Lungs is a “play about our time”; that is the byline many tabloids are going for to describe Duncan Macmillan‘s play even though it had its premiere in 2011. The big question nowadays for many in their twenties and thirties is whether they want to have children or not, given the current state of the world.
Thought provoking, unsettlingly tense yet frequently witty and playful, Ian Rickson’s production of the timeless Irish classic seems concerningly relevant in the political volatility of the pantomime of politics.
Courtesy of Catherine Ashmore.
The term ‘intersectionality’ – coined in 1989 by feminist scholar Kimberlé Williams refers to the ‘cumulative way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism and classism) combine, overlap or intersect especially in the experiences of marginalized individuals or groups (Merriam- Webster). A term we find ourselves increasingly familiar with; a greater awareness is being brought towards the inequalities faced by particular communities.
Sharp movements and diverse creativity sees both these choreographic morsels take audiences on a journey through entrapment, as well as the power and purpose of identity.
We’re living in a transformative time whereby conservative values are being challenged and quite rightly being left behind in a forward thinking world. It was only last year that India abolished homosexuality within Section 377, a law that criminalised same sex relationships. Globally, shifts are happening, yet there is such a long way to go in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, however there’s a feel that positive change is on horizon.
Just over 50 years ago would witness the end of the Civil Rights Movement, a movement fighting for the rights of African American citizens within the US. Although attitudinal shifts regarding race have moved on since, movements such as the Black Lives Matter movement still prove just how far society has to go in regards to rights and racial equality. We still live in a world whereby injustices happen daily, a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to enforce change and educate. Activist Amiri Bakari was celebrated for his works exploring racial equality, forcing audiences to think about themes such as intersectionality and privilege. Taking on the late playwright’s show ‘Dutchman’, actor and producer James Barnes takes on the play’s lead, Clay, showing at the Tristan Bates Theatre. James tells us more about the show.“I am the mother of the word” replied a voice immediately recognised by Alphonsine Mumureke, a 16 year old schoolgirl in attendance at Catholic boarding school Kibeho College – as that of the Virgin Mary. This however wouldn’t be the only encounter Alphonsine would have with her, the voice later going on to predict the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, resulting in the deaths of roughly 1 million people, a seventh of the overall population.
Courtesy of Manuel Harlan.
A beautifully intimate cry for help, User Not Found poses the question of the role technology plays within legacy and intimacy and touches on the dangerous impact that social media and isolation can have on mental health.
Having recently directed Ryan Trecartin’s The Re’Search and Eugène Labiche’s Trüffel Trüffel Trüffel at the Kammerspiele, Felix Rothenhäusler returns for his adaptation of Lars von Trier‘s apocalyptic film Melancholia (2011).
Courtesy Armin Smailovic
When between jobs and working in a pub one day, Richard Gadd never expected one kind action he made as a barman to lead to such an extensive series of events. Martha was this kooky enigma who appeared as initially harmless, but quickly became a huge problem, following Gadd everywhere – turning up at his gigs and house, attacking his girlfriend and harassing his friends.
Courtesy of Andrew Perry.
