culture

TALK: BURGEONING ART SCENE IN BANGLADESH | London, Revolution Gallery

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The newly opened Revolution Gallery in Central London is a groundbreaking art venue, the first in the UK dedicated to representing the very best artists from Bangladesh. This includes legendary figures such as Zainul Abedin, Rashid Choudhury, and Quamrul Hassan — as well as new talents like Rakib Alam Shanto — bridging the gap between traditional and modern Bangladeshi art.

Revolution Gallery is hosting a talk on the bourgeoning art scene in Bangladesh, Wednesday 10 July, 6:30pm, offering attendees a unique glimpse into the vibrant art culture of Bangladesh.

Tasleema Alam and Nelson Ferreira, both renowned artists, recently returned from Bangladesh where they served as visiting lecturers in Fine Arts at Dhaka University. Their experiences have provided them with firsthand insight into the burgeoning talent emerging from this culturally rich nation. They will be sharing their observations and experiences during the talk, shedding light on the current explosion of artistic talent in Bangladesh.

Tasleema Alam, a distinguished expert in Islamic Art and the owner of Traditional Ateliers, has an impressive portfolio of collaborations with prestigious institutions like Turquoise Mountain, ITHRA and South Bank. She is the first Bangladeshi female artist to collaborate on Royal Commissions for HM King Charles III, in honour of his coronation, further underlining her esteemed status in the art community.

Nelson Ferreira (another Royal Commissioned artist) is known for his mastery in classical drawing and painting techniques; he is a visiting lecturer at several universities and art museums globally. His expertise is further recognized by his teaching engagements: including teaching Walt Disney and ILM artists. Since 2022 alone, his artworks have been seen by about 300,000 people at exhibitions in UK, Portugal, Italy, Nepal, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh.

This talk presents a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts, collectors, and academics to gain insight into the evolving landscape of Bangladeshi art and to engage with two insightful voices in the field. Attendees will have the chance to explore the Revolution Gallery’s collection and witness the confluence of heritage and innovation that discerns Bangladeshi art as a rising tiger within the umbrella of South Asia.

Date: Wednesday, 10 July 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Revolution Gallery, 12a Little Portland St, London, W1W 8BJ (Oxford Circus)

Follow Revolution Gallery online and on Instagram. 

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LIFT FESTIVAL 2024 | London, multiple venues

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LIFT, London’s bi-annual international festival of theatre, brings joyful, daring and unforgettable theatre from around the world to London, using the whole of the city as the stage.  Every two years, LIFT presents a festival full of bold and relevant culture, international perspectives, and thought-provoking performances. The festival’s adventurous-ness is theatrical yeast (The Guardian, 2018), meaning LIFT has done more to influence the growth and adventure of English theatre than any other organisation (Mark Rylance).  Whether it’s a much-loved venue, iconic landmark or unsung corner of London, LIFT gathers Londoners around incredible art.

LIFT’s mission is to create powerful, invigorating experiences that: challenge artistic, political and social conventions; champion artist advancement at home and abroad; lead sustainable internationalism; celebrate and connect London to the world.  This year is no different, with eight exciting shows happening all over London throughout the months of June and July 2024.

LISTINGS

The Land Acknowledgement or As You Like It – London premiere
Southbank Centre- Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall
5 – 7 June, 8pm
8 – 9 June, 3pm

Democracy From Where I Stand
The Dutch Church, City of London
8 June, 7pm

Bat Night Market – World Premiere
Science Gallery London
11 June – 14 June, 7pm & 15 June, 2pm
BSL performance 15 June

L’Homme Rare – UK Premiere
Southbank Centre: Queen Elizabeth Hall
12 – 13 June, 7.30pm
Post show talk: 12 June
Audio Description available: 13 June

The Trials and Passions of Unfamous Women – World Premiere
Brixton House
14 June – 22 June 19:30
19 & 22 June 2pm
Press night: 17 June

Bacchae: Prelude to a Purge – UK Premiere
Sadler’s Wells Theatre
18 June – 19 June, 19:30
Post show talk: Tuesday 18 June

L’Animale – UK Premiere
Old Bailey, City of London
22 – 23 June 2pm & 4pm

ECHO (Every Cold-Hearted Oxygen) – World Premiere
The Royal Court Theatre
13 July – 27 July 6.30pm/7pm/7:30pm
Matinee performances: Sat 20 July & 27 July, 1.30 & Thurs 25 July, 2.30
Press night: 17 July 7:00pm
Post show talk: 18 July
Captioned and Relaxed Performances – 18 July, 7:30pm & 27 July, 1:30pm

Book now for all eight shows at LIFT’s website, playing 5 June – 27 July 2024.

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THE MONGOL KHAN | London, Coliseum

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This lavish, large-scale production, with an ensemble of over 70 performers, has run for over 100 performances in Mongolia, and is now playing at London’s largest theatre for two weeks. It’s the first time any large-scale professional Mongolian production has been performed here: a testament to 60 years of Anglo-Mongolian relations and cultural exchange. Based on historical events, the show explores Mongolian culture and history through music, dance, dialogue and puppetry, with elaborate sets and costumes, all inspired by traditional nomadic culture and tradition.

The Mongol Khan was originally written in 1998 by renowned Mongolian writer and poet Lkhagvasuren Bavuu, and then revived in April 2022 at the Mongolian State Academic Theatre of Drama, to great acclaim, by Mongolian director Hero Baatar. The production has taken inspiration from historical events, archaeological findings, traditional nomadic dances, and the music of the ancient Hun culture of Central Asia from the Hunnu Empire period.

The production’s director, Hero Baatar, says: “Presenting a Mongolian drama in England is a significant historical event, and a unique cultural exchange: an opportunity to bridge cultural gaps and share the beauty of Mongolian theatre with an international audience. It’s a testament to the power of theatre and storytelling to transcend borders and bring people from different cultures together.”

Bordered by China and Russia, Mongolia is one of the world’s best kept secrets as a travel destination, with a vast unspoilt wilderness and extremely welcoming people. The Mongol Khan serves as an introduction to this country and its history to give would-be travellers a taste of the culture and history.

Playing at the London Coliseum, 17 November – 3 December 2023.

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INTERVIEW: MIRIAM BATTYE | Edinburgh, Roundabout @ Summerhall

Interview

Manchester-based writer Miriam Battye (HBO’s Succession) explains the deeply personal origins of her latest work, Strategic Love Play (2023), running at the Edinburgh Fringe and London’s Soho Theatre.

– How would you describe Strategic Love Play (2023)?

It’s all one scene, one first date, two strangers who met on their phones. It’s highly unlikely that it will work out. But actually, if you stare at it, it’s very high stakes. It’s maybe the most romantic thing I’ve ever written.

– What inspired you to write this type of love story?

I wanted to work out why we all feel so hard done by in dating, and where on earth we get the wild idea it’s supposed to be gorgeous and easy. Why should it be? We’re all trying to package a gorgeous version of ourselves, and we’re also trying to not try – to present ambivalence.

– How do you feel dating has changed since the introduction of dating apps?

I think apps provided an incredibly effective solution to something that is genuinely painfully difficult. But I wonder if, maybe, it isn’t supposed to be painless. You’ve put your face in everyone’s phone and asked them to want you. And given them the brief idea that it’s totally their choice. You are totally available for their choosing.

– How is the cast?

We have the most gorgeous, top-tier cast. I worked with Letty Thomas on Scenes with girls (Royal Court, 2020), and I love what she does on stage: she is genuinely original, hilarious and stunningly powerful. And Archie Backhouse is a proper revelation.

– What are you most looking forward to, bringing this show to the Edinburgh Fringe?

I love the Fringe, I go every year as a punter. Throughout my career, I’ve done big TV shows, had my work ripped apart, got over it – but nothing is really more intimidating than the Fringe to me. It’s just a lot of people who care a lot about theatre. I want to astound people, reach out and grab their attention before they go on to the next thing.

Book to see Strategic Love Story at the Edinburgh Fringe and London’s Soho Theatre.

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PICKLE | London, Park Theatre

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Two-word summary: it’s Jewish Fleabag. Yes, that world-dominating, award-winning sitcom started as one-hour, one-woman show, too. After captivating audiences during its sold-out performances in May, Pickle returns to the Park Theatre for a two-week run, in this cheeky and authentic exploration of what it means to be a young Jewish woman in London today.

Pickle is written and performed by Deli Segal, produced by Tanya Truman (Confessions of a Rabbi’s Daughter; Tier Three Sisters) and directed by Kayla Feldman (Swimming; Dear Peter), all female Jewish theatre-makers who strive to amplify Jewish voices on stage.

“Pickle is all about one woman’s experience of reconciling belief and tradition with change,” says Deli Segal, writer and performer. “I wanted to tell a story that explores being in the middle of both worlds: the parts that fit together, and the parts that don’t. The vibrancy, the spirit, the richness of culture, the humour of Jewish life – those things often get lost.”

Ari lives at home in North-West London, where her life is dominated by overbearing parents, tradition and expectations. However, her daily life includes her job, going out – and, inevitably, the dating scene. Pickle follows Ari as she tries to balance Friday night dinner with drinks at the pub, JSwipe with Hinge, being Jewish and secular. This uproarious simcha of a one-woman show explores a young Jewish woman’s psyche as she navigates her two contrasting worlds with irreverent humour and heart. Expect smoked salmon, guilt and a large dose of self-deprecation as Pickle brings Ari’s vibrant world to life.

Playing at the Park Theatre 14 – 26 November, 2022.

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INTERVIEW: MICHAEL DUKE (Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical)

Interview

London-based actor and singer Michael Duke answers our questions about playing Bob Marley in the Olivier Award-winning musical Get Up, Stand Up! at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End.

– You are playing Bob Marley… how does it feel to be stepping out on stage and playing this role, live on stage, to a London audience?

It feels great. I think that there’s something quite specific about it being a London audience. I mean, in this country, anyway, there’s a massive Caribbean culture, and it feels – I feel a great honour to be able to represent it. A lot of people who come to see the show, as well, yes, they know Bob Marley’s music, but not necessarily the culture and history and everything surrounding it, so again, for me it’s an honour to tell these stories and educate people, as well. It’s great.

– How do audiences for Get Up, Stand Up! compare to other audiences you’ve performed to?

Completely different. In our theatre the sound is incredibly loud, which you’re not going to get in many theatre productions. There’s a lot of bass, and the audience seem to engage with the piece a lot more vocally, which I think can be great, to an extent, because it’s very Caribbean, and I love that.

– Bob Marley died in 1981, over forty years ago now. Why this story, and why now?

I think this story could have been told ten years ago, and it could be told in ten years time, because I don’t think that the story or the culture has been celebrated nearly enough as it should be. For an audience nowadays, what we read in the news and what we see at the moment reflects a lot of the things that happened back then. As long as these themes and these issues still exist, the show will always be relevant.

– Some people seem to have some kind of snobbery about so-called “jukebox” musicals. What’s your take?

When the story is great, I love them. Because I think for a show like ours, you could take away the songs and it would still be a great story. But then you add the songs back in and it becomes even better.

– Has anything surprised you about performing this role? And do audiences come away surprised by anything?

People only really know Bob Marley’s music, and his individuality is possibly overshadowed by the Rastafarian image. But, like everyone else, he was a person, and so in Get Up, Stand Up!, you get a sense of his human nature.

Playing at the Lyric Theatre until 8 January 2023.

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INTERVIEW: Jonathan Burrows (Burrows & Fargion)

Interview

Choreographer Jonathon Burrows speaks to The Prickle about a new Burrows & Fargion double bill at Sadler’s Wells: Rewriting (2019), and Science Fiction (2021).

– Who are your inspirations?

I think the interesting thing is how many different, overlapping and constantly changing inspirations people have, which reflects the ways in which culture is always about the work of the many, rather than a few select individuals. And I love how the things you love don’t have to make sense together. I love dub reggae sound system culture, but I also play English folk music.

– You and composer Matteo Fargion been collaborators for thirty years; how have you managed to work together all this time?

I think Matteo is a very patient person, but also we don’t have many meetings and that seems to help.

– Burrows & Fargion pieces straddle the line between dance, music, performance art and comedy. How would you describe a typical audience member?

We have three philosophies about audience, which have kept us going over the years. The first is, “Whoever comes is the right person”. The second is, “How the audience sit is how we should sit”. And the third is, “Equal together under the same roof”. When these ideas work, people spontaneously seem to walk onstage at the end, to look at our scores and talk. And then you find out there’s no typical audience member at all.

– What’s next for Burrows & Fargion?

We don’t really make plans for the future, but rather just try to keep going with our practice, and all the parts of the practice are important, including performing, teaching, talking, writing and so on. For twenty years we’ve had no office and no regular funding, and we share all aspects of the work and pay equally. We like it that way, as it means we don’t have to make any promises about what we might or might not manage to do.

Burrows & Fargion Rewriting and Science Fiction plays at Sadler’s Wells 5 – 6 May 2022.

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INTERVIEW | Anna Ferrer, Magalí Sare & Manel Fortià

Interview

The Prickle spoke to Balearic singer and multi-instrumentalist Anna Ferrer, alongside Catalan jazz duo Magalí Sare & Manel Fortià. They will be performing at The Pheasantry in London on 5-6 April, as part of Spotlight on Catalan Culture – the UK’s largest festival of Catalan arts, music and culture taking place across the UK March – June 2022.

– What does the Spotlight on Catalan Culture festival mean to you?

FORTIÀ: It is a great opportunity that allows us to show what kind of music we do outside Catalonia and how the audience reacts to it.

SARE: I love the fact that a festival like this exists. It’s a very cool way for locals to discover new music and to create new bonds between these cultures.

– How about audience members who can’t speak Catalan, and are totally new to Catalan music and culture; do you think they will still have a good time?

SARE: Of course they will! And we will also explain the songs during the concert.

FERRER: The reality of what one wants to say, if it’s authentic and comes from the heart, can come through via other, much more intangible ways.

– Many people say music is universal: do you think that’s true?

FERRER: Humanity is universal, the feeling of belonging to a cultural net is universal… and music is one of the first forms of expression of a community. Without a doubt, yes: music is universal.

FORTIÀ: Sometimes I have played with musicians that didn’t speak the same language as me and it worked well. It is the magic part of the music.

– Fish and chips or roast dinner?

FERRER: Fish and chips.

SARE: Roast dinner.

FORTIÀ: Mediterranean food.

Book online for 5-6 April 2022 at Pizza Express Live.

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