theatre company co – founder and choreographer Lisa Fa’alafi, Hive City Legacy will boldly take over North London’s Roundhouse with a line up of 9 talented acts of colour. A female led line up, the evening’s aim is to create a ‘fierce and political homeage to London’. Acts range from circus artists to beatboxers, spoken word artists to cabaret performers – showing off the capital’s diverse talent. One of this year’s chosen acts; dancer, choreographer, photographer, videographer, and writer Shakaiah Perez tells us more about her varied career and what to expect from the evening.

The Verity Bargate award winning play – The One, received critical acclaim when it debuted in 2013. Five years later, and Vicky Jones’ debut play about love, lust and destruction returns to Soho Theatre from early July. Taking on the role of Jo, one half of the show’s duo, actress Tuppence Middleton tells us more about how she’s approached the role, what to expect and working alongside fellow actor John Hopkins.

Curated by musician and theatre maker Kim ‘Busty Beatz’ Bowers and dance/theatre company co – founder and choreographer Lisa Fa’alafi, Hive City Legacy will boldly take over North London’s Roundhouse with a line up of 9 talented acts of colour. A female led line up, the evening’s aim is to create a ‘fierce and political homeage to London’. Acts range from circus artists to beatboxers, spoken word artists to cabaret performers – showing off the capital’s diverse talent. One of this year’s chosen acts, singer/songwriter Sherika Sherard has sang with the legendary Seal and also been acknowledged by iconic filmmaker Spike Lee. Sherika tells us more about her music career and what to expect from the evening.

Having entertained audiences for 25 years, UniverSoul have gone on to diversify and redefine the art form of circus by celebrating the complexity of Caribbean and African culture. With cast members from South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Cuba, the US, Guinea, Gabon, and Ethiopia, UniverSoul are renowned for producing shows with an international vibe. Having built up a reputation for their fusion of the traditional and the contemporary – UniverSoul contribute to Hip Hop culture with their championing of the brightest dance talent and showcasing of bold tricks. Company founder and former tour promotor Cedric Walker tells us more about what to expect from the company’s European Premier.

An idea formed by a group of East 15 graduates, Rooted Moon debuted in 2015 with the intention of creating a platform for artists to perform their works to an international audience. Based on the beautiful Italian Island of Sardinia, Rooted Moon cleverly combines theatre and travel to produce a festival worth putting on your to do list. Co-Founder Salv Scarpa tells us more about what to expect from this year’s festival.

The subject matter of immigration has been banded around for years now; a matter that has been a crucial player in terms of the significant political decisions made within the UK. With the effects of Brexit starting to impact our economical and societal landscape, the concept of ‘home’ couldn’t be anymore of a hot topic. Initially showcased 2 years ago during the Leave/Remain campaigns that would see the UK ultimately decide to leave the EU, Ilé La Wà (We Are Home) would later draw parallels with the shocking revalations of the Windrush Scandal. Playwright Tolu Agbelusi talks us through her debut topical play.

Tapping into the topic of cultural identity, Guleraana Mir’s latest play, ‘Coconut’ explores what it means to be of dual nationality. Pakistani by heritage and brought up in the UK, Mir’s experiences with familial and societal expectations have shaped this timely piece. Read on to find out more about what Guleraana would like for audiences to take away from the show, why she has chosen certain topics to explore and how the New Diorama BAMER programme has supported the show’s development.