Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Certain Blacks to organise Ensemble Festival at Victoria Docks

Certain Blacks to organise Ensemble Festival at Victoria Docks

East London arts organisation Certain Blacks in association with Without Walls, the national network for outdoor arts, will be organising the day-long Ensemble Festival at Victoria Docks, Newham on Saturday July 23 from midday to 7pm.

This free programme includes an array of non-stop innovative performance including dance, aerial work, drag (on a bike), acrobatics inside a giant hourglass and poignant storytelling in a heartfelt tribute to lives lost during the pandemic.


Lives of Clay comes courtesy of Vidya Thirunarayan, who works under the artist name The Clay Connection. In Lives of Clay, stories of women from mythology and modern life are brought to life via a potent mix of classical Indian dance, music and half a ton of clay. With text by Vayu Naidu and score by Barry Ganberg, Lives of Clay is full of heart and made of mud. Vidya has over 25 years of experience as both dance artist and ceramicist and combines the Bharatanatyam dance form with the art of pottery as movement, storytelling and throwing pots are combined.

Clay Collective Clay Collective (Photo by Peter Chrisp)

Vidya Thirunarayan says, “A vivid and visceral piece of theatre with Bharata Natyam dance, expressive ceramics and original music. It promises to be a rich sensory treat for all family with a spectacular living set, wonderful original music with a range of instruments from around the world and of course, the joy of seeing clay pots being made on the potter’s wheel! It will be a powerful emotional journey that tells the story of the Indian goddess Parvati and Meena, a brick kiln worker from southern India. A generous portion of messy clay and cheeky humour thrown in too!”

certain blacks

“I hugely look forward to presenting Lives of Clay at the Ensemble festival. This festival is a vibrant celebration of a refreshing notion of diversity in all its dimensions. To be honest I am torn between performing and attending every show in this mouth-watering line up of performances on offer!”

Also at Ensemble festival, Tara Theatre’s Final Farewell offers audiences an audio experience written by Sudha Bhuchar. After listening to authentic accounts of loved ones lost during Covid-19, Sudha wrote Final Farewell under the direction of Abdul Shayek, artistic director and CEO of Tara Theatre. On July 23 there will be multiple opportunities to wander around the Royal Docks with headphones listening to voices and stories of characters Shahin, Baby Han, Ann and Oberon. At the end, audiences and performers are set to gather at a tree installation to reflect on memories of loved ones and commemorate their lives.

Abdul Shayek Abdul Shayek, artistic director and CEO of Tara Theatre (Photo by Harry Elletson)

“This piece brought together 3 personal covid/ pandemic experiences: Grief, as I had lost my mother during the 3rd wave, and we were unable to celebrate her life or grieve for her in the way that we normally would have done. Also, I listened to a lot of podcasts. The third thing was taking long walks especially during the first lockdown. This piece was about bringing these 3 things together and finding a way to celebrate those lost to us during the pandemic.” says Abdul Shayek on Final Farewell.

Certain Blacks supports the work of diverse artists from different cultural, socio economic and ethnic backgrounds, life experiences and life choices. Operating across a range of art forms including live art, music, dance, circus theatre and digital, July’s Ensemble Festival is the latest Certain Blacks programme on their home turf of Newham.

Saturday July 23, 12-7pm. Western Gateway, Victoria Docks, London E16

https://certainblacks.com/event/ensemble-festival-2022/

DLR – Royal Victoria, Western Silvertown, (Lightship 93)

Queen Elizabeth Line - Costume House

Emirate Airline from O2

Buses 325, 241

More For You

Why Modern Eyecare Professionals Trust Glasson?

Why Modern Eyecare Professionals Trust Glasson?

The eyecare industry is evolving rapidly. Clients today demand not only high-quality care but also convenience, personalization, and seamless communication throughout their journey. Managing these expectations while running a busy practice can be challenging. Enter Glasson.app, a platform designed to simplify operations, connect with clients, and drive growth.

Here’s why modern eyecare professionals trust Glasson to enhance their practices and meet the demands of today’s clients.

Keep ReadingShow less
Embark on a soaring career with BAE Systems

Embark on a soaring career with BAE Systems

YUSUF, 22, is a third-year manufacturing technician apprentice at BAE Systems in Lancashire, working on military aircraft programmes.

“My favourite thing about my apprenticeship is the variety. I’m training to become a Level 4 manufacturing technician, which allows me to be incredibly hands-on with the aircraft we’re developing, as well as having an office-based role focused on problem-solving.

Keep ReadingShow less
Isle of Man Gambling License & iGaming Regulations

Isle of Man Gambling License & iGaming Regulations

Every strong business starts with solid roots. For iGaming operators, those roots are planted in the Isle of Man gambling license. It's more than paperwork; it's a trust stamp that says, "Players, you’re in safe hands." Its rock-solid standards and fairness-first approach make this license a favorite of operators who want long-term success.

Are you planning a sleek online casino, an action-packed sportsbook, or a hybrid of both? Then this license is guaranteed to set you apart as a serious operator. It opens doors to international markets while keeping everything within the rules. Keep reading to learn why the Isle of Man license is such a popular offering and how it helps you succeed in the iGaming niche.

Keep ReadingShow less
A grassroots revolution: A human-centred approach to global health

A grassroots revolution: A human-centred approach to global health

In the heart of India’s rural landscapes, a quiet revolution is reshaping the way the world ad[1]dresses neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

As we come together to mark World Leprosy Day on Sunday 26 January, we are reminded that leprosy remains a symbol of stigma and despair for millions. It continues to cast a shadow over these communities, robbing individuals of their dignity and opportunities. Yet, amidst these challenges, hope rises—not from the halls of global summits but from the villages where community members are stepping forward as changemakers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Choosing the Right Rubber Mounts for Optimal Vibration Isolation

Choosing the Right Rubber Mounts for Optimal Vibration Isolation

In industrial and mechanical applications, vibration can be a significant problem, leading to wear and tear on machinery, reduced efficiency, and increased noise levels. To address these issues, rubber mounts are widely used to provide optimal vibration isolation.

However, choosing the right rubber mounts for your specific needs requires careful consideration of several factors. This article will guide you through the key aspects to consider when selecting rubber mounts to ensure effective vibration isolation.

Keep ReadingShow less