Returning for their latest cultural event, arts development organisation Certain Blacks are set to host the Ensemble Festival, a free event taking place at the Royal Docks on Sat 23rd July showcasing a range of acts specialising in physical theatre, dance, circus, music and digital. Currently on tour with their latest production Look Mum No Hands, disabled-led children’s theatre company Daryl Beeton Productions and female-led circus and dance company Mimbre have joined forces to explore themes of freedom, risk and independence and how whether you’re disabled or not, one changes, the festival marking the next step in their performative journey. Taking on joint lead with fellow freelance performer Danielle Summers, inclusive dance artist Laura Dajao tells us more about exploring the show’s themes, working in collaboration with Kat Ball who she shares the role with and Sophie Page, Danielle Summers understudy and what she has taken away from working on the production.
Renowned for showcasing the work of diverse artists across a multitude of disciplines, arts development organisation Certain Blacks continue on with their mission as they present their latest eclectic line up in their upcoming Shipbuilding Festival. A week long event exploring ‘what it is to be British and diverse in these challenging times’, post pandemic, Brexit and Black Lives Matter. Marking the conclusion of their year long development programme, the festival will present four different works, one of which including a performance from dance duo Alleyne Dance, consisting of identical twins Kristina and Sadé Alleyne. Acknowledged for their fusion of a range of dance styles, from West African dance to Kathak, originating from India performing to create resonant sequences – their latest work, A Night’s Game will be performed on Friday 18th February and seeks inspiration from stories of imprisonment, escape and fighting for freedom. Ahead of their performance, the duo tell us more about exploring these themes further, what it means to take part in Certain Black’s pertinent showcase and what they’ve taken away from working on the piece!
Certain Blacks return with their latest festival, ‘Circus Circus Circus’, a mixed programme of live art, spoken word, jazz, opera and circus. An eclectic performance line up, Certain Blacks continue on their mission to showcase works exploring themes via various theatrical forms. Bringing his latest show 24 Italian Songs and Arias to Rich Mix London on Friday 8th November, Performance Artist and Storyteller Brian Lobel’s production is an exploration of failure, loss and family; presented in the form of an operatic recital. Joined by soprano Gweneth Ann Rand, both performers reflect on previous experiences. Brian tells us more about the show!