Signalling the end of Black History Month, an integral time period within British history acknowledging the contribution of Black Britons, the inaugural A Time to Breathe Festival, curated by Greta Mendez MBE – an influential figure within the carnival movement for the past four decades – looks to celebrate creatives who have made incredible contributions to the arts. The multi-disciplinary event consisting of Batuke, contemporary dance, Calypso, choreo-poem, Lover’s Rock and more. Creatives taking part including Carol Leeming MBE, Iris De Brito, Jordana Mba, Richard Lessey, Ballet Soul, Gerrard Martin Dance, Akeim Toussaint Buck, Yassmin V Foster, Sheba Montserrat, Lorna Sutara Gee, Dennis Bovell MBE, Dr Carol La Chapelle, Dot Wong, Cleo Lake, Genesis Mas and Sandra Goldling. Ahead of the event, Carol Leeming MBE tells us more about her show The Dreadful Dance of Ms. iniquity, which will kick off the festival on Tuesday 26th October at the venue formerly known at the Stockwell Playhouse.
You’ll be taking part in the A Time To Breathe Festival at the venue formerly known as the Stockwell Playhouse – how are you feeling ahead of the event?
I’m feeling wildly excited about it. I’m so excited because Greta Mendez MBE is someone I absolutely admire, she’s a legend. When it was revealed who the wonderful artists on the lineup were, I was just thinking ‘What a great gang to be amongst’, for someone like me coming from Leicester! It’s wonderful, I’m so very excited.