Jillian Mercado – My Eyes Are Up Here
In order to broaden perspective, it’s vital to spotlight stories seldom told to bridge the gaps and foster meaningful connections. Writer Aminder Virdee and Director Nathan Morris both bringing to the fore the story of HER, played by Jillian Mercado, a disabled woman who sets off on a mission to get the morning after pill after a clumsy one night stand in short film my Eyes Are Up Here. Drawing on a day in the life of Aminder, a British South Asian transdisciplinary multi-art form and STEM artist, activist and writer, the short film embodies inclusivity at its very core. Ahead of its screening at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival on the 11th, 14th and 17th June, Aminder and Nathan tell us more about what to expect!
Just under a couple of centuries on from when it was first staged, Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House – a radical feat at the time – continues to resonate. The tale of a young woman,Nora – a housewife who becomes disillusioned and dissatisfied with her condescending husband Torvald one that feeds in well with current conversations had around women’s rights. Currently playing at the Hudson Theatre, New York up until 10th June, the production has received critical acclaim, adapted by Amy Herzog and directed by Jamie Lloyd, the cast includes
The media shapes how we learn about the issues of the day and dictates how we all manoeuvre. A powerful tool that forms ways of thinking and how our societies run. Almost a century ago, the General Strike of 1926 would grind many industries to a halt, a dispute that would see union workers demand better pay conditions lasting just over a week – with this, only a couple of news outlets – The British Gazette led by soon to be UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill and The BBC, led by John Reith operating at the time. With one ending that same year, and the other going on to influence many up until the today, parallels to the early 20th century couldn’t be clearer. Drawing on this particular part of British history, writer Jack Thorne presents When Winston Went to War with the Wireless to show at the Donmar Warehouse from the 2nd to 26th June. Ahead of the production, performer Ravin J Ganatra talks about starring as influential figures, the Archbishop of Canterbury and J.C.C. Davidson – a British civil servant and Conservative party politician.
Taking to our stages 6 years ago with gallery performance Hoochie Koochie at the Barbican, US based dancer and choreographer Trajal Harrell returns to London with new work – Porca Miseria, a trilogy inspired by 3 very powerful women within our literal and metaphorical history – Maggie from Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, the African American choreographer and activist Katherine Dunham and the Greek mythological Medea. Powerful women who have inspired imagination, the multidisciplinary piece is set to be staged at the Barbican from 12th to 14th May. Ahead of the show, Trajal tells us more about what to expect!
Societally, we’re making strides to better represent stories told from varied perspectives, a notion that’ll continue to grace our tv screens and stages, and one that’ll continue to enliven our media landscape in this new era. Currently on season 2 and available to stream on HBO, crime drama Perry Mason has enthralled viewers – set in 1930s LA, the show follows the eponymous defence lawyer as he navigates his way through the fractured city as he uncovers unpleasant truths. Currently starring as Mateo Gallardo, actor Peter Mendoza tells us more about preparing for the role, the importance of Latino representation and what we can expect from this season!
Mastering stillness and calm in our relentless day and age can quite understandably be a challenging feat to accomplish, our digital age continually keeping us connected to the outside world. Meditation a vital practise in helping to achieve a sense of living in the present and shutting off from distractions. Finding that a meditative environment was a byproduct of the creation of new piece IV, Bodyworker, Mixed Media Artist and Performer SERAFINE1369 (Jamila Johnson-Small) was able to achieve this in part due to sound designer Josh Anio Grigg’s score, amongst other factors. The show bringing together bodies in movement and stillness, in light and in darkness, and a speaking clock, to create a series of tableaux and moments of dancing with complete abandonment. Incorporating loose dancing emerging through tight structure, a system of movement and stillness – IV is a meditative play between instinctive rhythms and strict timing. Ahead of the show, to take place the from 25th to 28th April as part of the NOW23 Festival at The Yard, SERAFINE1369 tells us more about what to expect!