We all walk our own paths, scenarios encountered – shaped by societal norms and who we are physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. The term ‘intersectionality’ something that has become part of the zeitgeist, a term that perfectly captures what it is to be human in this world of constructs. Exploring their personal journey of navigating how the world deals with their sexuality, race, class and gender – performer John Paul Zaccarini presents The MixeRace Mix Tape, a resonant, unapologetic live playlist that speaks to today.

Courtesy of Sarah Hickson.

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The Hitrz courtesy of Annie Kruntcheva

Enjoying a resurgence, currently dominating the airwaves, Grime has taken the world by storm. Artists such as Stormzy, Dave, Little Simz, Headie One, Ms Banks amongst others engaging a new age of listeners. Having both been instrumental in the Grime scene, legends Prince Owusu-Agyekum aka Rapid, who has written songs for critically acclaimed artist Tinchy Strider and artist Ebenezer Ayerh aka Slix look to nurture the next generation of Grime talent – whether they look to pursue a career on stage or of. Their organisation, Ruff Squad Arts Foundation having supported the stars of tomorrow since 2017. Getting ready to host Ruff Sqwad presents Lights Up as part of Certain Blacks’ Heroes Festival on 4th February at Rich Mix, the inspirational duo tell us more about the artists taking part and what to expect!

Hi Prince and Ebenezer AKA Ruff Sqwad, you’ll be hosting Lights Up on 4th Feb which forms Certain Blacks’ 9th festival titled ‘Heroes’ at Rich Mix. How are you feeling ahead of the event?

We are so excited and can’t wait for 4th February to come, so much young, hungry talent under one roof is definitely a night not to be missed!

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Kakilang(formerly Chinese Arts Now CAN) has announced the full programme and dates for its unique multi-art form festival which celebrates the work of artists from across the wide spectrum of East and Southeast Asian heritages. Eight extraordinary events platforming theatre, dance, visual arts, live music, cabaret and puppetry will be staged from the 21 February – 23 April 2023 in a selection of London’s leading arts venues including the Barbican, Omnibus Theatre, Rich Mix, Shoreditch Town Hall, Two Temple Place and The Yard.

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The UK is at the forefront of encouraging important dialogues, in particular, ones revolving around international issues that help to nurture understanding and connection. This incredibly important to continue on with, especially now. Introducing their inaugural Palestinian Arts Festival, Rich Mix looks to showcase the Palestinian arts scene, offering a mixed programme of theatre, spoken word, poetry, music, singing and visual art. Debuting her first solo show ‘Another Lover’s Discourse’, showing from the 29th to 31st October, director Riham Isaac presents a story exploring the complexity of love and relationships. Having just recently performed at the Belfast International Arts Festival on the 22nd and 23rd October, Riham tells us more about what to expect! Continue reading

Love connects us all, a powerful emotion that many have captured throughout the ages through various art forms, it powers and inspires humanity. Without it, the world would be a duller place. Marking Valentine’s Day this year with the 2nd edition of their comedy showcase, BBC’s Ashley J and DJ B-Radz present Lovers & Friends, a thought provoking, light hearted, sentimental evening celebrating love in its multiple guises.

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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.

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Exploring her own personal experiences of being misunderstood for her learning disability, writer and performer Charlene Salter, in collaboration with Access All Areas present The Interrogation, a bespoke interactive audio experience also drawing on real life cases of learning disabled people unfairly criminalised. Having already toured Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, The Marlowe, The Lowry, Tobacco Factory Theatres, the experience will also show at Battersea Arts Centre and Rich Mix. Charlene tells us more about exploring this important topic via audio technology.

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On average, we speak roughly tens of thousands of words a day – a form of communication so embedded within our culture, it’s second nature and something we take for granted. Throughout time, words have formed, transformed, meanings have changed, they’ve taken on various meanings and have been taken from various cultures from around the world. Examining our relationship with words in his work presented at Certain Black’s Circus Circus Circus Festival, Jamal Harewood presents Word – a show aimed at word enthusiasts.

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For the past 5 years, arts development organisation Certain Blacks have curated various festivals supporting a range of theatre voices. Diversifying our industry, they ‘present art from the margins [and bring them] into the mainstream’. Their latest offering, ‘Circus Circus Circus’ showcases an eclectic line up of live art, spoken word, jazz, opera and circus and takes over Rich Mix London and Hoxton Hall throughout November. Artistic Director Clive Lyttle tells us more about curating this year’s line up, how he’s found the process of supporting artists and how artists can get involved with future events!

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