deptford – The Cultural Exposé

Something you should see… Soweto Kinch: The Legend of Mike Smith

The Cultural Exposé — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 10:00:11 +0000

Earlier this year, Soweto Kinch‘s prized saxaphone was stolen – and though the felony didn’t quite make Crimewatch, it was enough of a tragedy to see the jazz star’s countless fans show their solidarity by joining him in a massive social media campaign to get the sax back, which he did a month later. To that end, the news of Kinch‘s forthcoming show at The Albany this month is a sigh of relief – we’ll get to see the award-winning musician reunited with his trusty 1963 Selmer Mark Vi to perform a dynamic live version of his album The Legend of Mike Smith.

It tells the story of a young MC facing a world of temptations, and with choreography coming from hip-hop pioneer Jonzi D, it’s little wonder critics are calling it “mindblowing” in its clever take on The Seven Deadly Sins and Dante’s Inferno. It’s only got a short run though (wraps up October 5th), so don’t miss this chance to see this mighty man and his sax in action.

For more info, visit: www.thealbany.org.uk

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Somewhere you should go… Deptford X: London’s Contemporary Art Festival

The Cultural Exposé — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 10:00:54 +0000

Live in London long enough and you’ll know that the Eastside doesn’t have the monopoly on good art – especially when festivals like Deptford X have been shining a spotlight on the modern movers and art makers around the South-east for the past 15 years. So it’s a welcome return this week for the capital’s longest running contemporary visual arts festival, which will be offering its usual eclectic mix of installations, performances and exhibitions.

This year, Bob & Roberta Smith take the lead with a new commission that declares “Art Makes People Powerful!“, and it’s a theme that resonates amongst the rest of the works from Deptford’s creative community. This includes Dan Holliday’s screen printed posters which make an intriguing statement about the history and development of the local area. Bernadette Russell’s 366 Days of Kindness project is another highlight, as it warmly presents the results of an exploration into the power of good deeds, following the 2011 riots. This interactive installation – which features 366 balloons with messages from Londoners which are given out at the end of the day – made its debut at the Southbank Centre in July and will no doubt be a big hit once again when it’s recreated for Deptford X.

As for the rest of the programme, a group show from Harry Pye and friends will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Albany performing arts centre, while 8 Studios From Here will be a powerful demonstration of what can happen when artists work together for the better good of the independent art scene. All that’s left is even more of the creative, the quirky and the sublime from the Fringe shows, parties and other events which perfectly sums up why Deptford art has really got it going on. All power to the people!

On until October 6th. For more info, visit: www.deptfordx.org

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Somewhere you should go… Afrovibes Festival 2012

Jane Duru — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:00:07 +0000

October seems to be rivalling the summer months for arts festivals this year, with what seems like a dozen film festivals, a restaurant festival and photography festival taking place this month – but if you want to get all of your culture fixes in one place, there’s only one place to go – the Afrovibes festival in South and East London.

This Dutch festival celebrating all things South African, comes to London, before touring around the rest of the UK – and it seems fitting that the migratory event is happening during Black History Month. Taking place at Stratford Circus and The Albany in Deptford, the aim is to show something of contemporary SA beyond a reputation for crime and a predilection for vuvuzelas. The centre of the action will be at the Township Café, where you’ll find an eclectic and thought-provoking roster of activities. There’ll be new music from Soweto Kinch and the Sibikwa African Orchestra, several South African plays showing fresh from the Edinburgh festival (plus the opportunity to meet the cast and crew afterwards), as well as a photography exhibition focusing on the legacy of apartheid. Also on offer throughout the week is a smorgasbord in the way of authentic food, short films, poetry, dance, pre-show talks and late night debates. So whatever your cultural bag, you’re sure to find something to take your fancy. (Words: Jane Duru)

The Afrovibes Festival runs until October 7th at The Albany, Douglas Way Deptford, SE8 4AG and Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, E15 1BX. For more info, visit www.afrovibes2012.co.uk

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