Looking back at the week in Manchester
We would like thank all who made Showcase 2011 and the Creative Case Symposium such an inspiring and constructive event – the best yet! The thrilling performances and challenging discussions will soon be uploaded for Showcase Online. We will also share news of the collaborations, tours and new ventures that have been developed.
In the meantime here’s a media round-up of the week in Manchester:
Creative Case Symposium video - follow this link to watch interviews and keynote speeches
The Creative Case for Diversity - read articles, case studies and keynote speeches on this purpose built mini-site
Disability Arts Online – the team from DAO were in Manchester all week to cover the Creative Case and decibel Performing Arts Showcase. Follow this link to read extensive reviews, interviews and discussion summaries
The Stage – decibel Performing Arts Showcase review – reviews of performances by Pen-ultimate, Brian Lobel, Crying in the Wilderness Productions, Sunday Driver, Shock and Awe Tours and Performance Anxiety
Telegraph.co.uk - Culture - Hassan Mahamdallie states the Creative Case for Diversity
Arts Professional - Observations - Tony Panayiotou, Head of Diversity, sets out Arts Council England's vision for a diverse future of the arts
The Stage - Up the Volume - Jo Caird interviews Nike Jonah, decibel Performing Arts Showcase Project Manager, Sara Cocker of The Eggs Collective, Gareth Lloyd Roberts of Wales Millenium Centre, Hetain Patel and Bill Bragin of Lincoln Centre, NYC
Arts Hub - Nike Jonah, decibel Performing Arts Showcase Project Manager, and Magdalena Moreno CEO of Kultour, Australia, discuss embracing diversity in arts policy
The Stage - ACE launches revamped diversity strategy - read the news story
International Arts Manager - Diversity at heart of ACE planning - read the news story (subscribers only)
Speak to Strangers - read all of Gemma Seltzer’s wonderful 100-word Speak to Strangers stories written in Manchester during the week at Showcase
What people are saying about decibel…
Registration for the 5th decibel Performing Arts Showcase closes this Sunday, 4 September.
decibel is a chance to witness a snapshot of the vibrant and innovative hotbed of diverse talent that make the UK’s performing arts scene famous worldwide. But don’t just take our word for it, here’s why other people see Showcase as an unmissable event in their calendar:
“decibel delivered something unexpected: a genuinely intriguing and eclectic performing arts showcase with work attracting healthy international interest.”
Jon Pratty, Guardian.co.uk
“Showcase should be on the schedules of every festival producer wanting to engage with a broader range of artistic voices from the UK. It is a market place not only for talent but also for ideas, networks and potential future collaborations.”
Ismail Mahomed, Festival Director, National Arts Festival, South Africa
“I can't recommend this showcase more highly. It's been one of the pivotal points in my professional development. Brilliant for networking, witnessing some fabulous talent and checking out new work.”
Julie McNamara, artist
“decibel gave me a great opportunity to discover a broad variety of diverse British art, especially work coming from artists with disabilities. Being there expanded my thinking about how to include the work of artists with disabilities in our programming more generally.”
Bill Bragin, Director of Public Programming, Lincoln Centre, USA
“decibel is a rare chance to experience the creative diversity that the UK offers in one city. As the Artistic director of a producing and presenting venue it is a key festival to find exciting new shows and artistic collaborations.”
Baba Israel, Artistic Director, Contact Theatre
“I attended the last showcase to write reviews and realised it was the only place I would want to pitch new work at. It's a gem of an opportunity for artists and programmers.”
Sarah Pickthall, artist
10 Questions - Andrew Loretto
Published 27 July 2009
Andrew from Chol Theatre steps up to the decibel 10 questions challenge!
'''Artist:''' Andrew Loretto, Chol Theatre
'''Role:''' Director of Performance
'''Showcase Performance:''' Not for all the Tea in China
'''1. Where do you find inspiration for your work?'''
Chol Theatre makes vibrant performance work that aims to offer a fresh perspective on contemporary issues. I'm Belfast-born and raised and have lived all over the UK. This background and knowledge of different and ever-changing communities very definitely informs the theatre work I make.
I'm an avid consumer of newspapers and current affairs. I also naturally have very eclectic interests and so my work for Chol draws on fascination with how we live our lives and coexist on this planet. My theatre work is also informed by music, clubbing, cinema, countryside, movement, art, spaces, history, friends, technology, food - I aim to be open to as many cultural influences as possible. I don't want to be boxed-in in terms of the type of work I make!
'''2. What has been your most memorable performance?'''
For Chol Theatre, I'm particularly proud of 'Beast Market', which was a large-scale verbatim theatre and photography project lasting a year and a half. This culminated in a physical and visual main-stage 'state-of-the nation' theatre production at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield, March 2008. The show explored the extraordinary stories of ordinary people who have made Huddersfield their home - for whatever reason. Amanda Crowther worked as documentary phographer throughout.
Although the stories and images are Huddersfield-related, I strongly believe that the characters and concepts portrayed are universal and very accessible. Huddersfield town is a surprising place with an incredible international mix of inhabitants. It's also important for Chol to occasionally make theatre about and for its home base. I would dearly love to find a Producer to work with Chol to develop 'Beast Market' further and make a touring version. Come and talk to me at decibel!
'''3. Where in the world would you most like to perform... and why?'''
I want to make and perform work anywhere that engages diverse, up for it audiences and where theatre is valued as both artform and part of a healthy society. I do also think the world needs a Tropical Beach theatre festival - and I need to do extensive site research of course.
On a more serious note, I've been part of a core team developing a project called the International Young Makers' Marathon over the past six years and we hope, funding permitting, to expand this international provision in 2010.
'''4. Who/what has been the greatest influence on your creative output?'''
The many friends and colleagues I have met over the years have been most influential on me in terms of keeping me going - despite challenges along the way - and to seek ongoing inspiration in making work. People who have - and do - inspire me through their generosity and kindness include: Ness Roper Evans, Kaite O'Reilly, John McGrath, Jacqueline van Benthem, Caroline Lamb... there are many others.
I am also influenced by the artists I work with on each project - and because I have had the privilege of leading on many significant young peoples theatre projects such as NSDF and Sherman Youth Theatre, I am constantly challenged and inspired by young emerging talent.
'''5. What has been the highlight of your career so far?'''
I have lots of mini-highlights I guess... each project has its own challenges and successes. I'm really chuffed at the recent success Chol has had with its work - having been shortlisted for Theatre Centre's Brian Way Award at a national level with 'Space Circus', a touring, promenade-participatory-installation piece of theatre for schools.
Most recently, I was delighted with the reception received at this year's Glastonbury Festival by our decibel show 'Not for all the Tea in China'. We played nine performances over three days, reaching a hugely varied audience and the show was featured on BBC2's Glastonbury highlights coverage!
'''6. Who would you most like to work with...and why?'''
Oh gosh... my wish-list would be rather long! Let's see.... Graeae, Kneehigh, Robert Lepage, Neil Hannon... plus there are younger artists out there such as Riz Ahmed who I'd love to bring to Huddersfield to collaborate on a full Chol Theatre production if they weren't so busy with their snazzy movie and tv deals!
Basically I'm up for working with artists from extremely varied disciplines who take a sideways and critical look at the world and who also have a sense of humour and joy in their work and lives.
'''7. What is the best job you have ever had?'''
Every time a show 'clicks' in rehearsal and with its audiences - then any directing job is the best job in the world. Makes up for all the writing of funding applications, long hours, low pay...!
'''8. Where do you see yourself/your company in 5 years?'''
I'd like to see Chol Theatre recognised on a national and international level as an exciting creative hub, based in Huddersfield, that makes entertaining, surprising and challenging performance, that speaks of and for the times we live in.
'''9. What makes you happiest about performing?'''
For me, making theatre is not separate to the other functions of society - it is an intrinsic part. For Chol, our participants are also often our audiences and our artists. I delight in building up trust with new audiences and bringing them work that will both challenge and take them on a journey.
I'm excited when work resonates with people and they take away questions and thoughts that often impact long after they have attended the live performance. I hope that 'Not for all the Tea in China' does this in its own little way for the hugely diverse audiences we are touring to at outdoor festivals and events this summer.
'''10. What concerns you most about the state of the Performing Arts Sector in the UK?'''
Just how old-fashioned a great deal of thinking still is within the theatre industry about how to make theatre, why we make it and who we are making it for.
I do believe that smaller regional theatre and arts organisations are leading the way in making performance work that is genuinely engaging new audiences with artistically bold work. Our larger producing theatres need to work harder to engage with these smaller organisations - who are often on their own doorstep. Stop being so proprietorial and start collaborating!
10 Questions - Nkwana Harry Moyaga
Published 19 July 2009
South African musician and visual artist, Nkwana Harry Moyaga, steps up to the 10 questions mark this week.
'''ARTIST NAME:''' Nkwana Harry Moyaga.
'''ROLE:''' Composer, Arranger and Bandleader.
SHOWCASE PERFORMANCE: The Harry Moyaga Band
'''1. Where do you find inspiration for your work?'''
From the indigenous rhythms, which existed long before Township music was born. I believe that the indigenous rhythms were never before played with more than three chords changes which are 1. 4. 5. For example most of Township Jazz, Township Music is based on 1. 4. 5. rhythms and American Blues rhythm which also had great influence on Township Jazz.
'''2. What has been your most memorable performance?'''
My most memorable performance was the 2002 Coin Street Festival, when I performed my compositions with MY South African Big Band.
'''3. Where in the world would you most like to perform... and why?'''
Anywhere in the world.
'''4. Who/what has been the greatest influence on your creative output?'''
The uniqueness of our melodies with lyrics that tell tales, that carry the timeless whispers from the naval of forever.
'''5. What has been the highlight of your career so far?'''
When I shared a stage with the likes of Hugh Masekela, and Abdula Ibrahim on Chris Hani`s memorial day.
'''6. Who would you most like to work with...and why?'''
Jim Parris because he is a great musician, manager and he is willing to learn.
'''7. What is the best job you have ever had?'''
I am also a painter and a sculptor, and the best job I ever had was a commission in 1995 by South African Breweries to make a bronze bust of President Nelson Mandela .
'''8. Where do you see yourself/your company in 5 years?'''
Spreading the Southern African rhythms throughout Britain, Europe and possibly America.
'''9. What makes you happiest about performing?'''
To me the Performance is a vehicle that takes me forward into the future, backwards into the past and sideways into the present after dancing with the Ghosts of the past and singing with the spirits of tomorrow.
'''10. What concerns you most about the state of the Performing Arts Sector in the UK?'''
Extinction of great performances.
10 Questions - Daphna Sadeh
Published 11 July 2009
Double bass player and composer Daphna Sadeh takes up our ten questions challenge this week.
'''ARTIST NAME:''' Daphna Sadeh
'''ROLE:''' Composer and music director, double bass player.
'''SHOWCASE PERFORMANCE:''' Daphna Sadeh & The Voyagers
'''1. Where do you find inspiration for your work?'''
I try to think about ideas that I would like to express about dialogues between people. I am trying to express ideas which will make a positive effect on people.
'''2. What has been your most memorable performance?'''
There are quite a few. Any performance where myself and the musicians I am working with create good communication with the audience, is memorable. Sometimes people in the audience tell me afterwards that the performance was a spritual experience for them.
'''3. Where in the world would you most like to perform... and why?'''
I love performing in Europe, but I'd also be happy to perform in the Far East like Japan. It is always interesting to meet people from different places and cultures in the world.
'''4. Who/what has been the greatest influence on your creative output?'''
Studying music in New York.
'''5. What has been the highlight of your career so far?'''
Making the recent CD Reconciliation, for the New York based record label Tzadik.
'''6. Who would you most like to work with...and why?'''
I would like to compose music for any large scale project and possibly be the artistic director as well.
'''7. What is the best job you have ever had? '''
Being a musician. it is a privilage to do something I love doing.
'''8. Where do you see yourself/your company in 5 years?'''
I see myself composing music for my group as well as collaborating in films, orchestras and other groups. Also, I see myself performing internationally at Festivals.
'''9. What makes you happiest about performing?'''
Contact with the audience and with musicians I love playing with.
'''10. What concerns you most about the state of the Performing Arts Sector in the UK?'''
That there will be enough funding to keep the arts producing more and more culture.
10 Questions - The Fish Police
Published 4 July 2009
It's a joint effort from the artists under the ten questions spotlight this week...
'''ARTIST NAME:''' The Fish Police – Dean Rodney, Charles Stuart, Mathew Howe
'''ROLE:''' Performers/musicians
'''SHOWCASE PERFORMANCE:''' The Fish Police
'''1. Where do you find inspiration for your work?'''
Dean – I find it from TV programmes, cartoons, films, lots of things
Charles – For me it’s more things that have happened in my life, film and pieces of music. I’m also really inspired by Dean and his outlook on life.
'''2. What has been your most memorable performance?'''
Dean – We performed at the Paralympics Handover event last year it was great
(Waltham Forest, one of the key Olympic London boroughs, held a music and entertainment event in their town square to commemorate the Olympic handover to London. The Fish Police performed)
Charles – Well, we’ve performed at lots of Heart n Soul club events, but one in particular that stands out is our performance at The Squidz Club last summer. The crowd was so enthusiastic!
'''3. Where in the world would you most like to perform... and why?'''
Dean – Japan! I love manga, anime, Japanese TV programmes, their whole culture really, so that would be my top choice.
'''4. Who/what has been the greatest influence on your creative output?'''
Dean – I love music. I love artists who express themselves. I love Will Smith, Daft Punk, Kanye West.
Charles – I came from a house where all my siblings were really creative and there was always music playing in the house, so my family have been a huge influence.
'''5. What has been the highlight of your career so far?'''
Dean – When we went to Ireland and performed with another group called Stage Beyond. It was our first time abroad too. I loved it.
Charles – Yes, I agree. It was great going abroad and working with different people and showing them what we do.
'''6. Who would you most like to work with...and why?'''
Dean – The Black Eyed Peas and Dizzee Rascal, I like his beats.
Charles – Too many people to mention!
'''7. What is the best job you have ever had?'''
Charles – Well I was a cheese wholesaler when I was younger, which was great! But really, I think the best job I have is the one I have now. I love working with The Fish Police and I also work with other artists in the music industry too so I’m always learning something new. It’s fantastic.
'''8. Where do you see yourself/your company in 5 years?'''
Dean – We want to make a Fish Police cartoon – Mat & I (the other member of The Fish Police) love cartoons. I’d love us to have a number one album and to tour the world.
'''9. What makes you happiest about performing?'''
Dean – Being on stage, getting a crowd reaction and seeing everyone having a great time.
Charles – Yes I agree; it’s great to be able to connect with the audiences.
'''10.What concerns you most about the state of the Performing Arts Sector in the UK?'''
Charles - Well I would like to see more acts from the learning disability sector like The Fish Police do more mainstream events and perform at bigger and better places.
