Lyric Hammersmith Announces
2018 Evolution Festival
The Lyric Hammersmith today announces it will be bringing its Evolution Festival back for a third year. Evolution showcases artists aged 16 – 25, celebrating the ground-breaking and exciting work beingproduced by young people in the capital. The four day multi-art form festival will run from Wednesday 14 – Saturday 17 March 2018.
This year the festival celebrates the importance of the individual and explores the idea of ‘Self’. The topics and related themes involve the discussion of identity, race, gender, health, stereotypes and culture. The Evolution Festival creates a safe and creative space for artists to share their work, represents the diverse and multi-cultural talent in London and allows artists to connect with a wider audience.
The festival features several projects developed by the Lyric including Stains, a collaboration with Wimbledon College of Art; The Blind Truth previously a scratch performance in Evolution 2017; and The Room of Possibilities performed by Journeys, the Lyric’s integrated company of disabled and nondisabled performers.
The festival will also premiere the newly formed Lyric Ensemble’s work in progress, directed by international director Anne Louise Sarks, ahead of their summer show.
Sean Holmes, Artistic Director of Lyric Hammersmith said: ‘Everyone here can’t wait for our third Evolution Festival. Vibrant, surprising and uniquely Lyric’.
For last year’s Evolution Festival the Lyric worked with 106 artists and performers aged between 16- 25. 67% of the artists were from BAME backgrounds and 82% of participants were female. The Lyric welcomed over 1,000 young people into the venue across 13 different shows and events and 65% of these audiences were new to the Lyric. Some of the productions showcased last year went on to be performed at the Ovalhouse, The Vaults Festival, and Camden People’s Theatre and have received funding from Arts Council England.
LISTINGS
Stains
Wed 14 & Thu 15 March 2018
7pm, 60 mins
A man is on trial for a crime of passion and self-preservation. In his final meeting with his defence lawyer he is offered a plea deal. He wants to tell a different story.
Inspired by verbatim accounts, Stains shines a light on the untold stories of the constant struggles of dealing with micro-aggressions.
Talks: Survival of the Fittest
Wed 14 March 2018
7:30pm, 60 mins
FREE
A panel discussion exploring the question “Is there enough space for us all to create?” This conversation will focus on the struggles of becoming an artist. Is it a competition or a collaboration? Our expert panellists will relate their experiences before opening it up to the floor.
Express Yourself
Wed 14 March 2018
8pm, 60 mins
Ages 16+
Join four young artists for an evening of new and developed work exploring the theme of self. The evening will feature: Make Love by Violet Vincent, Autistic Artistic by Jody Nolan, N.P.B.D by Alexandria Macleod, Feels by TD.Moyo and Weak Tea by Daniel Bailey
Talks: Black Is The New Black
Thu 15 March 2018
7:30pm, 60 mins
FREE
A discussion focussing on colour blind casting and whether or not it works. We will be exploring the pros and cons of colour blind casting using a range of recent stories, experiences and our expert panel.
Love Letters
Thu 15 & Fri 16 March 2018
8:30pm, 60 mins
‘My love has made me selfish… I see no further. You have absorb’d me’ John Keats. Love Letters is a show that explores the age old theme LOVE. Request your favourite love song, send us a love letter, sit back and enjoy a celebration of our greatest ability. Directed by Stef O Driscoll.
Lyric Ensemble: Work in Progress
Thu 15 & Fri 16 March 2018
8pm, 60 mins
The Lyric Ensemble is a group of 15 actors led by international director Anne Louise Sarks. The ensemble have been working together since September and this is your chance to catch a sneak preview of their work in progress before they showcase their full show in June 2018. Be one of the first to see this dynamic and surprising company in action.
The Blind Truth
Fri 16 & Sat 17 March 2018
7pm, 60 mins
Set in a dystopian future, The Blind Truth depicts a world in the aftermath of a war caused by inequality and injustice. Survival is key and there is hope in the remaining survivors. Four teenagers get an unexpected opportunity to share their stories of discrimination.
Journeys: The Room of Possibilities
Sat 17 March 2018
3pm & 6pm, 60 mins
In a world where we are faced with barriers at every turn the Journeys company have created a room where anything is possible…
Come and watch them make the most daring attempts and achieve the greatest feats. In this space it will be messy and wild and anything will be possible.
Journeys is a company of disabled and non-disabled actors and performers who seek to create new worlds in their performances.
Reel Talks: Wonder Women of
the Arts
Sat 17 March 2018
6:30pm, 90 mins
FREE
An intimate discussion with actors, producers, and directors. A prestigious panel will be talking about their experiences and answering any questions you might have about the industry and your own career.
Express Yourself
Sat 17 March 2018
8pm, 60 mins
Ages 16+
Join four young artists for an evening of new and developed work revolving around the theme of self. The evening will feature: For Heavens Cake by Rachel Vogler, Tentacles by David Gilbert and Rebecca Phillips, Shove It In by Aaliyah Antoine, Boys Like Us by Mateus Daniel and Rush by Tiwalade Olulode.
Fresh Faced Film Fest
Sat 17 March 2018
8:30pm, 60 mins
FREE
The fourth Fresh Faced Film Festival curated by TEAfilms in association with the Lyric Hammersmith will not disappoint. A selection of quality films by young directors will be showcased in front of a panel of film industry professionals.
AZ Mag Live Night
Sat 17 March 2018
From 9pm
Tickets £5
Celebrating the talents of young BAME people in the UK with a focus on LGBT+ performers. After last year’s sold out AZ Mag Live, expect an evening of poetry, singing and dance; hosted by AZ Magazine’s very own, Tay.
Bringing the sounds is one of London’s hottest DJ’s, Carmen London, with a fresh set giving you the chance to shake a leg and wrap up Evolution 2018.