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This hasn’t been an easy process as we’ve had some fantastic TV in 2022, many of which have got us through the (questionable) year. If (unlike me) you’ve managed to take some time off during the holiday season, here are some TV shows I’d highly recommend. From brutal landscapes in The English to rapid fire one liners in mokumentary Abbott Elementary these shows have had me on the edge of my seat throughout this past year.
5. The Vow
Sky – Season 1 and 2
The Vow is a HBO docu-series about the self improvement group NXIVM, founded by Keith Raniere in New York. Season 1 opens on a group of ex members gathering evidence against Raniere for human trafficking, sex offences and racketeering. A rare but truthful crime series parades Raniere’s psychological manipulation whilst examining the insidious appeal to join a mysterious human development group.
4. Abbott Elementary
Apple TV/Disney – Season 1 and 2
A group of teachers take us on a hilarious tour of Abbott Elementary school, in this 13 part mockumentary. We’re presented with a school in decline, lacking resources with an unhinged head teacher which comes with painful laughs and priceless comedy. Pitch perfect delivery from a diverse cast makes the humour all the more relatable. Most importantly the take-away message tells us why they do what they do. ‘I could make more work in the street, easy.’
3. Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared
Channel 4 on demand
Originally made for youtube, this dark parody, of childrens’ television, tackles a variety of topics within each of the 6 episodes. From ‘Jobs’ to ‘death’ Red Guy, Yellow Guy and Duck find themselves in one existential crisis after another as they navigate the ‘impossibility of ever doing something truly new and exciting’. A common thread that runs through every episode. Unsettlingly funny and nightmarish, channel 4 celebrates the arrival of the absurd onto mainstream television with this cheery yet grotesque show and I’m here for it! Maybe just don’t watch it alone at night.
2. The Traitors
BBC Iplayer
22 strangers, one castle, 120k and Claudia Winkleman! The perfect recipe for a compelling thriller of a reality TV game, filled with truth, deception and desperation! With the dramatic irony dropped from the get go we’re in on who the traitors are. Not only does this cleverly add to the suspense we’ve all been seeking in a reality whodunnit type of drama but also ignites a fierce loyalty towards the traitors! Or was that just me? Of course correct me if I’m wrong by bingeing all 12 episodes!
And drumroll please for first place
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1. The English
BBC Iplayer
A stunning tale of loss, vengeance and a land shaped by violence, this 6 part drama highly original old western speaks for itself. Not to mention the most beautiful cinematography I’ve ever experienced. A surmountable cast gives rise in an American sandstorm, and sees Emily Blunt give the best performance of her career. And no western should be complete without the accurate representation of Native Americans. Hollywood’s reluctance to change, historically portraying them as wild warriors – yet another obstacle for ‘civilised’ white people to overcome, has been all too gradual. But The English foregrounds the Native American experience of colonisation and centres’ often sidelined characters as our hero. Finally! This is what I’ll be watching again over the holidays and absolutely cannot wait.
So there you have it
My top 5 TV shows to binge watch during the holidays and well into 2023. What were your favourites? And do you agree? Have an amazing New Year.
Lockdown – a walk in the park
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Welcome everyone, to 2021! We can all agree that 2020 seriously sucked! With tier changes and lockdowns coming in and out like the hokey cokey, I for one had little hope of maintaining any sort of career in the arts or starting any of the postponed shows again any time soon. It was meant to finally be the year where I got the most creative work of my career and instead of progressing for the first time, as an artist, I reclined back to my former ‘struggling artist’ self, as if I was just starting out for the first time. And less than a week in we have yet another national lockdown and a whole bunch of Pro-Trump mob, stormed the Capitol building. We’re not off to a great start but don’t worry, this post isn’t all doom and gloom. I’m just stating the reality of life. And sometimes I’ve managed to find hope and positivity in it.
All this time at home has made me reflect, not just on the lockdowns’, tier systems and how crazy 2020 was, but I discovered that my upbringing and life in general, had me…well prepped for it too!
Any British South Asian female will know the amount of restrictions experienced growing up. In comparison to many other Muslim families I still had a lot of privileges. My Dad took me to dance classes, I stayed over at friends’ houses, stayed for the weekend on a brownies’ trip and most shockingly studied drama at A-Level and Creative Writing at University! Unheard of for most brown girls like me.
The restrictions I did experience at home growing up, were monumental…at the time. I was so ungrateful that I couldn’t ride my bike on the street for as long as my brother or see my friends as much as everyone else could. So, it meant that I spent a lot of time at home. And it felt like I was the only one in the entire world who was restricted to the amount of fun that everyone else was having. I also learnt what I could ask to do and what I most definitely couldn’t. It made me incredibly grateful for the little time I had with friends. Now that we’re all experiencing this together, you don’t need me to tell you how incredibly humbling this experience has been. Never have we been more grateful for the sun, observant of our surroundings and never have we spent more time just…walking!
It wasn’t just my own community who made me feel like I have something to prove, White privilege had a lot to account for, if not more! Growing up, I faced racism (as did my family) from my peers, teachers and even closest friends, which made me feel invisible. And it’s had an impact on how I interact with both work colleagues and friends.
I’ll cover the details of my experience in another post or YouTube video as it’s a separate topic altogether, but I wanted to highlight here the importance that what I experienced wasn’t nearly as discriminatory as what those from the Black community experienced. Black people, more often than not, experience the most economic inequality as a result of racism and intersectional discrimination.
During those boring weekends or time after school, I turned to my imagination to escape what I was experiencing. I would practice dancing, singing, back flips, handstands and cartwheels at home and most exciting to me, I’d write. I wrote stories that included my friends and I camping, flying to the moon or the most thrilling…shopping! Not only did I write to get a sense of freedom but I wanted to feel like I belonged both at home and amongst my peers and friends at school. So of course, I had to write myself into every story I created as the hero or the popular one! Staying at home became easier.
But upon choosing to enter a very competitive industry just led to more no’s. My career as a writer and actor has meant a truckload of rejections! It’s audition after audition, pitch after pitch and application form after application form. In total, since the beginning of my career, I’m approximately on my 500th rejection! So I’m also used to hearing and eing told ‘no’ regularly. (Comment below if you’d like me to cover this in another post or video.)
Shockingly all these experiences have only made me more determined in this lockdown. And like anyone else, yes, I’ve had down days (weeks) in front of the TV, eating too many crisps (I think most of us are doing that now) and not feeling as productive or getting as much done as I’d have liked. But reflecting on my life (melodramatic I know but I’m a script writer) and how I’ve coped with all the restrictions and rejections in the past has actually prepared me pretty well for the current world. The point is we’ve all got through something terrible in our lives. Some more than others. The key is to recognise that you got through it.
What have you gained strength from, in your life?
The best lock down TV shows
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On the rare occasion I ventured outside during lock down I took advantage of breathing in the fresh air, observing the way water flows in streams and the greenness of the outside world. But let’s be real. Most of us have spent it indoors…bingeing!
The past few months, as we all know, have been particularly challenging. Days are turning into weeks and weeks are turning into months and months are just…a figment of my imagination. Some of us may be navigating ourselves back out into some sort of adjusted reality or new normal but if like me you’re in your own voluntary lock down or in an actual lock down or phase returning, one things for certain, TV is hot stuff right now and one of the only things that is keeping me sane and in touch with what life used to be like.
The past few months, as we all know, have been particularly challenging. Days are turning into weeks and weeks are turning into months and months are just…a figment of my imagination. Some of us may be navigating ourselves back out into some sort of adjusted reality or new normal but if like me you’re in your own voluntary lock down or in an actual lock down or phase returning, one things for certain, TV is hot stuff right now and one of the only things that is keeping me sane and in touch with what life used to be like.
Staying at home for such a long period of time has forced me to face my own subconscious; things that I’m triggered by and my self esteem. The recent social unrest over the George Floyd murder has opened a wave of issues experienced by various minority groups. It’s opened up my own can of worms. But in a way that forced me to look deep at each and every worm that consumed my behaviour, art, thinking…my existence. I was aware of the microaggressions, privilege, white fragility, cultural appropriation, racial prejudice, self hatred but I didn’t have to deal with it like I did in lock down. I had nothing to distract me from the pain. I had brushed it under the carpet and now I’ve been forced to deal with it.
So now that the worms are out for all the world to see and with the mass backing to support, I’m able to continually dissect my own experience. And where better to turn to validate those experiences than TV!
The list below are a comprised list of the best shows that touch on or are about gender discrimination, transphobia, racism and privilege. Things myself and many others have experienced. If you fancy learning a thing or two about the people who don’t look like you then you may want to take a gander. Or if you want to remember what the world used to be like then these shows will definitely jog that memory. And even inspire an understanding to recognise what needs to change in society.
I would also like to mention here that too much stimulation of any kind is unhealthy and it became apparent during lock down that I have an addiction to TV. Even though I have consumed everything in the list that I’m about to impart I would definitely recommend consuming any form of media in moderation. So…without further adieu and in no particular order…
Made in Heaven
From the Director of the fantastic Gully Boy (a must see film too), Zoya Akhtar brings us a highly entertaining show as we follow two wedding planners as they face the many social issues often presented to couples and surrounding families during the wedding. Already can’t wait for the second season. Their realistic and occasional comedic navigation during the 9 episode season comments on a wider society and a culture in flux. Vijay Raaz’s performance is exceptionally good as was his performance in Gully Boy. Season One available on Amazon Prime.
The Morning Show
Available on Apple TV+ The Morning Show takes us on a descending journey as it’s ‘dramatic retelling of Matt Lauer’s #MeToo-fuelled fall from grace on NBC’s Today show’ highlights the misconducts when it comes to sexual harassment in the work place. Through character flashbacks do we uncover the truth of what happened. It’s a stark reminder that, just like the characters doubts, there’s a question mark over the validity of those speaking up about harassment. If Jennifer Anniston’s outstanding powerhouse of a performance isn’t enough then The Morning Show is a must watch for Cory Ellison alone! A character who has no morality and revels in the mic drops he throws so casually to his explosive colleagues.
‘I’m doing it because it’s fun, I’m very very good at it and it’s easier to get laid when you’re employed.’
Pose
Even though I binged Pose before lock down I would watch it again as it’s more timely than ever. Although some of the acting is questionable Pose is big, bolshey, unashamedly queer and a glamarous tale (over two seasons) of drag ball culture. It embraces the historical issues around gender, money, politics, sexuality in the LGBTQ+ community.
It’s a glimpse into this history highlights our current position and how far we’ve yet to go. Pose’s story line also allows the incredibly talented MJ Rodriguez and Billy Porter to show off their vocal range. And not just when it comes to singing in Porters’ case. Pray Tell’s hilarious quick witted one liners alone are worth tuning in for. Season One and Two available on BBC iPlayer.
Noughts and Crosses
A six part drama adapted from Malorie Blackman’s novel series highlights the consequences of love in a dystopian world where the power of privilege shift into the hands of the most oppressed. Hugely successful in its simple premise Noughts and Crosses puts those most privileged into a position of understanding. Intended for a young adult/teen audience the TV series has the potential to shape views and inspire those of us who are also a bit older. Available on BBC iPlayer.
She
An Indian Netflix TV series about a police officer posing as a prostitute (notice how I didn’t put female in front of police officer?). This show is all kinds of thriller. Some have criticised the protagonists authenticity when it comes to their sexually aggressive choices but the plot is a great opportunity to highlight gender issues that are apparent in India. It’s themes aren’t just for a country far away though. The TV Series triumphantly translates similar social concerns we have in the west too.
Vida
Vida is available on a channel called Starz and there are 3 whole seasons to devour. Yep. Lock down was busy! Contains sexually explicit content from the get go. But the shows deep message manages to accurately convey the conflicts of gentrification, cultural appropriation, homophobia and transphobia within the LGBTQ of the Latinx community. And what a tight nit, loving and loyal community it is. I found that this wasn’t just an addictive binge worthy show but it helped me to learn about my own appropriating actions of the Spanish culture. I’ll definitely be more considerate, aware and attempt to change my behaviour when I plan my dream holiday to Mexico. All series available on Starz.
I May Destroy You
There is so much hype around this show currently and rightly so. Michaela Coel has written and directed Arabella; a Writer who’s night of esacpism from an unfinished draft turns into an examination of race, consent, rape and gender.
Go watch to see what all the fuss is about and if you still don’t feel it’s enough you can catch the podcast on BBC Sounds to get your TV thirst quenched. With a predominantly all black cast (down to the shopkeeper) Coel is proof that performing, writing and directing your own work ends in fantastic results. All episodes available on BBC iPlayer.
Snowfall
Believe it or not but Damson Idris who plays business savvy and focussed Franklin….is British! If you’ve already seen this 1980’s piece of art then you may too be shocked, as his ability to flip between accents is outstanding. Having a Brit play the lead makes me incredibly proud (and slightly enviable but I’m still rooting for him). But this powerful drama about the cocaine epidemic in L.A changed a community forever. Under a 1980’s backdrop Snowfall highlights the lack of opportunities for young black people despite their natural business acumen and intelligence. Choosing to save your family with money now or education for an uncertain future when society is against you, doesn’t make the choosing between the two, difficult. Superb.
Mrs America
Cate Blanchett portrays the real life Phyllis Schlafly – a right wing anti feminist. Schlafly led a group of friends to oppose the Equal Rights Amendment, running a campaign that took the U.S by storm. With a 5 state stronghold supporting the group we saw the tactical battle play out between them and the liberal elites run by Gloria Steinham.
Underneath each of these compelling stories and intricate details lies a vital lesson. I’ve switched away from each having understood a bit more about why we are where we are…now! And how humans can make the worst possible choices. They’re laced in truth. And TV, film and plays for me are the best ways to imbed understanding and create change.
But if it wasn’t enough for me I’ve been keeping a close eye on ‘A Suitable Boy’ which has recently started on BBC iplayer. What shows have you enjoyed during lock down, what are your recommendations and are you as glued to the screen as I am?
Review: Scenes with Girls at The Royal Court
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I’m stepping into 2020 like…
Because I just watched Scenes with Girls at the Royal Court! And I’m feeling all empowered. And it’s made being back to the daily grind more bearable. I’m not the only one conflicted by the social constructs imposed onto me!
Playing at The Royal Court
And what better way to spend a Friday night than with a
couple of girls who know their stuff!
My first show of the year and it started with a huge bang
that goes way beyond Feminism. There are twenty two scenes between Tosh and Lou
and they examine relationships between boys, each other and Fran. Tosh has
never been in a relationship and Lou can’t stop talking about the amount of
liberating sex she’s having whilst Fran is finding the whole thing ‘so funny!’.
Centered around two best friends, Tosh starts with a witty faced paced anecdote about last nights’ ‘sesh’ with ‘Bagel’. A boy she’s definitely not seeing. Filled with private jokes and finishing each others sentences with better phrases these two are close. Reveling in knowing everything about each other the lightening speed conversation soon becomes annoying but they know it, which is what made it all the more delightful. Lou is soon banging her head at the regurgitated narrative of is an attempt to break out of the clichés they’re stuck to….the conditioning of love. But let’s face it romance and love is hard to shake off from our existence, or is it?
Woolwich Dock
The conventional lifestyle of wanting to get married and have a family of your own is a narrative I myself have struggled to identify with. And is a huge question which Scenes with Girls explores so well. Miriam Battye addresses the many messy issues plaguing our minds like whether we want that conventional standard in the 21st century (like maybe Fran does) or is what we think we want based on what we’ve been told? Are we in the midst of creating a new social fabric? We’re now living in a less conventional narrative. And the more ‘girls’ I speak to the more control they want over paving our own ‘norms’. And I see these social constructs being challenged more and often in the mainstream.
Speaking of Fran; the third wheel in this awkward triangle,
her intentions are sincere and kind. She wants in on this tight bond of enlightened,
woke as Childish Gambino, empowerment as she questions the look in her
boyfriends eyes when she finally does get an invite to the party. All is well
the two reassure her. And it’s just that which keeps her at arms length from
these two. A boyfriend. Or so they think. Their thoughts of Fran’s partner only
highlights their own uncertainty and insecurity of a new ‘norm’ they’re trying
to discover when it comes to relationships.
She’s not as cool, as well read or as fast but they say it’s him that’s
the problem.
Identifying more with Fran out of three I could relate to her awkward social responses in the midst of sex talk whilst fumbling with her sleeves. But this isn’t a play to shock. It’s just conversations…with girls! And with the second series of Sex Education (also starring Tanya Reynolds) starting on Netflix, at the same time, it racked up to 40 million views. So it seems to be the hot topic of discussion. Something I’m looking forward to seeing more of across the next decade.
Next for my viewing pleasure is ‘Little Women’.
Scenes with Girls runs
until 22nd February 2020 at The Royal Court
Cliche New Years Resolutions – do they really work?
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Every year I see hundreds of posts, messages and social media feeds about changes so many of us want to make and all the hopes we have for each year. Hundreds!
New year, new me New year, new thinking New year, new clothes (No Subika! No.)
And the list goes on!
But how likely is it that we’ll actually stick to them? Wouldn’t it be better relieve that pressure from ourselves and just see what the year has in store for us, instead? Why make such big plans or changes to our lives only to break them a few weeks later?
Well…I love them! All the cliche sayings, ambitions, goal setting and planning! I really love them. I’m really trying not to go down that enthusiastic positive annoying person all the time so don’t hate me…yet! As cliche as they may be, they give me inspiration to draw on my own goals and desires I hope to achieve. Everyone is different in the way they do plan but until we take full responsibility for our own lives, nothing will change -another one to add to the cliche list. It’s harsh but something I truly believe in. And until the changes do begin to appear, how about trying to ‘fake it until you make it?’ (I’ll stop soon I promise.) But it’s not about making difficult, unrealistic changes but small manageable ones. That’s the key to keeping them. (Last one below…)
So for the New Year I decided to make a list of subtle changes that could fit into things I already do. Instead of making drastic changes I’ve decided to alternate a few things:
It’s the most obvious one. Everyone’s back at the gym, everyone’s watching what they eat but how long does it last? Not that long if you start to diet, change what you eat that it’s very far removed from your usual diet. I already eat fairly healthy. Since doing so it’s improved my focus and surprisingly my desire to create more and I’ve turned it into (that buzzword) a lifestyle. Not sure if it’s made me more creative but eating healthier has kept my motivation up. I decided to cut back a bit on unhealthy grains like pasta, bread and rice this year, instead of cut them out completely. Cutting down will be easier on my digestive system, so that I can keep up the pace of writing (See the things I go through for you guys!)
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Working out regularly is something I’m a fan of and also enjoy. It helps to keep me motivated and gives me a boost of energy when I’m writing or in intensive rehearsals and keeps me positive because of the levels of endorphins that are released. Building in a high intensity workout into my existing routine means I’ll be fitter in a much quicker time and it will also mean I’ll have more time to write and take part in acting workshops. But just deciding to go for a walk after work, take the stairs instead of the lift is a subtle enough change to start seeing a difference.
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As much as I enjoy eating out (no washing up to do afterwards is such a bonus) it really helps me save money when I start to cut back on the amount of times I go out for dinner. I really can’t cut this one out completely as eating out is one of my favourite things to do, with it bringing immediate happiness and enjoyment because you’re in a new environment and surrounded by the people you really enjoy hanging out with. Plus some dinners have sparked some of the most interesting conversations I’ve had. But with bigger plans in mind, for the future, that extra cash will help me achieve that long term gratification, rather than just thinking about the short term happiness fix, which is what it’s about guys!
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Colours like neutrals, earthy tones, blacks and whites means I’ll be able to wear the same clothes again and again and save money for those all important acting classes and writing workshops. As much as I love fashion I prefer to dress in a classical way, especially when I go to the theatre, rather than wearing a trendy item that just looks wrong the following months! And it’s also another reason to stop buying clothes (I’m really telling myself this more than anyone else here.) When I’m writing or learning lines I have to do so in a really clear space. Having less items around me, as well as in my wardrobe, will mean less time spent on deciding what to wear, tidying up, becoming an expert on creating zen like feng shui and being able to pack like a boss! Which (conveniently) brings me on to the next point on my list:
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I went to a few places last year but not nearly enough. That’s because I’m an artist…duh! I’m too busy being a writer? But seriously…as an artist I’ve often been caught up with last minute work which has clashed with finding free time to go away. Even the holidays I did get to go on, were a struggle to fit into my schedule. (Busy Writer/Actor…remember?) But seeing as I had such an amazing time on the holidays I did go on and it really reset my creativity when I did find some free time (and change) to go away, I’m hoping to fit some more travel into my cliched list this year. Here’s hoping my bank balance agrees.
I’ve started to explore writing for Television (I know, going up in the world guys – or…possibly going down) and have become really passionate about a series that I’ve started, so at the moment writing everyday isn’t an unmotivated task. Even if I’m not in the flow with an idea though, I know writing everyday will eventually spark one. Even if it’s a journal entry or a draft blog post, I know it will help towards dialogue and penning that script. No matter how stuck you feel, I promise, it will help. Take a look at my youtube video on getting motivated to write and creating inspiration around an idea you have for a potential script. But…I’ve been there. I’ve gone for months at a time without having any idea what I’m going to write about next. But you know what…that’s ok (cue emotional music) Sometimes there’s an underlying reason as to why the creative juices just aren’t flowing. But, not to worry! We live in 2019 now and we have so many resources surrounding us. The Internet and free (but few) libraries just to name a few. I keep hope that these resources will eventually spark that creative mind. Resources like:
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Books! And not social media or the internet or even a kindle but real books. I don’t just want to read everyday, I’m aiming to tailor my reading around the relevance of my work as an artist as I believe it will really help inspiration when it comes to solid ideas for plays.
So that’s my list of cliche things I’d like to achieve in 2019! It felt like it was a rant to myself more than gentle advice and sharing of my new lifestyle choices. Apologies. And you’re probably thinking, why haven’t you written something along the lines of ‘spend more time with family and friends’. or maybe you’re not thinking that. You’re just happy to be almost at the end of this blog! Well, well don you for reading this far and thank you. But now that you are thinking why I haven’t put the usual narrative about friends and family, that’s that’s because I’ve been living with my family for the past 10 years!! Being from an Asian background, families all tend to live in the same home in the East in comparison to western culture.
Not that it’s the same for every single household when it comes to tradition and culture. Everyone does things differently. More and more young people from cultural backgrounds that carry similar traditions go on to live independently because of the goals and ambitions they wish to achieve. My Mum, however, loves me being at home and with things being so easy I got myself into a very comfortable routine. But…things are soon to change. Making small adjustments can mean room for at least one drastic change? Watch this space…
Top tips for maintaining a creative career
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Having worked with a variety of Directors, Actors and Writers I’ve managed to just about understand what works (for me) for continuing to work in the creative industry. The experience has made me look at being an artist from a business perspective as well as holistically. When taking these approaches it provides an element of security as well as a desire to maintain a creative career.
Click for link to what I’m wearing
So…here are my top tips for getting into the creative industry and staying there!
Don’t work for free
This can be a really challenging area. Now that I have reached a certain level of experience that I feel confident enough to deliver projects I won’t really work for free unless I feel I’m getting something out of it. An exchange of some kind may be appropriate for a one off. This may come in the form of some video footage, for example or working with a certain Director or adding a specific credential to your C.V. There is a lot of expectation to work for free via a lot of actors websites so just really think about whether you can firstly, afford to and secondly, whether it will be worth your while.
Believe in the work you do
Realise that you have a right to exist and a right to do the things that you want to do. With this belief brings perseverance because no matter what anyone tells you about your work, you will continue to push through with the idea of self belief and capability. Most of the challenging conversations will probably come from loved ones. Either because they are supporting you or are concerned about the future but if you have the belief that you have to make this happen for yourself then it more likely will.
Listen
As an actor it’s important to get the balance right between following direction and questioning everything with a sigh or with hesitation. People are very good at picking up on energies and won’t book a person if they feel they are too difficult to work with. Saying that, it’s always really important to protect oneself. If something doesn’t feel or sound right then it’s important to speak up. However if it is not a serious issue that affects you personally then there are always ways of asking questions and making suggestions, to the direction given, without coming across dismissive of all the ideas. I have worked with some Actors who simply vomit their words into the room with disgust when they read some dialogue I’ve written and it can really offend. Even though the person can be (sometimes) right in what they are saying, the way they put their thoughts across has put me off working with them again.
As a Writer who receives feedback too, listening is also about self belief (above) too. Just because one person doesn’t like the ending of the story you’ve written, doesn’t mean you need to run off and change it. Choose to listen to whatever feedback you think will elevate your work. However, be wary of the authors voice in the text and do what’s right for the piece. Equally if 10 people are saying the same thing then it might be worth listening to that feedback. The more people we ask the better our work will become.
Have a Purpose
Once we have achieved something whether that be a casting or a commission or completed a self produced project it’ really important to understand why we do what we do. Creating a purpose behind our creativity allows the validity from the project, we may be searching for, to be lifted. If we depend on the project to give us self esteem then we will never be happy. It will just become an endless cycle of chasing one project after another searching for something that we are not quite sure of. Understanding that we truly are enough with or without the project will create a sense of relief allowing us to place purpose behind the project. So get curious about you! For example, my purpose is to create equality and awareness when it comes to authentic representation. Seeing as I have an interest in the arts, this would be the best platform to express and pursue that purpose.
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Never stop learning
Being able to apply a style, technique, a moment or gesture from something we have seen or read, quickly to a project that we are working on will develop the project. Everything we love doing starts off as a part time hobby but if you dedicate some time to mastering it, everyday, you’ll only get better and better. Although I believe that writers can not make a sole living from writing (maybe apart from journalists) that doesn’t mean we cannot master it. Read how to books, understand what works and what doesn’t. Have a strong desire to learn constantly and consistently. If you’re a playwright, go to the theatre regularly so you know what’s being put on at the moment. If you’re a screenwriter, look into the structure of writing and apply it to the next film you watch. The same applies for most professions. Read!
Celebrate your successes
No matter how small the win is, it’s one step closer to achieving what you want. So get yourself a slice of cake or go out with a friend for the weekend to celebrate those wins. This puts us in the mind frame and energies to want to continue winning.
A Visit to the Wellcome Collection
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I decided to go to a few Museums to kill some time in London before having to be somewhere so I popped into the Wellcome Trust Collection Museum and I was in awe of what I found. But why?
The images above were all taken from the permanent exhibition: Medicine Man. It celebrates the human body and our need and interest to understand it by exhibiting an extraordinary array of objects collected by Henry Wellcome; the founder of the museum. Frankenstein (and an idea for a new play) comes to mind. The careful gathering and delicate processing of these objects draws out stories of the people using and owning them leading us to our imagination of violence and the cultural fascination with death and detection. The museums richness of artwork, photography, instruments and archival material offers both unsettling and intimate responses to possible trauma. Its a complex entwining of science and storytelling that calls upon all of us to create and use the scariest thing in the world – our imagination.
The mummified male body, in the foetal position, fascinated me. Mainly because it was once a living person but because it was preserved back in 1200, we are able to see the remains. How mad is that? The body was apparently seated in the upright position before mummification and was also buried with personal possessions, ritual objects and even food offerings for the afterlife world.
Regardless, our fascination with the human body and history won’t ever end and has the potential to act as a stimulus for creating art.
The above is an art installation piece by British artist John Isaacs and is called ‘I can’t help the way I feel’. Found in the Medicine Now permanent exhibition I was in disgust and awe at the same time. As you enter you cannot ignore the 6 foot something malignant sculpture and the emotions it triggers, (que irony because of the title, but I suppose all art evokes emotion.) The work can be seen as a metaphor for the way in which we become crippled by the possibility of an emotional landscape. In other words, feeling all sorts of things at once, which the piece achieved to do, but in quite an intrusive provocative way. It is clearly a diseased body but it’s shape and the fact that it had no other human features other than the legs and feet suggested that the disease is all we can see in each other – even the shape of the disease. Either way it led me to contemplate the unfortunate circumstances of the individual.
The hybrid is fascinating especially when it comes to animals, so this piece by Daniel Lee (an American artist) also caught my eye. Also found in the Medicine Now exhibition This is of course a response to the human evolution process as this species shares traits with the human. Lee’s work can be interpreted to tell us about the connection to other animals and our relations to them in order to understand more about ourselves.
My quick visit to the museum ended at the Institute of Sexology Exhibition. As somewhat of a prude on the topic my mind was opened to the taboo subject because of the curators’ attempt to eradicate any titilation, by looking at it from a purely research perspective. And it worked. I wasn’t allowed to take any photos but the exhibition archived material on psychologists’ notes (from Freud), historical books and letters, erotica, film and photography. What made it even more interesting is the fact participants had the option of filling out an anonymous questionnaire about their current sex lives and the results of the data collected so far, including statistics, were projected onto a board at the end of the exhibition. The number which stood out to me was (over) 3000 people ‘are currently unhappy with their sex lives!’ Interesting.
And if you’re looking for somewhere to rest the you can take a comfy seat on the bean bags with one or the books or…even a nap!
I could’ve spent all day in that museum and started to resent the fact that I had to be somewhere else.
Who said museums were boring!
The Wellcome Collection is right next to Euston Station and is open Monday – Saturday from 10am.
Review: Behind the Beautiful Forever’s
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Behind the Beautiful Forevers at the National Theatre left nothing to the imagination with its meticulous design of an ‘Anawadi’ city. From one white artist to another, the attempt to capture the daily grind of a surviving scavenger in Mumbai, us passed from Katherine Boo’s novel to David Hare’s dialogue.
Hare cleverly saw potential to draw parallels between interwoven characters and a world of corruption and extreme poverty. The plays’ weakness for covering too many stories leaves confusion and a lack of enthusiasm for characters. Even though its main focus lies between the violent dispute between a disabled feisty prostitute and a neighbouring Muslim Family, we still see an assortment of autobiographical narratives. From an expert trash picker, whose skills bring in the family income to a couple of girls dreaming of a better future whilst talking through toilet doors. But it’s themes of corruption, committed by the most honest of people that covers the universal human condition we need to understand.
Thoughts of true representation from the top down (rather than the bottom up as seen here) could not be helped when inauthentic conversations between neighbours overshadowed the story. There was more of a care to exhibit the world in which these characters live in rather than concentrate on story and the complexity of why they make the decisions they do.
Norris’ ability to effortlessly counter layer interwoven stories, in films like Broken, did not transition in the same vigour and its lack of authentic language occasionally leaves for more to be desired. Nonetheless the play shines a light on Mumbai’s invisible poor without making it drip in stereotypical traits. Full marks for delivery but poor effort on execution.
Behind the Beautiful Forever’s played in Rep with Dara at The National Theatre until April 2014.
Grayson Perry art Exhibition – Who are you?
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The London Portrait Gallery exhibited the works of Grayson Perry in the popular Exhibition: Who are you? Placed in ‘hidden’ areas of the gallery the exhibition takes form of a treasure hunt, which intelligently depicts the lives of ordinary Britons, to illustrate identity. I attempted to see beyond what was presented to me on the explanation placards and it was a surprisingly accessible exhibition.
British Connotations in ‘Comfort Blanket’
They were all fascinating pieces of work within their individual right but for me ‘The Ashford Hijab’ and ‘The Line of Departure’ (both featured) stood out the most. The Ashford Hijab for its striking beauty and The Line of Departure for its metaphorical portrayal.
The Ashford Hijab
A convert to Islam, the Ashford Hijab is a silk screenprint depicting Kayleigh’s freedom from Western consumerism and the ‘sexual scrutiny of women’. However, the art piece is also available as a print on a headscarf for a whopping £200 in the Portrait’s giftshop – a bit ironic considering the concept of the piece is meant to revert away from consumerism! I’m telling myself that Grayson had no control over the marketing strategy employed by The National Portrait Gallery.
The Huhne Vase
With that being said, the piece itself is beautiful in all its blood coral glory (a colour which reminds me of the seas of Morocco or the Middle East) but Kayleigh appears somewhat stressed and a tad angry. Maybe the four kids trailing behind her pulling at her arm had something to do with that. It tells a story whatever the meaning.
Jesus Army Money Box – a nod to Northampton
Another piece I found interesting was ‘The Line of Departure’. A tapestry carpet in true Afghan style of three veterans from war in one context or another.
I was inspired by this piece because of a play I am currently working on and the general direction of the piece illustrating themes of war and offering a different perspective rather than the glamorisation of soldiers we’re often presented with.
Beyond the skilled execution of these pieces of art lay sensitive and intelligent messages about the human. The shadows’ behind the veterans, for example, suggest that war and conflict will always haunt and affect them in some way no matter what they are doing. The crossing of water is also a metaphor for the start of a new life but not quite being able to let go of the past.
The exhibition ran at The National Portrait Gallery between 25th October 2014 – 15th March 2015 and was free to attend
