Sprouting
Lora's newsletter #19
I love that word. “Sprouting”. It feels unruly, like things are happening in all directions without a particular order but with a sense of directional energy nonetheless. Just me?
I am going to resist the urge of saying some platitudes about Spring and longer days and how the weather in the UK is still ferociously disappointing and a massive tease. Instead, i would like to share with you some impressions and highlights from the last month or so together with a few upcoming things to look out for. Let’s get sprouting people! Here goes:
INSIGHTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
I saw Ana Tijoux in concert in London and i really enjoyed it. I think it was the best encore i have ever witnessed, with Palestinian-British rapper Shadia Mansour performing “Somos Sur”. The electricity in the room was indescribable. In a world where so many celebs are keeping quiet about the ongoing genocide perpetuated by Israel it felt so hopeful to be in the presence of artists who unapologetically stand by what they believe in and use their platform for good.
I finally manage to visit the Graves Gallery in Sheffield and i highly recommend it. Its permanent collection has many gems and both LAND (until 15th June) and We are the monument (until December) are excellent shows. And i will tirelessly continue to bang on the drum of late night gallery openings because they are simply magical!
Earlier this month, I attended a gorgeous nature writing workshop and wrote a little something about being grounded. It ain’t easy, let me tell you…
I had a lovely break in Scotland where i visited the Isle of Arran for the first time. I can’t recommend enough: great views, peaceful walks, ancient history and nice food. What else can you ask for?
I took part in WOW Rotherham and it was the most joyous experience ever. The town centre was full of incredible women and girls, families, friends, activities… More of that please!
UPCOMING STUFF FOR YOUR DIARY
Talking about WOW and Rotherham, I am pleased to announce that my piece Evidence # is part of the Voices Unbound exhibition at ROAR Art Space. The exhibition showcases lots of different pieces celebrating female identity and expression. Ever wondered what paperwork you require to get a British passport? Head to ROAR to find out! Up until 29th May
Talking about exhibitions, Blurring the Edges is closing today. Gutted and disappointed you miss it whilst it was at the Circle gallery?? You should be!! But fear not! A smaller version of it will be shown as part of Migration Matters Festival from 14th to 23rd June at Soft Ground. There is an exhibition launch with the rest of the artists on Monday 17th June at 18:00. Hope to see you there!
Becoming British is coming back to Migration Matters Festival as well, this time as a 6h duration work-in-progress piece. We’ll be performing from 18:00 to midnight on Saturday 15th June at Soft Ground. Tickets give you unlimited access to the 6h so you can come and go as you please and check out if, come midnight, we would have turned British or not. I can’t wait to share this work with you and hear your thoughts as we continue to develop it.
AND A FEW MORE BITS
The Festival of Debate is almost over and i have been attending some really interesting events. I particularly look forward to “It’s time for every day citizenship” on 22nd May and the Participatory Budgeting and Legislative Theatre workshops on Saturday 25th May. LT legend Katy Rubin will be facilitating some of this so get your tickets and see you there!?
You may know already know that i am a massive podcast fan. Well, watch this space because i have been invited as an episode guest on a new series led by someone i really admire… coming soon!
Last but not least i want to give a shout out to Marisol Spensieri who is running a short Leadership Development programme for migrant theatre practitioners. I love to see such initiatives and i will be speaking to the participants on the 8th June to share some insights from my own experiences including as a professional coach.
Hope you enjoyed this month’s newsletter written with thanks to Steph for her amazing Scotland recommendations, the WOW Rotherham team and panel for an amazing day out, the Migration Matters team for being always so welcoming.
I also want to mention all the students and staff protesting around the world, demanding greater accountability from their universities and divestment from Israel. You are an inspiration. Solidarity!