Courtesy of Eva Roefs.
It can often feel that we need to have a clear, decisive view of the world in order to thrive and survive, that strong opinions equate to your standing in the world. In a time where cultural wars are prevalent, not picking a side in itself could be seen as a rebellious act. Drawing on this further with current show Commitment Phobe to show at the Yard Theatre’s NOW23 Festival, writer and performer Ira Brand explores doubt in a world that values certainty. A live, physical and performative experiment, Commitment Phobe is dedicated to observing what it means to not pick a side in today’s inconsistent society. Ahead of the show, taking place from 2nd to 6th May, Ira tells us more about what to expect!
Hi Ira, you’ll be presenting your show Commitment Phobe as part of Yard Theatre’s NOW23 Festival from 2nd-6th May. How are you feeling ahead of the show?
A figure not as well known to us here in the UK, Zejneba Hardaga, alongside the Hardaga family risked their lives to save the lives of Jews who faced the prospect of prosecution from the Nazis during WWII in Bosnia. An Islamic household, the gesture greatly showed the strength of community – the Hardaga family’s heroism seeing them rewarded with the ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ title post war, bestowed onto non-Jewish individuals who risked their lives to save others during the holocaust. Inspired by the efforts of this extraordinary family, writer and director Sabina Zejneba presents Sevap/Mitzvah, a film 50 years post war, where the tables have now turned and it’s now Zejneba’s turn to be protected from being hunted. Having recently taken part in this year’s Cleveland Film Festival, Sabina tells us more about the film. 
Kicking of their tour of FIREDANCE initially in February of 2020, Strictly Come Dancing professionals Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez, like many creatives at the time, found themselves having to ground their show to a halt in response to the ongoing pandemic. Last year however, a couple of years on from the crisis, as we all emerged from the disruption, both were able to reignite the show’s unrelenting flames and bring it back to our stages. Showing no signs of slowing down, having both recently competed on the 2022 edition of Strictly Come Dancing, the dynamic duo have shown that they’re back with a vengeance, more so than ever. Due to tour from 23rd February, starting off at New Theatre in Peterborough before concluding its run on Saturday 1st April 2023 City Hall in Sheffield, Karen tells us more about the show’s inspirations, working with Gorka and what audiences can expect!
Established in 1978, Sundance is one of the world’s most recognisable film festivals. Celebrating 45 years of championing independent cinema, the festival continues to showcase the very best of filmmaking. Returning to the festival, after his film Bump was selected to screen last year, filmmaker and actor Maziyar Khatam presents Baba this year – the second instalment of his offbeat, comedy-drama short film series, a personal homage to his upbringing and Iranian-Canadian heritage. Currently screening at Sundance, Maziyar tells us more about the film winning Best Canadian Short Film at Vancouver International Film Festival, working with the creative team to realise the film and what he’s learned from creating it.
Currently, we’re breaking down exactly what intersectionality looks like and how this plays out in reality. Everyone with their very own unique set of experiences that continue to impact how they interact with the outside world. Delving into this further with solo performance Mix Race MixTape, Professor in Performing Arts at Stockholm University of the Arts John-Paul Zaccarini presents Mix Race, an exploration of the political and emotional minefield of intersectionality with poignancy. Ahead of its showing on 3rd February at Rich Mix as part of Certain Blacks Heroes Festival, John-Paul tells us more about creating the show, what it means to form part of Certain Blacks’ ninth festival and what audiences can expect!