A career that began in his younger years, actor/writer/director Harlem born Glynn Turman has enjoyed over six decades within the entertainment industry. Along the way, starring alongside Hollywood greats Sir Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee in the original Broadway production of A Raisin in the Sun in 1959, as well as episodes of hit sitcoms Hanging with Mr Cooper and The Wayans Bros, and directed episodes of A Different World. His acting work including hit dramas The Wire, House of Lies and Queen Sugar. Celebrated for his contributions to the the field of entertainment, his work has seen him win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in HBO Drama Series In Treatment, Best Supporting Actor by the Los Angeles Critics Associstion for your role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom as well as three NAACP Awards. Gearing up for his release of his documentary The Legend of Glynn Turman to stream across various platforms from 20th June, Glynn tells us more about what to expect!
The launchpad for some of the UK’s brightest spoken word and poetry talent, the Last Word Festival, hosted by the Roundhouse is currently enjoying a take over of the arts venue. From the 1st to the 18th June, the event marks the return of the coveted Roundhouse Poetry Slam Final, renowned arts organisation – Apples and Snakes’ 40th year celebration, a conversation between award winning poet Sophia Thakur and #Merky Books editor Lemara Lindsay-Prince, a live podcast series by Lyrix Organix featuring Rizzle Kicks’ Jordan Stephens amongst many other events. Talking to us about this year’s 10th anniversary, marketing coordinator Petra Harrison tells us more about what it means to be able to host this vital event years on, and what the marketing aspect for an event such as this looks like.
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 Jessica Chastain, Arian Moayed, Tasha Lawrence, Tasha Lawrence, Michael Patrick Thornton, Okieriete Onaodowan and Jesmille Darbouze. Starring as Kristine Linde, actor, singer and dancer Jesmille tells us more about the show’s current run.
Leading up to its independence in 1960, Cameroon, a West African nation, experienced over a century of colonial rule. Taken over by various European powers, in what is known as the ‘Partition of Africa’, societal structures would fall into accordance of the ruling powers that be. Inspired by her grandmother’s story, having lived in Cameroon during the little known ‘Bamileke War’ during the 1950s (the conflict’s duration was from 1955 to 1964), writer and director Clarisse Makundul presents Under the Kundè Tree – a piece placing a young woman growing up during this turbulent time at the fore. Ahead of the show, to be staged from the 24th May until the 27th June at the Southwark Playhouse, Clarisse tells us more about exploring this important narrative further, accessing our post colonial era and what audiences can expect from the show.
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!
Native to the Caribbean nation of Haiti, Konpa or Kompas is a modern méringue dance music genre popularised in the late 50s. Formed during and post the US occupation of Haiti from 1915 to 1934, the US music genre of jazz would take on an interpretation all of its own by the 60s – a reduced méringue compas (Konpa) band performing rhythms consisting of paired electric guitars, electric bass, drum set – conga – timbales, and cowbells, giving the form its distinct sound. Honouring the musical genre and bringing it to the masses at this year’s TriBeCa Film Festival, HBO Best Short Film award winning writer and director Al’Ikens Plancher presents his latest short Konpa, a film following protagonist Jean into a small family owned restaurant as he navigates dealing with a language barrier – unable to speak the native Haitian Creole language. His crush Minouche teaching him the beauty of Konpa. A tale placing Al’Ikens’ Haitian heritage at the centre, he tells us more about what to expect!
Set to stage the 20th edition of Breakin’ Convention, a weekend long celebration of Hip Hop, the event’s founder Jonzi D has led the way when it comes to platforming national/international/established/emerging talent – bridging the gap between artists and encouraging exchange. Taking place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April, the event will comprise of a compact programme of exciting dance acts, as well as activities across Sadler’s Wells building honouring Hip Hop’s core elements of breaking/graffiti/DJing/Mcing/Knowledge. Ahead of event, Jonzi D explains what the weekend will entail!
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!