Iskandar R. Sharazuddin’s Silently Hoping taps into the topic of ‘duality’ – being of mixed raced heritage and questioning cultural identity. The concept of identity is a complex one, something that will continually be explored within wider conversations. Drawing from his Southeast Asian-British identity, Iskander looks to explore this crucial topic. Ahead of Silently Hoping‘s run at this year’s Vault festival, Iskander talks to us about his approach towards creating the show, working with director Mingyu Lin and the show’s plans beyond Vault festival.

It can so often feel that those that have gone before us wouldn’t have at all understood what perhaps we’re going through now, and vice versa. It can so often feel that historical greats, are in fact so great, that the normal day to day wouldn’t have phased them at all. However, what history books tend to leave out is the fact that these were normal people, just like us, who just so happened to change the face of our history. Cue Helena Westerman and Caroline Simonsen’s ‘Galvanise’; a show connecting the lives of three modern day teens and influential female historical figures. Ahead of this year’s Vault Festival, both Helena and Caroline talk about working together, integrating animation and following their debut hit show ‘An Act of Kindness’.

“We are part of the last generation to remember life before widespread internet access” – expresses Dean Elliott, co-founder of theatre collective New Public; a sentiment ringing true for many of us. There’s no doubt that we now live in an age of media excess; news now accessible by the click of a button, whether that be on a smartphone, laptop, TV, tablet… the list goes on. A swift generational shift, we’ll soon forget those days where we depended solely on print and TV to find out the latest global goings on, a time where we could escape the media at our own choosing. Dean talks to us about the ‘relentless media machine’ as New Public prepare to perform their topical show ‘White Noise’ at this year’s Vault Festival!

Conversations surrounding mental health are, quite rightly so receiving greater prominence within the wider society; however, there’s still a long way to go in terms of perceptions held, particularly from a generational stand point and how we continue to tackle this very complex humanistic topic, especially in terms of services provided. Amy Guyler’s ‘Digging Deep’ addresses the upsetting truth of the rise of suicide in young men, in particular within working class backgrounds. A timely show that will no doubt resonate with audiences, director Alistair Wilkinson takes on the production at this year’s Vault Festival.  Ahead of the show, Alistair speaks to us about addressing the show’s important themes, what he’s learned from directing the show and teaming up with the mental health charity CALM who will be offering support after each showing.

‘Close your eyes,’ says our host in a blustery subway of Waterloo Vaults. ‘Show of hands: whose side of the story do you want to hear first?’ So begins this 30-minute, interactive and site-specific play from Anonymous is a Woman, a theatre company devoted to celebrating female stories. And Greyscale’s story is simple, but familiar.

Within the past 2 decades, the gradual rise in Islamaphobia has been haunting to witness. Various misconceptions within the press further peddling a feeling of fear amongst nations. These untruths go on to shape voting outcomes and interactions within the wider community, fuelling a stereotype that doesn’t at all ring true. Nabilah Said’s timely show Inside Voices aims to add nuance to perceptions currently held. Placing lives of three Malay Muslim women at the fore, Nabilah and her theatre company Lazy Natives offer an insight into an aspect of Southeast Asian culture perhaps not focused on within the UK. Ahead of the show, Nabilah talks about making her professional debut at the Vault Festival, exploring topics of race and religion and featuring in Nick Hern Books’ Plays from Vault 4 Anthology.

Returning for its 7th annual outing, The Vault Festival promises as ever to offer its ‘biggest, boldest and bravest’ programme to date. Comprising of over 400 shows and consisting of more than 2,000 artists, the 8-week long festival will bring to you a mixture of theatre, comedy, cabaret, live performance and late night parties. Taking place at The Vaults in Waterloo, you’ll be spoiled for choice!