Hampstead Theatre announced today that, in the light of the 100% cut in its Arts Council grant of £766,455, the theatre will need to change direction and can no longer continue solely as a new writing theatre. As a consequence, very sadly, Roxana Silbert has decided to step down as Artistic Director.
Symbolic of purity, a stark contrast to the muddy and watery planes they daily emerge from, as well as rebirth, strength, tranquility amongst other virtues, the Lotus flower has inspired various eastern cultures for millennia. Drawing from the flower’s porwerful symbolism, Satinder Kaur Chohan presents Lotus Beauty, a multi-generational piece placing the stories of five Indian women at the fore.
Courtesy of Robert Day.
Situated within the mid-Southern sky, the Lupus constellation consists of over 120 stars, it’s latin name translating as ‘wolf’. A component of Ché Walker‘s new work Wolf Cub, the allegorical tale of a divided, turbulent 80s and 90s America couldn’t be anymore prevalent, the show tying in the spiritual with a rugged, grounded reality – resulting in an incredibly resonant work exploring issues of race, class, politics, mental health, family and womanhood.
Courtesy of Robert Day.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a type of Assistive Reproductive Technology (ART) used specifically for couples whereby the chances of natural reproduction are small. A procedure pioneered in the late 70s, IVF has gone on to support many hopeful couples become parents, the notion now that IVF is a possible option for families a cultural phenomenon. American Biochemist and Geneticist Dr Richard Myers has been integral to the treatment’s innovation, his ‘Human Genome Project’ giving the world a better understanding of the structure, organisation and function of the complete set of human genes. Receiving its world premiere at the Hampstead Theatre, Alexis Zegerman’s The Fever Syndrome is an appreciation of how far we’ve come scientifically, and how discovery continues to drive the everyday.
We’re by-products of the heartfelt folk songs and tales of our ancestors, narratives passed down through the generations that resonate and pass through our veins, our every breath, our every action. Every culture bringing with it it’s own rich and diverse cannon of songs passed down through the ages, details having changed from the original source due to mispronunciations, mishearings and context – however still retaining at the core the song’s heart and soul. Delving into the folk songs collected from Somerset between 1896 to 1905 by Cecil Sharp, Principal of then Hampstead Conservatoire of Music, now known as Central School of Speech and Drama, Nell Leyshon brings to light the song composition process from the eyes of two very different perspectives in Folk.
Peggy For You is a familiar quintessentially English play that is comfortably entertaining but, on this occasion, falls short due to inconsistent acting standards from the company and the times we live in. First performed at the Hamstead Theatre in 1999 it makes me wonder who thought it needed a revival two decades later.
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.
Water is said to retain memory, the ability to remember substances that have since been diluted from said water particles even after multiple rounds of dilution. A fascinating idea igniting the imagination, it’s clear just how powerful memory is within our existence. An exploration of memory and grief, The Memory of Water, written by Olivier Award Winning playwright Shelagh Stephenson, returns to the Hampstead Theatre stage 25 years after its debut.
With an increased emphasis on the natural world around us, on a local as well as global level, we’re at a crucial point in time in terms of conversations had about climate change, questioning how best to look after our home. Observing the beauty of his hometown Kilnsea, situated in East Yorkshire, writer Tom Wells explores his locality and its vulnerabilities, recognising a need for better care. Directed by Tessa Walker, Big Big Sky is currently showing at the Hampstead Theatre. Tessa tells us more about the show’s collaborative process and what to expect!
Relocating the East Yorkshire based Kilnsea coastline to the North West of London, Tom Wells’ Big Big Sky transforms and enlivens Hampstead Theatre ‘Downstairs’ stage.
