Nne, translates as mother and Obanje as spirit child in the Igbo language native to Nigeria; Nne and the Obanje Child translating as ‘Mother and the Spirit Child’. A story dating back thousands of years, the tale tells the story of Nne Eze or Mother Leader, an integral figure within her community who laments the loss of her eight children, who now inhabit the spirit world.
A multi billion dollar industry, the production and trade of rice is a lucrative business, the cereal grain a staple food consumed all over the world, particularly within the Asian and African continents. Delving into the inner workings of a global corporation dealing with the business of rice, writer Michele Lee, the Actors Touring Company and Orange Tree Theatre present Rice, an observation of the complex ecosystem behind cultivating the grain.
Localities constantly change, the communities that inhabit them influencing how they run. A common trope throughout history, this determines local geography and the many years that follow. Exploring this in his latest show A Place for We, writer Archie Maddocks presents a tale of tradition, community and culture.
A recipient of the 2020 Komedia New Comedy Award, emerging star Michael Akadiri is on the rise, appearances on Times Radio, BBC Radio Kent and ITV2 showcasing the comedian’s talent. Performing and workshopping new material at the Clapham Fringe Festival, Akadiri presents Not Ready for This, a look at his life as a junior doctor and other topical musings.
The Kammerspiele presented the world premiere of Heart Chamber Fragments, a production by Paper Tiger Theater Studio, an independent Chinese theatre collective. Founded by Tian Gebing in Beijing in 1997, with a branch in Berlin for the past two years, Paper Tiger includes artists from different professional backgrounds in dance, theatre, and the fine arts,who get together to develop theatre projects combining theatre, performance, and dance. As stated in the program, their focus is on the reality of everyday life and its brutal absurdity.
Courtesy of Judith Buss.
Hamlet – Prince of Denmark, is left grief stricken after the murder of his father by his tenacious uncle, Claudius who now resides the thrown alongside his mother, Gertrude. A tale of revenge, Hamlet’s melancholic mental state is clear, this dictating how he navigates the world moving forward. One of Shakespeare’s most iconic tragedies, Cush Jumbo takes on the complex lead in Greg Hersov’s adaptation.
Courtesy of Helen Murray.
The experience of feeling lost can feel very overwhelming, we all having our own ways of dealing with this. Having encountered this on the way to the theatre one day, writer and performer Charlene Salter draws from her own experience of seeking directions, but rather than being greeted with support, being greeted with the complete opposite. We hear of misunderstandings and confrontation, Access All Areas– renowned for their work highlighting the often unheard voices of learning disabled artists presenting their latest audio immersive tour, The Interrogation.
Dealing with mental health issues, particularly at a younger age can feel isolating and confusing. Especially with attitudes and the stigma placed around mental health. Exploring this delicate topic within production Malindadzimu, Mufaro Makubika draws on establishing cultural roots and heritage, as well as spirituality as a means of supporting with mental health recovery.
Courtesy of Robert Day.
Life… death… and all the plans in between… bold concepts explored in Brian Beaton’s black comedy, Swedish.
A celebration of womanhood and the experiences that have shaped our leads, writers Rhiannon Owens and Nick Maynard present Jam Tart/Lemon Kurd – two monologues delving into the relatable, offering up space to connect.
Katy Maw – Jam Tart