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Our brand new site is launching April 2024

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Some more amazing pictures from the Les Rencontres du Jeune Théâtre Européen in June/July!

Much thanks to CreArc!

Our young people got immersed in the festival and enjoyed every moment!

Alice in Virtual Land was the theme of this years theme! A world ruled by algorithms and technology can Alice break free?

A beautiful array of mediums from comedia dell arte, clowns, fire, videography and so much more!

Some more amazing pictures from the Les Rencontres du Jeune Théâtre Européen in June/July!

Much thanks to CreArc!

Our young people got immersed in the festival and enjoyed every moment!

Alice in Virtual Land was the theme of this years theme! A world ruled by algorithms and technology can Alice break free?

A beautiful array of mediums from comedia dell arte, clowns, fire, videography and so much more!

Thank you so much to @crearc! We loved being involved in the 37èmes Rencontres de Jeune Théâtre Européen!

Thank you so much to @crearc! We loved being involved in the 37èmes Rencontres de Jeune Théâtre Européen!

Hello all,

Mandala Theatre Company is auditioning for our new show!

Incarcerating Eve looking at the historical oppression of women in society through the lens of four eves.

Please register your interest for auditioning by emailing yasmin@mandalatheatre.co.uk before Friday 15th August!

#mandala #mandalatheatre #mandalatheatrecompany #patriarchy

Hello all,

Mandala Theatre Company is auditioning for our new show!

Incarcerating Eve looking at the historical oppression of women in society through the lens of four eves.

Please register your interest for auditioning by emailing yasmin@mandalatheatre.co.uk before Friday 15th August!

#mandala #mandalatheatre #mandalatheatrecompany #patriarchy

Mandala Young Company had the pleasure and honour of performing Machinal by Sophie Treadwell at the Rencontres du Jeune European international theatre festival.

Much thanks to @crearc for inviting Mandala once again!

So proud of the cast and artistic team involved within this production. We received a standing ovation and absolutely outstanding and poignant response from the crowd.

Bringing the story of women’s oppression front and centre.

Director: Yasmin Sidhwa
Choreographer: Lati Saka

Cast: Mya Fraser, Amber Lewis, Charlie Maline, Celeste McCauley, Zakaria Meknas, Indya Pushpangathan, Luis Ribeiro

Technicians: Maryam Ahmed and Onthium Klarcks.

📷 by: @leonie.troupel

#mandala #mandalatheatre #theatre #arts #theatrefestival #mandalatheatrecompany

Mandala Young Company had the pleasure and honour of performing Machinal by Sophie Treadwell at the Rencontres du Jeune European international theatre festival.

Much thanks to @crearc for inviting Mandala once again!

So proud of the cast and artistic team involved within this production. We received a standing ovation and absolutely outstanding and poignant response from the crowd.

Bringing the story of women’s oppression front and centre.

Director: Yasmin Sidhwa
Choreographer: Lati Saka

Cast: Mya Fraser, Amber Lewis, Charlie Maline, Celeste McCauley, Zakaria Meknas, Indya Pushpangathan, Luis Ribeiro

Technicians: Maryam Ahmed and Onthium Klarcks.

📷 by: @leonie.troupel

#mandala #mandalatheatre #theatre #arts #theatrefestival #mandalatheatrecompany

Sharing more photos of our sold out show “Machinal” at the @oldfirestation on the 17th of June.

Machinal is a pulse-pounding journey of women pushed to breaking point by the relentless machinery of patriarchy, life, expectation and convention. Sophie Treadwell’s play written in 1928, updated to 2025, in Mandala Young Company’s version, is as relevant today as it was then. It is a gripping exploration of societal norms, female identity, and the consequences of rebellion. Inspired by the real-life case of convicted and executed murderer Ruth Snyder, the play delves into the life of a young woman caught in the machinery of a rigid and oppressive society. 
The play is written in eight episodes depicting ‘the different phases of life that a woman comes incontact with, and in none of which she finds any place, any peace’. Each episode titles the location of the social institution or the type of behaviour still expected of women in the 21st century.

Photos by: @stuallsopp

Sharing more photos of our sold out show “Machinal” at the @oldfirestation on the 17th of June.

Machinal is a pulse-pounding journey of women pushed to breaking point by the relentless machinery of patriarchy, life, expectation and convention. Sophie Treadwell’s play written in 1928, updated to 2025, in Mandala Young Company’s version, is as relevant today as it was then. It is a gripping exploration of societal norms, female identity, and the consequences of rebellion. Inspired by the real-life case of convicted and executed murderer Ruth Snyder, the play delves into the life of a young woman caught in the machinery of a rigid and oppressive society. 
The play is written in eight episodes depicting ‘the different phases of life that a woman comes incontact with, and in none of which she finds any place, any peace’. Each episode titles the location of the social institution or the type of behaviour still expected of women in the 21st century.

Photos by: @stuallsopp

Daily Info Review by Dan Glazebrook for Mandala Theatre Company ‘Machinal’ by Sophie Treadwell.

Directed by Yasmin Sidhwa
Choreography by Lati Saka.

Performed by @mya.fras3r @amber_momentz @charliemaline @celestemccauley00 @zakarya_meknas @itss.indyaa @its_luisribeiro

Lighting Design: @b3n.oak3y
Sound Operator: @mureeeyum
Lighting operator Onthium Klarcks.
Photos: @stuallsopp

‘A very impressive performance, with some incredible choreography and sublime acting, Mandala demonstrate that theatre remains an invaluable tool of consciousness-raising, showing that what appear to be individual problems are often shared and systematic - and can be challenged collectively. A transformative piece of work.’

Daily Info Review by Dan Glazebrook for Mandala Theatre Company ‘Machinal’ by Sophie Treadwell.

Directed by Yasmin Sidhwa
Choreography by Lati Saka.

Performed by @mya.fras3r @amber_momentz @charliemaline @celestemccauley00 @zakarya_meknas @itss.indyaa @its_luisribeiro

Lighting Design: @b3n.oak3y
Sound Operator: @mureeeyum
Lighting operator Onthium Klarcks.
Photos: @stuallsopp

‘A very impressive performance, with some incredible choreography and sublime acting, Mandala demonstrate that theatre remains an invaluable tool of consciousness-raising, showing that what appear to be individual problems are often shared and systematic - and can be challenged collectively. A transformative piece of work.’

Mandala Young Company in ‘Machinal’ written by Sophie Treadwell, Directed by Yasmin Sidhwa with choreography by Lati Saka (an amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern books)

As part of @artsfestivaloxford @artsattheofs

Photos by @stuallsopp

Proud of the amazing cast: Mya Fraser, Amber Lewis, Charlie Maline, Celeste McCauley, Zakaria Meknas, Indya Pushpangathan, Luis Ribeiro

Technicians: Maryam Ahmed and Onthium Klarcks.

Wonderful feedback from audience members from a sold out show:

“Thank you for last night!”

“That was an amazing piece of theatre and evening
So powerful, beautifully choreographed and so moving.
Should be mandatory for every secondary school and every workplace. Everyone needs to see it!’ ‘Excellently and expertly delivered performance by Mandala Young Company, a hard hitting (systemic issues), whilst still covering exquisite moments of joy. Thank you Mandala”

‘Such a bold, expressive and ambitious production using a minimal set and props, I was blown away. The best bit of theatre I’ve seen in a long time.’

Mandala Young Company in ‘Machinal’ written by Sophie Treadwell, Directed by Yasmin Sidhwa with choreography by Lati Saka (an amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern books)

As part of @artsfestivaloxford @artsattheofs

Photos by @stuallsopp

Proud of the amazing cast: Mya Fraser, Amber Lewis, Charlie Maline, Celeste McCauley, Zakaria Meknas, Indya Pushpangathan, Luis Ribeiro

Technicians: Maryam Ahmed and Onthium Klarcks.

Wonderful feedback from audience members from a sold out show:

“Thank you for last night!”

“That was an amazing piece of theatre and evening
So powerful, beautifully choreographed and so moving.
Should be mandatory for every secondary school and every workplace. Everyone needs to see it!’ ‘Excellently and expertly delivered performance by Mandala Young Company, a hard hitting (systemic issues), whilst still covering exquisite moments of joy. Thank you Mandala”

‘Such a bold, expressive and ambitious production using a minimal set and props, I was blown away. The best bit of theatre I’ve seen in a long time.’

Mandala Young Company is excited to present….Machinal by Sophie Treadwell

What happens to a woman when society suffocates her? Inspired by the real life case of convicted and executed man-slaughterer Ruth Synder.

The play delves into the intricacies of patriarchy that women must endure everyday.

You can watch Machinal on the 17th of June @ the Old Fire Station in Oxford.

Tickets 🎟️: in our bio!

#mandalatheatre #mandalamonday #machinal #machinalbysophietreadwell

Mandala Young Company is excited to present….Machinal by Sophie Treadwell

What happens to a woman when society suffocates her? Inspired by the real life case of convicted and executed man-slaughterer Ruth Synder.

The play delves into the intricacies of patriarchy that women must endure everyday.

You can watch Machinal on the 17th of June @ the Old Fire Station in Oxford.

Tickets 🎟️: in our bio!

#mandalatheatre #mandalamonday #machinal #machinalbysophietreadwell

Machinal by Sophie Treadwell

What happens to a woman when society suffocates her voice. A tale of abuse, quiet suffering and the pain of being a woman in contemporary society.

You can watch Machinal on the 17th of June @ the Old Fire Station in Oxford.

Tickets 🎟️: in our bio!

#mandalatheatre #mandalamonday #machinal #machinalbysophietreadwell

Machinal by Sophie Treadwell

What happens to a woman when society suffocates her voice. A tale of abuse, quiet suffering and the pain of being a woman in contemporary society.

You can watch Machinal on the 17th of June @ the Old Fire Station in Oxford.

Tickets 🎟️: in our bio!

#mandalatheatre #mandalamonday #machinal #machinalbysophietreadwell

Machinal by Sophie Treadwell

We sat down with the young people
cast in this play. Sharing their thoughts about Machinal and what this play means to them. How does it resonate with stories of women across the world.

You can watch Machinal on the 17th of June @ the Old Fire Station in Oxford.

Tickets 🎟️: in our bio!

#mandalatheatre #mandalamonday #machinal #machinalbysophietreadwell

Machinal by Sophie Treadwell

We sat down with the young people
cast in this play. Sharing their thoughts about Machinal and what this play means to them. How does it resonate with stories of women across the world.

You can watch Machinal on the 17th of June @ the Old Fire Station in Oxford.

Tickets 🎟️: in our bio!

#mandalatheatre #mandalamonday #machinal #machinalbysophietreadwell

Mandala Theatre Company presents…. Machinal a pulse-pounding journey of a woman pushed to breaking point by the relentless machinery of patriarchy.

Sophie Treadwells play written in 1928 updated to 2025, it is as relevant today as it was then.

This is not just a play it is a warning, a mirror and rallying cry. Machinal confronts the quiet suffocation and loud silence of being unheard.

In a world still grappling with gender roles and systemic control - this story told through a bold modern lens asks the question: what happens when a woman has no room left to breathe?

Date: Tuesday 17th June 2025
Place: Old Fire Station Oxford
Time: 7:30pm

🎥: Stu Allsopp

Mandala Theatre Company presents…. Machinal a pulse-pounding journey of a woman pushed to breaking point by the relentless machinery of patriarchy.

Sophie Treadwells play written in 1928 updated to 2025, it is as relevant today as it was then.

This is not just a play it is a warning, a mirror and rallying cry. Machinal confronts the quiet suffocation and loud silence of being unheard.

In a world still grappling with gender roles and systemic control - this story told through a bold modern lens asks the question: what happens when a woman has no room left to breathe?

Date: Tuesday 17th June 2025
Place: Old Fire Station Oxford
Time: 7:30pm

🎥: Stu Allsopp

Thank you everyone! We have reached our target and some more for our incarcerating Eve project! So our funding has been matched whoop!

Thank you to all our supporters + sharers for getting involved and sharing + donating.

Lots of love

Mandala Theatre Company

#biggive #artsforimpact #mandaatheatre #mandalatheatrecompany

Thank you everyone! We have reached our target and some more for our incarcerating Eve project! So our funding has been matched whoop!

Thank you to all our supporters + sharers for getting involved and sharing + donating.

Lots of love

Mandala Theatre Company

#biggive #artsforimpact #mandaatheatre #mandalatheatrecompany

A reminder that Mandala’s Big Give #ArtsforImpact campaign is still ongoing - we don’t have much longer to get donations in! We’ve raised 26% of our target but we will need to reach our target!

You have until midday (Tuesday 26th March) to get your donation doubled.

Head to our campaign page (in our bio) to donate!

Here is Anushka one of our young people sharing what Mandala means to her!

#mandala #mandalatheatre #biggive #artsforimpact #doublethedifference #mandalatheatrecompany

A reminder that Mandala’s Big Give #ArtsforImpact campaign is still ongoing - we don’t have much longer to get donations in! We’ve raised 26% of our target but we will need to reach our target!

You have until midday (Tuesday 26th March) to get your donation doubled.

Head to our campaign page (in our bio) to donate!

Here is Anushka one of our young people sharing what Mandala means to her!

#mandala #mandalatheatre #biggive #artsforimpact #doublethedifference #mandalatheatrecompany

ANNOUNCEMENT 📣

Mandala Young Company 2025 has 1 place left for a male actor age 18-25 years. We will be rehearsing intensively 7-23 April and 14 & 15 June MACHINAL by Sophie Treadwell and performing it in Oxford and at the Rencontre International Theatre Festival in Grenoble, France!

Send a self tape email: yasmin@mandalatheatre.co.uk.

This is an incredible opportunity but commitment is important!

#mandala #mandalatheatre #mandalatheatrecompany

ANNOUNCEMENT 📣

Mandala Young Company 2025 has 1 place left for a male actor age 18-25 years. We will be rehearsing intensively 7-23 April and 14 & 15 June MACHINAL by Sophie Treadwell and performing it in Oxford and at the Rencontre International Theatre Festival in Grenoble, France!

Send a self tape email: yasmin@mandalatheatre.co.uk.

This is an incredible opportunity but commitment is important!

#mandala #mandalatheatre #mandalatheatrecompany

Seed Guardians (the extended tour) is over!

We managed to Tour across Liverpool, Leeds, London and blackbird leys! (One of the most deprived areas in the U.K. that sits just outside of Oxford University.) We loved bringing Seed Guardians to places where it’s needed and making the performance as accessible as possible!

We hope to bring art to meaningful places, telling the stories of people with lived experiences to quote Toni Morrison

“I am writer and my faith in the world of art is intense, but not irrational, nor naïve - because art takes us and makes us take journey beyond price, beyond cost, into bearing witness to the world as it is and as it should be. Art invites us to know beauty and to solicit it, summon it, even from the most tragic of circumstances.”

Watch this space as Mandala will have a new show coming soon! “Incarcerating Eve” which personifies what happens when you incarcerate women spiritually, emotionally and physically.

#mandalamonday #seedguardian #seeds #environment #seedsowing #landjustice

Seed Guardians (the extended tour) is over!

We managed to Tour across Liverpool, Leeds, London and blackbird leys! (One of the most deprived areas in the U.K. that sits just outside of Oxford University.) We loved bringing Seed Guardians to places where it’s needed and making the performance as accessible as possible!

We hope to bring art to meaningful places, telling the stories of people with lived experiences to quote Toni Morrison

“I am writer and my faith in the world of art is intense, but not irrational, nor naïve - because art takes us and makes us take journey beyond price, beyond cost, into bearing witness to the world as it is and as it should be. Art invites us to know beauty and to solicit it, summon it, even from the most tragic of circumstances.”

Watch this space as Mandala will have a new show coming soon! “Incarcerating Eve” which personifies what happens when you incarcerate women spiritually, emotionally and physically.

#mandalamonday #seedguardian #seeds #environment #seedsowing #landjustice

LAUNCHING TODAY!

From 12 noon, Tuesday 18th March, our Big Give #ArtsforImpact campaign is LIVE.

Head to our campaign page (in our bio) and anything you give will be doubled immediately!

There has never been a better time to support Mandala - or a time when your help will have such a fantastic impact!

Help us create our vital new play championing women’s freedom throughout history to present day.

We have a target to reach - together we can do this!

Please donate (via the link in our bio)

Thank you 🙏🏽

LAUNCHING TODAY!

From 12 noon, Tuesday 18th March, our Big Give #ArtsforImpact campaign is LIVE.

Head to our campaign page (in our bio) and anything you give will be doubled immediately!

There has never been a better time to support Mandala - or a time when your help will have such a fantastic impact!

Help us create our vital new play championing women’s freedom throughout history to present day.

We have a target to reach - together we can do this!

Please donate (via the link in our bio)

Thank you 🙏🏽

A message from @yasmin_sidhwa our Artistic Director at Mandala Theatre Company.

Support our ground-breaking work to expose injustice and tell those stories that usually go untold. Any donation, of whatever size will be DOUBLED by The Big Give during those dates.

Twice the support, and twice the impact. (And you can Gift Aid your donation too - making it even more valuable to us.)

Please visit our CAMPAIGN PAGE any time after 12 noon on Tuesday 18th March to make your donation. All donations MUST be in by Tuesday 25th March, or they won't be matched.

#biggive #doublethedifference #biggive2025 #doublethedonation

A message from @yasmin_sidhwa our Artistic Director at Mandala Theatre Company.

Support our ground-breaking work to expose injustice and tell those stories that usually go untold. Any donation, of whatever size will be DOUBLED by The Big Give during those dates.

Twice the support, and twice the impact. (And you can Gift Aid your donation too - making it even more valuable to us.)

Please visit our CAMPAIGN PAGE any time after 12 noon on Tuesday 18th March to make your donation. All donations MUST be in by Tuesday 25th March, or they won't be matched.

#biggive #doublethedifference #biggive2025 #doublethedonation

We need your help Mandala Friends!

We need to match our Big Give Funding for our 2025 projects.

Mandala Theatre Company brings you Incarcerating Eve. This is a play about how society has systemically suppressed women for a millennia. The emotional, physical and spiritual incarceration of women. What affects this has on the psyche and how we can heal from these scars and wounds.

However we need YOUR help to match our Big Give campaign allowing Mandala Theatre Company to work with incarcerated women, gender experts, and women who have suffered from oppression in various forms to understand their lived experiences.

This will allow us to bring Incarcerating Eve to life and share the story of every Eve through theatre.

Watch this space and click the link in our bio on the 18th March!

#doublethedifference #biggive #doubletheimpact #mandalabiggive2025 #mandalatheatre #mandalatheatre

We need your help Mandala Friends!

We need to match our Big Give Funding for our 2025 projects.

Mandala Theatre Company brings you Incarcerating Eve. This is a play about how society has systemically suppressed women for a millennia. The emotional, physical and spiritual incarceration of women. What affects this has on the psyche and how we can heal from these scars and wounds.

However we need YOUR help to match our Big Give campaign allowing Mandala Theatre Company to work with incarcerated women, gender experts, and women who have suffered from oppression in various forms to understand their lived experiences.

This will allow us to bring Incarcerating Eve to life and share the story of every Eve through theatre.

Watch this space and click the link in our bio on the 18th March!

#doublethedifference #biggive #doubletheimpact #mandalabiggive2025 #mandalatheatre #mandalatheatre

We enjoyed our time in Liverpool last week! Thank you to @ullet_road_church for hosting us.

We had some amazing questions and discussion with the actors, director and audience.

Elaborating on stories from the actors background, as well what experiences the audience had.

We can’t wait to see you the Barn in Blackbird Leys, and the Old School House in Tottenham in collaboration with BlackRootz.

The link to book is in our bio!

#mandalamonday #enviromentaljustice #seedguardians #seeds #seedheritage #seedprotectors

We enjoyed our time in Liverpool last week! Thank you to @ullet_road_church for hosting us.

We had some amazing questions and discussion with the actors, director and audience.

Elaborating on stories from the actors background, as well what experiences the audience had.

We can’t wait to see you the Barn in Blackbird Leys, and the Old School House in Tottenham in collaboration with BlackRootz.

The link to book is in our bio!

#mandalamonday #enviromentaljustice #seedguardians #seeds #seedheritage #seedprotectors

Mandala Theatre presents… Seed Guardians

Seed Guardians focuses on a human right denied to so many - the right to food. The play mirrors stories of food poverty and scarcity across the U.K. and Global South echoing the legacies of many inter-generational struggles against all consuming corporate giants.

We are so pleased that Seed Guardians has received funding to extend the tour into 2025. Several locations have been confirmed watch this space for ticket sales!

#seedguardians #seeds #enviromental justice #socialjustice #mandalatheatre

Mandala Theatre presents… Seed Guardians

Seed Guardians focuses on a human right denied to so many - the right to food. The play mirrors stories of food poverty and scarcity across the U.K. and Global South echoing the legacies of many inter-generational struggles against all consuming corporate giants.

We are so pleased that Seed Guardians has received funding to extend the tour into 2025. Several locations have been confirmed watch this space for ticket sales!

#seedguardians #seeds #enviromental justice #socialjustice #mandalatheatre

Nicole Rose and Mya from Seed Guardians sharing their excitement for bringing Seed Guardians back for another round!

Watch this space for more information coming very soon!

#seedguardians #seed #mandala #mandalatheatre #mandalatheatrecompany

Nicole Rose and Mya from Seed Guardians sharing their excitement for bringing Seed Guardians back for another round!

Watch this space for more information coming very soon!

#seedguardians #seed #mandala #mandalatheatre #mandalatheatrecompany

Mandala Theatre Company has received funding to extend the Seed Guardians Tour!
We are very excited to bring Seed Guardians to several new locations including London Leeds and Oxford. Sharing the message and the story of Grandmother Seed with new audiences.

If you missed Seed Guardians the first time round watch this space for ticket bookings and locations which will be shared very soon! 🌱🌱🌱

#seedguardians #seed #mandala #mandalatheatre #mandalatheatrecompany

Mandala Theatre Company has received funding to extend the Seed Guardians Tour!
We are very excited to bring Seed Guardians to several new locations including London Leeds and Oxford. Sharing the message and the story of Grandmother Seed with new audiences.

If you missed Seed Guardians the first time round watch this space for ticket bookings and locations which will be shared very soon! 🌱🌱🌱

#seedguardians #seed #mandala #mandalatheatre #mandalatheatrecompany

That’s a wrap on 2024 🎉

Here our some of Mandala’s highlights from 2024, with the “Uncaging our World Festival” and the Seed Guardians Tour. A wrapped version of all our favourite moments this year. 🌱❤️🎁

A huge thank you to all the young people involved within the Uncaging our World Festival, and our patrons, partners and venues. We could not have put on this amazing festival without your support and help!

A Merry Xmas and Happy New Year from the Mandala Team! We hope that the new brings joy, more creativity and hope for a better world. 🎉❤️‍🩹

See you all next year!

Lots of love
Mandala

That’s a wrap on 2024 🎉

Here our some of Mandala’s highlights from 2024, with the “Uncaging our World Festival” and the Seed Guardians Tour. A wrapped version of all our favourite moments this year. 🌱❤️🎁

A huge thank you to all the young people involved within the Uncaging our World Festival, and our patrons, partners and venues. We could not have put on this amazing festival without your support and help!

A Merry Xmas and Happy New Year from the Mandala Team! We hope that the new brings joy, more creativity and hope for a better world. 🎉❤️‍🩹

See you all next year!

Lots of love
Mandala

From 19-28th July Mandala Theatre Company hosted the “Uncaging our World” Festival.

Co-hosted with Oxfordshire Youth, Oxford City Council, Oxford-Ramallah Friendship Association (ORFA), Oxford University, Pegasus, Old Fire Station, OVADA and international partners- Ashtar Theatre, Ramallah, CREARC, Grenoble.

The 7-day International Festival focused on Environmental sustainability and Climate Change including the effects of war and conflict in contributing to the Climate Crisis having been co-planned and delivered with young people in Mandala Youth Voice it was a resounding success.

We had a climate symposium hearing from climate activists, academics, artists on how can the Arts be central to the sustainable world we want to create?

During the Festival week itself, Mandala Youth Voice group were there to great international groups, read poems they had written during the Welcome Event and generally help to deliver the Festival alongside staff. They ran the Sport social event, helped to prepare and clear spaces, lead workshop groups at the Symposium and demonstrated their ownership and commitment to ensuring the International Festival was a huge success.

Video Credits: Ben Johnston
#mandalatheatre #mandalamonday #mandalatheatrecompany

From 19-28th July Mandala Theatre Company hosted the “Uncaging our World” Festival.

Co-hosted with Oxfordshire Youth, Oxford City Council, Oxford-Ramallah Friendship Association (ORFA), Oxford University, Pegasus, Old Fire Station, OVADA and international partners- Ashtar Theatre, Ramallah, CREARC, Grenoble.

The 7-day International Festival focused on Environmental sustainability and Climate Change including the effects of war and conflict in contributing to the Climate Crisis having been co-planned and delivered with young people in Mandala Youth Voice it was a resounding success.

We had a climate symposium hearing from climate activists, academics, artists on how can the Arts be central to the sustainable world we want to create?

During the Festival week itself, Mandala Youth Voice group were there to great international groups, read poems they had written during the Welcome Event and generally help to deliver the Festival alongside staff. They ran the Sport social event, helped to prepare and clear spaces, lead workshop groups at the Symposium and demonstrated their ownership and commitment to ensuring the International Festival was a huge success.

Video Credits: Ben Johnston
#mandalatheatre #mandalamonday #mandalatheatrecompany

The Seed Guardians Tour is over!
Thank you to everyone single person who came and watched the show, shared their insights!

Thank you to the artistic and creative team who spent time love care and affection on this project.

Thank you to all the venues and partners involved in this amazing project.

May the story of Mother Earth live on through Seed Guardians!

🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

#mandalamonday #seedguardians #seedguardianstour

The Seed Guardians Tour is over!
Thank you to everyone single person who came and watched the show, shared their insights!

Thank you to the artistic and creative team who spent time love care and affection on this project.

Thank you to all the venues and partners involved in this amazing project.

May the story of Mother Earth live on through Seed Guardians!

🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

#mandalamonday #seedguardians #seedguardianstour

We have nearly reached the end of our Seed Guardians Tour! Sharing some images and moments from Luton!

We will be in London on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of November. If you would like to book tickets the link is in our bio and on our page.

#mandalamonday #mandalatheatre #seedguardians #seedguardianstour

We have nearly reached the end of our Seed Guardians Tour! Sharing some images and moments from Luton!

We will be in London on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of November. If you would like to book tickets the link is in our bio and on our page.

#mandalamonday #mandalatheatre #seedguardians #seedguardianstour

Salford leg of our tour is done ✅
Thank you Salford you were amazing!

Our creative workshops paired with the showing of seed guardians allowed for the students to engage in the themes of climate change, and food security and sovereignty.

“I really loved how you use art, creativity, comedy to tell a powerful story. It kept us engaged the whole time. There was never a time we got bored through the play.” - Salford University Student.

#mandalatheatre #seedguardians

Salford leg of our tour is done ✅
Thank you Salford you were amazing!

Our creative workshops paired with the showing of seed guardians allowed for the students to engage in the themes of climate change, and food security and sovereignty.

“I really loved how you use art, creativity, comedy to tell a powerful story. It kept us engaged the whole time. There was never a time we got bored through the play.” - Salford University Student.

#mandalatheatre #seedguardians

Seed Guardians will be coming to Salford Luton and London over the coming weeks. Check our website for ticketing information coming soon.

Seed Guardians is all about our relationship to the earth how do we remain in rhythm with the earth rather than against it. Seed Guardians tells the story of many communities in the global south who have continued their practices of being in rhythm with the earth in the face of colonial extraction.

In the face of adversity and climate collapse Seed Guardians tells us to rebalance our relationship with the earth we must ground ourselves within the natural equilibrium of Gaia.

#mandalamonday #seedguardians #colonialextractivism

Seed Guardians will be coming to Salford Luton and London over the coming weeks. Check our website for ticketing information coming soon.

Seed Guardians is all about our relationship to the earth how do we remain in rhythm with the earth rather than against it. Seed Guardians tells the story of many communities in the global south who have continued their practices of being in rhythm with the earth in the face of colonial extraction.

In the face of adversity and climate collapse Seed Guardians tells us to rebalance our relationship with the earth we must ground ourselves within the natural equilibrium of Gaia.

#mandalamonday #seedguardians #colonialextractivism

We had an amazing time in Kent performing for Rose Bruford College. Have a look behind the scenes in Kent with our artistic and creative team.

We have three more tour dates Salford Luton and London watch this space for ticket sales!

#seedguardians #mandalamonday #seedguardianstour

We had an amazing time in Kent performing for Rose Bruford College. Have a look behind the scenes in Kent with our artistic and creative team.

We have three more tour dates Salford Luton and London watch this space for ticket sales!

#seedguardians #mandalamonday #seedguardianstour

That’s a wrap on the Bristol leg of our Seed Guardians Tour! A sneak peek of behind the scenes of our artistic team who have worked incredibly hard to bring you this incredible production.

Tickets are still available for Salford, London and Luton so book now!

#mandalamonday #seedguardians

That’s a wrap on the Bristol leg of our Seed Guardians Tour! A sneak peek of behind the scenes of our artistic team who have worked incredibly hard to bring you this incredible production.

Tickets are still available for Salford, London and Luton so book now!

#mandalamonday #seedguardians

The first leg of the Seed Guardians Tour is over. Three amazing nights at the North Wall Arts Centre in Oxford.

We had amazing discussions in the Q&A with the audience who brought their own experiences of food poverty or food hardship. We had a symposium on the first night with pillars of the community discussing food poverty in Oxford.

“This summary gives just a glimpse of the huge scope of this new production, which also managed to cover the symmetry between the extractive exploitation by landlords in the UK and that of pesticide and GMO-pushing corporations involved in neocolonialism in Africa, the cynical way politicians have pitted vulnerable groups against each other, and the horrors of gender-based violence and war, all without turning the characters into cyphers.” (Anna Dominey Daily Info)

Seed Guardians will be touring Bristol, Kent, Salford, Luton and London.
So there is still an opportunity to come watch this brilliant show.

Photos: Stu Allsopp

Tickets to book are in our bio link.

The first leg of the Seed Guardians Tour is over. Three amazing nights at the North Wall Arts Centre in Oxford.

We had amazing discussions in the Q&A with the audience who brought their own experiences of food poverty or food hardship. We had a symposium on the first night with pillars of the community discussing food poverty in Oxford.

“This summary gives just a glimpse of the huge scope of this new production, which also managed to cover the symmetry between the extractive exploitation by landlords in the UK and that of pesticide and GMO-pushing corporations involved in neocolonialism in Africa, the cynical way politicians have pitted vulnerable groups against each other, and the horrors of gender-based violence and war, all without turning the characters into cyphers.” (Anna Dominey Daily Info)

Seed Guardians will be touring Bristol, Kent, Salford, Luton and London.
So there is still an opportunity to come watch this brilliant show.

Photos: Stu Allsopp

Tickets to book are in our bio link.

Our actors and producers share their insight and understanding into to what Seed Guardians is really about.

The violent extraction from Mother Earth that characterises colonial exploitation.
Through an unrelenting and imbalanced relationship with Gaia (Mother Earth)

Food Sovereignty and Food poverty in Zimbabwe the theme of the show transcends issues of food sovereignty across the continent. Poignant reminder that food poverty is a crisis in the U.K. as much as anywhere else.

Book tickets for the North Wall showing in our bio, 3-5th October.

#mandalatheatre
#seedguardians
#foodpoverty

Our actors and producers share their insight and understanding into to what Seed Guardians is really about.

The violent extraction from Mother Earth that characterises colonial exploitation.
Through an unrelenting and imbalanced relationship with Gaia (Mother Earth)

Food Sovereignty and Food poverty in Zimbabwe the theme of the show transcends issues of food sovereignty across the continent. Poignant reminder that food poverty is a crisis in the U.K. as much as anywhere else.

Book tickets for the North Wall showing in our bio, 3-5th October.

#mandalatheatre
#seedguardians
#foodpoverty

What is Seed Guardians about?

Food sovereignty in the U.K. and abroad.
Who has the right to food and who doesn’t?
Food poverty is on the rise in the U.K since covid with food banks becoming a staple.
Seed Guardians delves into why food poverty is an issue that transcends borders.

Luis and Mya who play Zahra and Raf in the play explain what Seed Guardians is about. What Seed Guardians means to them.

Book your tickets for the North Wall Oxford the link is in our bio.

Other tour date bookings will be live soon! #mandalatheatre #seedguardians

What is Seed Guardians about?

Food sovereignty in the U.K. and abroad.
Who has the right to food and who doesn’t?
Food poverty is on the rise in the U.K since covid with food banks becoming a staple.
Seed Guardians delves into why food poverty is an issue that transcends borders.

Luis and Mya who play Zahra and Raf in the play explain what Seed Guardians is about. What Seed Guardians means to them.

Book your tickets for the North Wall Oxford the link is in our bio.

Other tour date bookings will be live soon! #mandalatheatre #seedguardians

Mandala Theatre Presents…. Seed Guardians 🌱🌿

Seed Guardians touches on a human right that is denied to so many a right to food. It interweaves an inter-generational story of Leiliani and her grandaughter Zahra. Leilani dedicated her life to fighting injustice. This evocative piece delves into the tale of three friends who fight against the “Toxic Cartel” who own the means of production and control the seeds.

Seed Guardians mirrors stories of food poverty and scarcity across the U.K and Global South echoing the legacies of many inter-generational struggles against all-consuming corporate giants. According to National Statistics In 2022/23 ’11 million people or 7% of the population experienced food poverty including 17% of children.’

Seed Guardians tells the story of a crisis that plagues our modern world.

Book here or link in bio!

https://www.mandalatheatre.co.uk/

North Wall - Oxford
3-5th October

Trinity Centre - Bristol
10-11th October

Rose Burford College - Kent
16-17th October

University of Salford - Salford
28-31st October

#mandalatheatre #mandalatheatrecompany #seedguardians

Mandala Theatre Presents…. Seed Guardians 🌱🌿

Seed Guardians touches on a human right that is denied to so many a right to food. It interweaves an inter-generational story of Leiliani and her grandaughter Zahra. Leilani dedicated her life to fighting injustice. This evocative piece delves into the tale of three friends who fight against the “Toxic Cartel” who own the means of production and control the seeds.

Seed Guardians mirrors stories of food poverty and scarcity across the U.K and Global South echoing the legacies of many inter-generational struggles against all-consuming corporate giants. According to National Statistics In 2022/23 ’11 million people or 7% of the population experienced food poverty including 17% of children.’

Seed Guardians tells the story of a crisis that plagues our modern world.

Book here or link in bio!

https://www.mandalatheatre.co.uk/

North Wall - Oxford
3-5th October

Trinity Centre - Bristol
10-11th October

Rose Burford College - Kent
16-17th October

University of Salford - Salford
28-31st October

#mandalatheatre #mandalatheatrecompany #seedguardians

La chevauchée du tigre by @crearc France 🇫🇷

La chevauchée du tigre played at @pegasusoxford on Tuesday 23 July 2024 as part of #UncagingOurWorld International Youth Theatre Festival.

Photos by Nelvin Kiratu from the Film Workshop

Reviewed by Jenny Lewis

The seemingly endless standing ovation, accompanied by cheers and shouts of congratulation said it all for the magnificent production of ‘La chevauchee du tigre’, written and directed by Romano Garnier, brought to Oxford by the renowned Grenoble company, Créarc. In their 31st year of touring to festivals, the company showed how deeply imbued it is with the traditions of its long history as a benchmark for excellence and innovation in world theatre. A modern parable that reaches back into mythology and fable for the presentation of its themes, ‘La chevauchée du tigre’ opens on a world familiar to us all post- Covid as plague and death (embodied by the wrathful Earth goddess) stalk our lands and communities, the terror that it brings and how the powerful, instead of trying to find ways to protect populations, seek only to enrich and benefit themselves. Despite our very recent memories of how we were let down and exploited by our politicians, and the despair that it brought us, the scenes concerning the leader of the city, Jupiter, who proclaims martial law and general confinement (but no help or hope), were played satirically to great effect.

Review continues in the comments ⬇️

#UncagingOurWorld

La chevauchée du tigre by @crearc France 🇫🇷

La chevauchée du tigre played at @pegasusoxford on Tuesday 23 July 2024 as part of #UncagingOurWorld International Youth Theatre Festival.

Photos by Nelvin Kiratu from the Film Workshop

Reviewed by Jenny Lewis

The seemingly endless standing ovation, accompanied by cheers and shouts of congratulation said it all for the magnificent production of ‘La chevauchee du tigre’, written and directed by Romano Garnier, brought to Oxford by the renowned Grenoble company, Créarc. In their 31st year of touring to festivals, the company showed how deeply imbued it is with the traditions of its long history as a benchmark for excellence and innovation in world theatre. A modern parable that reaches back into mythology and fable for the presentation of its themes, ‘La chevauchée du tigre’ opens on a world familiar to us all post- Covid as plague and death (embodied by the wrathful Earth goddess) stalk our lands and communities, the terror that it brings and how the powerful, instead of trying to find ways to protect populations, seek only to enrich and benefit themselves. Despite our very recent memories of how we were let down and exploited by our politicians, and the despair that it brought us, the scenes concerning the leader of the city, Jupiter, who proclaims martial law and general confinement (but no help or hope), were played satirically to great effect.

Review continues in the comments ⬇️

#UncagingOurWorld

Transitions by @mazojiteatroakademija, Lithuania 🇱🇹

Transitions played at @pegasusoxford on Tuesday 23 July as part of #UncagingOurWorld International Youth Theatre Festival.

Reviewed by Tari Hawksworth from the Creative Writing workshop

The play ‘Transitions’ by a young group of actors from Lithuania’s Mazoji Teatro Akademiji performed some of the most powerful and difficult Shakespeare monologues with impressive fluency and expression. The actors managed to convey an incredibly diverse mixture of emotions from joy to horror and this is a testament to their own individual skill. The play began with the haunting chant of the witches of Macbeth and ranged from speeches about love to betrayal and redemption. Each monologue was connected by beautiful movement using torches which contrasted wonderfully with the darkness of the stage and in the audience’s comments after the performance this was one of the things they liked best thinking of it as a genius idea that required great imagination.

📷Photos by Nelvin Kiratu from the Film Workshop

#UncagingOurWorld

Transitions by @mazojiteatroakademija, Lithuania 🇱🇹

Transitions played at @pegasusoxford on Tuesday 23 July as part of #UncagingOurWorld International Youth Theatre Festival.

Reviewed by Tari Hawksworth from the Creative Writing workshop

The play ‘Transitions’ by a young group of actors from Lithuania’s Mazoji Teatro Akademiji performed some of the most powerful and difficult Shakespeare monologues with impressive fluency and expression. The actors managed to convey an incredibly diverse mixture of emotions from joy to horror and this is a testament to their own individual skill. The play began with the haunting chant of the witches of Macbeth and ranged from speeches about love to betrayal and redemption. Each monologue was connected by beautiful movement using torches which contrasted wonderfully with the darkness of the stage and in the audience’s comments after the performance this was one of the things they liked best thinking of it as a genius idea that required great imagination.

📷Photos by Nelvin Kiratu from the Film Workshop

#UncagingOurWorld

Climate Symposium: How can the arts be central to the sustainable world we want to create? 🌎

Monday 22 July as part of #UncagingOurWorld International Youth Theatre Festival

A Symposium was held at Pembroke College among the young people taking part in the festival. The first part of this was members of a panel who each gave a speech about climate change and the arts and afterwards were open to questions. Alex, a representative from Oxford University, talked about how important it is to bring the arts, humanities, and sciences together and create opportunities for everyone in Oxford. A US activist talked about how climate change is embedded in social justice and shared a powerful poem. Maryam, part of @cowleycollect, emphasised how powerful communal art is and that we should treat the earth as a sentient being. Ellie, part of the @greenartsox said that “Art is like fairy dust” able to convey abstract concepts. To finish Anna, a politician, made parallels with the book Station Eleven as a way to show how vital art is to people and what a difference it can make.

After this panel, there were three group activities. In the first, we talked about how we feel about the climate crises and phrases such as ‘climate anxiety’ and the anger towards big corporations for not being held accountable for their actions. This was then turned into a creative activity with each group coming up with a way to express these complex emotions through dance, movement, and music, building a sense of community among all those present. Lastly, we worked on the Uncaged Youth Arts Charter for Climate Action in which we came up with eight action points the arts and theatre companies can do to help reduce environmental impacts and look after our planet.

By Tari Hawksorth from the Creative Writing workshop

📷Pictures by Stu Allsopp

#MandalaMonday
#UncagingOurWorld

Climate Symposium: How can the arts be central to the sustainable world we want to create? 🌎

Monday 22 July as part of #UncagingOurWorld International Youth Theatre Festival

A Symposium was held at Pembroke College among the young people taking part in the festival. The first part of this was members of a panel who each gave a speech about climate change and the arts and afterwards were open to questions. Alex, a representative from Oxford University, talked about how important it is to bring the arts, humanities, and sciences together and create opportunities for everyone in Oxford. A US activist talked about how climate change is embedded in social justice and shared a powerful poem. Maryam, part of @cowleycollect, emphasised how powerful communal art is and that we should treat the earth as a sentient being. Ellie, part of the @greenartsox said that “Art is like fairy dust” able to convey abstract concepts. To finish Anna, a politician, made parallels with the book Station Eleven as a way to show how vital art is to people and what a difference it can make.

After this panel, there were three group activities. In the first, we talked about how we feel about the climate crises and phrases such as ‘climate anxiety’ and the anger towards big corporations for not being held accountable for their actions. This was then turned into a creative activity with each group coming up with a way to express these complex emotions through dance, movement, and music, building a sense of community among all those present. Lastly, we worked on the Uncaged Youth Arts Charter for Climate Action in which we came up with eight action points the arts and theatre companies can do to help reduce environmental impacts and look after our planet.

By Tari Hawksorth from the Creative Writing workshop

📷Pictures by Stu Allsopp

#MandalaMonday
#UncagingOurWorld

Oranges & Stones by @ashtartheatre, Ramallah, Palestine 🇵🇸

Oranges & Stones played at @artsattheofs, Oxford on Sunday 21 July 2024 as part of #UncagingOurWorld International Youth Theatre Festival.

Written and directed by Mojisola Adebayo
Performed by Iman Aoun & Edward Muallem

Reviewed by Tari Hawkesworth from the Creative Writing workshop

‘Oranges and Stones’ conveys the powerful and poignant experience of the 75-year-long occupation of Palestine. The play is told without words and is symbolic; a woman’s peaceful existence tending her orange orchard is disrupted by the arrival of an unknown man with a large suitcase. At first, we are sympathetic to him, but he soon becomes violent and insistent on taking over. The invasive powerful presence of the male actor dominates the gentle Palestinian woman. He eventually destroys her home and pushes her out of it. The actors vividly convey what it’s like to lose your home and have a once happy and peaceful life stolen from you.

In the discussion after the play, the young Palestinian actors in Ramallah, who were originally going to perform their play ‘Guernica-Gaza’, joined on Zoom to talk to the audience. They could not make it to Oxford due to not being able to get a permit to go to Jerusalem. The artistic director spoke about how much it ‘pains us to not be able to perform’ but how this is a small obstacle compared with the bigger political picture of the genocide in Palestine. One of the young Palestinians, talked about how important art is to help process the difficult emotions they are all experiencing. Iman, the actor in ‘Oranges and Stones’, talked about the duty and responsibility the UK has to stop the genocide and that we need to wake up.

📷 Pictures by Stu Allsopp

#UncagingOurWorld
#MandalaMonday

Oranges & Stones by @ashtartheatre, Ramallah, Palestine 🇵🇸

Oranges & Stones played at @artsattheofs, Oxford on Sunday 21 July 2024 as part of #UncagingOurWorld International Youth Theatre Festival.

Written and directed by Mojisola Adebayo
Performed by Iman Aoun & Edward Muallem

Reviewed by Tari Hawkesworth from the Creative Writing workshop

‘Oranges and Stones’ conveys the powerful and poignant experience of the 75-year-long occupation of Palestine. The play is told without words and is symbolic; a woman’s peaceful existence tending her orange orchard is disrupted by the arrival of an unknown man with a large suitcase. At first, we are sympathetic to him, but he soon becomes violent and insistent on taking over. The invasive powerful presence of the male actor dominates the gentle Palestinian woman. He eventually destroys her home and pushes her out of it. The actors vividly convey what it’s like to lose your home and have a once happy and peaceful life stolen from you.

In the discussion after the play, the young Palestinian actors in Ramallah, who were originally going to perform their play ‘Guernica-Gaza’, joined on Zoom to talk to the audience. They could not make it to Oxford due to not being able to get a permit to go to Jerusalem. The artistic director spoke about how much it ‘pains us to not be able to perform’ but how this is a small obstacle compared with the bigger political picture of the genocide in Palestine. One of the young Palestinians, talked about how important art is to help process the difficult emotions they are all experiencing. Iman, the actor in ‘Oranges and Stones’, talked about the duty and responsibility the UK has to stop the genocide and that we need to wake up.

📷 Pictures by Stu Allsopp

#UncagingOurWorld
#MandalaMonday

MYC took to the stage for the first evening of #UncagingOurWorld with Transmissions in Advance of the Second Great Dying by Jessica Huang.

Mandala Young Company, directed by Yasmin Sidhwa, 8.30pm, Saturday 20 July, 2024 at @pegasusoxford

Review by Tayah Fraser from the Creative Writing Workshop

Not an end, but the start of all things left to do, Mandala Young Company’s ‘Transmissions in Advance of the Second Great Dying’ is a thought-provoking and visually arresting production. Written by Jessica Huang, it is a speculative drama that interweaves themes of climate change, extinction and survival. The narrative follows a diverse group of characters who, in a near-future world, grapple with the impending ecological catastrophe known as the Second Great Dying. The play shifts between different perspectives, blending elements of science fiction and poignant human experiences. The script is an ambitious blend of philosophical inquiry and personal narrative, examining humanity’s response to existential threats. The performances are compelling, with the cast delivering particularly memorable portrayals that anchor the play’s emotional core across the board. The apocalyptic opening sequence was dominated by the power and sensitivity of Amber Lewis’s performance of Gaia, and Onthium Klarcks’s portrayal of the Being.

The interplay between Mya Fraser and Ramy Hassan displayed an intense and impassioned relationship between Katrina and Hugo, which was engaging and authentic. Furthered by Celestine McCauley’s portrayal of Carla, the three established a strongly tangible element of humanity throughout the show, with a grounded and emotionally resonant dynamic, ensuring that t the play’s dystopian themes were treated with a sense of reality in the minds of the audience. The direction by Yasmin Sidhwa is both dynamic and sensitive to the play’s complex themes, with a skilful tonal balance, and there were numerous instances of well-executed comedy woven throughout the show’s fabric.

Read the full review soon on our website

📷Stu Allsopp

MYC took to the stage for the first evening of #UncagingOurWorld with Transmissions in Advance of the Second Great Dying by Jessica Huang.

Mandala Young Company, directed by Yasmin Sidhwa, 8.30pm, Saturday 20 July, 2024 at @pegasusoxford

Review by Tayah Fraser from the Creative Writing Workshop

Not an end, but the start of all things left to do, Mandala Young Company’s ‘Transmissions in Advance of the Second Great Dying’ is a thought-provoking and visually arresting production. Written by Jessica Huang, it is a speculative drama that interweaves themes of climate change, extinction and survival. The narrative follows a diverse group of characters who, in a near-future world, grapple with the impending ecological catastrophe known as the Second Great Dying. The play shifts between different perspectives, blending elements of science fiction and poignant human experiences. The script is an ambitious blend of philosophical inquiry and personal narrative, examining humanity’s response to existential threats. The performances are compelling, with the cast delivering particularly memorable portrayals that anchor the play’s emotional core across the board. The apocalyptic opening sequence was dominated by the power and sensitivity of Amber Lewis’s performance of Gaia, and Onthium Klarcks’s portrayal of the Being.

The interplay between Mya Fraser and Ramy Hassan displayed an intense and impassioned relationship between Katrina and Hugo, which was engaging and authentic. Furthered by Celestine McCauley’s portrayal of Carla, the three established a strongly tangible element of humanity throughout the show, with a grounded and emotionally resonant dynamic, ensuring that t the play’s dystopian themes were treated with a sense of reality in the minds of the audience. The direction by Yasmin Sidhwa is both dynamic and sensitive to the play’s complex themes, with a skilful tonal balance, and there were numerous instances of well-executed comedy woven throughout the show’s fabric.

Read the full review soon on our website

📷Stu Allsopp

This week we’re going to be looking back on the incredible shows that played at #UncagingOurWorld!

Today, on #MandalaMonday, we’re kicking things off with Nothin’ But A Shadow by Aksaha Daley which opened the festival on Saturday 20 July at @pegasusoxford

Review by Tayah Fraser from the Creative Writing workshop

‘Nothin’ But a Shadow’ — breaking the glass of Black experience

‘How many people have the language to love Black women, when colonisation has perverted Blackness, womanness and love itself?’ Shaadi Devereaux

Akasha Daley’s stunning, unflinching spoken word physical play serves as a solemn awakening for most, and a consoling meditation for those who understand the turmoil that comes with existing in a world designed to lock you out of its love. ‘Nothin’ But a Shadow’ is a gripping and beautifully crafted exploration of identity, emotional isolation and the journey towards self-discovery.

Daley’s writing is both poetic and deeply sobering, her stage-presence magnetic and the set subtle, allowing her to shine as she guides the audience through the sequence. The delicacy with which Daley moves about the space, telling a story of struggle in dissonance, and the uncaging of her character, BB, or Black Barbie. The opening display, a stark nod to the act of performance itself, sees BB convey the unspoken, soul-crushing task that some must face in conforming to a model of beauty that renders them ostracised— one that puts them up on a shelf to ‘play the role, play the doll, then wait again to be chosen’.

The set was minimalistic, allowing for the clever use of light and projections to facilitate the strong emotions and layering of nuance within the piece, in a manner that commands the audience’s close attention to Daley’s brilliant detail. The original music, written by Bruna Cabral, well underscored the emotional beats of the narrative without detracting from the power of Daley’s spoken word.

‘It was gut-wrenching. It just left me speechless.’ -Louise

‘I cried. I had no words, I was not expecting this and the fact that Akasha did it all herself is even more impressive.’ -Kenya

📷 Pictures by the amazing Stu Allsop

This week we’re going to be looking back on the incredible shows that played at #UncagingOurWorld!

Today, on #MandalaMonday, we’re kicking things off with Nothin’ But A Shadow by Aksaha Daley which opened the festival on Saturday 20 July at @pegasusoxford

Review by Tayah Fraser from the Creative Writing workshop

‘Nothin’ But a Shadow’ — breaking the glass of Black experience

‘How many people have the language to love Black women, when colonisation has perverted Blackness, womanness and love itself?’ Shaadi Devereaux

Akasha Daley’s stunning, unflinching spoken word physical play serves as a solemn awakening for most, and a consoling meditation for those who understand the turmoil that comes with existing in a world designed to lock you out of its love. ‘Nothin’ But a Shadow’ is a gripping and beautifully crafted exploration of identity, emotional isolation and the journey towards self-discovery.

Daley’s writing is both poetic and deeply sobering, her stage-presence magnetic and the set subtle, allowing her to shine as she guides the audience through the sequence. The delicacy with which Daley moves about the space, telling a story of struggle in dissonance, and the uncaging of her character, BB, or Black Barbie. The opening display, a stark nod to the act of performance itself, sees BB convey the unspoken, soul-crushing task that some must face in conforming to a model of beauty that renders them ostracised— one that puts them up on a shelf to ‘play the role, play the doll, then wait again to be chosen’.

The set was minimalistic, allowing for the clever use of light and projections to facilitate the strong emotions and layering of nuance within the piece, in a manner that commands the audience’s close attention to Daley’s brilliant detail. The original music, written by Bruna Cabral, well underscored the emotional beats of the narrative without detracting from the power of Daley’s spoken word.

‘It was gut-wrenching. It just left me speechless.’ -Louise

‘I cried. I had no words, I was not expecting this and the fact that Akasha did it all herself is even more impressive.’ -Kenya

📷 Pictures by the amazing Stu Allsop

Tag 6 🙌

🇹🇳 Quantara Association presented a sharing about their show Wedding Funerals

@madeleinevonprostcollective enchanted us with GraftWerk 🌱

#UncagingOurWorld

Tag 6 🙌

🇹🇳 Quantara Association presented a sharing about their show Wedding Funerals

@madeleinevonprostcollective enchanted us with GraftWerk 🌱

#UncagingOurWorld

Diena 5

A day of internationality!

🎾 Intercultural sports and games in the afternoon

🥂Followed by Global Celebration in the evening!

#UncagingOurWorld

Diena 5

A day of internationality!

🎾 Intercultural sports and games in the afternoon

🥂Followed by Global Celebration in the evening!

#UncagingOurWorld

DAY FOUR 🌎

The second day of workshops got underway in the morning followed by two fantastic shows!

🎭 First on the bill was Transitions by @mazojiteatroakademija, Lithuania

🐅 In the evening, @crearc took to the stage with La Chevauchée du tigre

#UncagingOurWorld

DAY FOUR 🌎

The second day of workshops got underway in the morning followed by two fantastic shows!

🎭 First on the bill was Transitions by @mazojiteatroakademija, Lithuania

🐅 In the evening, @crearc took to the stage with La Chevauchée du tigre

#UncagingOurWorld

Jour 3 🌱

A Symposium was held at Pembroke College among the young people taking part in the festival. The first part of this was members of a panel who each gave a speech about climate change and the arts and afterwards were open to questions. Alex, a representative from Oxford University, talked about how important it is to bring the arts, humanities, and sciences together and create opportunities for everyone in Oxford. A US activist talked about how climate change is embedded in social justice and shared a powerful poem. Maryam, part of the Cowley Climate Collective, emphasised how powerful communal art is and that we should treat the earth as a sentient being. Ellie, part of the green arts Oxfordshire network, said that “Art is like fairy dust” able to convey abstract concepts. To finish Anna, a politician, made parallels with the book Station Eleven as a way to show how vital art is to people and what a difference it can make.

After this panel, there were three group activities. In the first, we talked about how we feel about the climate crises and phrases such as ‘climate anxiety’ and the anger towards big corporations for not being held accountable for their actions. This was then turned into a creative activity with each group coming up with a way to express these complex emotions through dance, movement, and music, building a sense of community among all those present. Lastly, we worked on the Uncaged Magna Charter in which we came up with eight action points the arts and theatre companies can do to help reduce environmental impacts and look after our planet.

Written by Tari Hawksworth from the Creative Writing Workshop
Drawings by Juliette Vergori from the Creative Writing Workshop

To see what’s coming up head to mandalatheatre.co.uk

#UncagingOurWorld

Jour 3 🌱

A Symposium was held at Pembroke College among the young people taking part in the festival. The first part of this was members of a panel who each gave a speech about climate change and the arts and afterwards were open to questions. Alex, a representative from Oxford University, talked about how important it is to bring the arts, humanities, and sciences together and create opportunities for everyone in Oxford. A US activist talked about how climate change is embedded in social justice and shared a powerful poem. Maryam, part of the Cowley Climate Collective, emphasised how powerful communal art is and that we should treat the earth as a sentient being. Ellie, part of the green arts Oxfordshire network, said that “Art is like fairy dust” able to convey abstract concepts. To finish Anna, a politician, made parallels with the book Station Eleven as a way to show how vital art is to people and what a difference it can make.

After this panel, there were three group activities. In the first, we talked about how we feel about the climate crises and phrases such as ‘climate anxiety’ and the anger towards big corporations for not being held accountable for their actions. This was then turned into a creative activity with each group coming up with a way to express these complex emotions through dance, movement, and music, building a sense of community among all those present. Lastly, we worked on the Uncaged Magna Charter in which we came up with eight action points the arts and theatre companies can do to help reduce environmental impacts and look after our planet.

Written by Tari Hawksworth from the Creative Writing Workshop
Drawings by Juliette Vergori from the Creative Writing Workshop

To see what’s coming up head to mandalatheatre.co.uk

#UncagingOurWorld

Day 2

The first day of workshops! Work began on the finale performance in Physical Theatre, Dance, Puppetry, Circus & Movement, Creative Writing, Spoken Word & Film.

In the afternoon, the incredible @ashtartheatre performed Oranges & Stones to packed houses at @artsattheofs We also had a panel discussion with the cast of Guernica-Gaza from ASHTAR young company who were unable to join us in Oxford due to the occupation.

Tari Hawksworth from the Creative Writing group reviewed the show:

‘Oranges and Stones’ conveys the powerful and poignant experience of the 75-year-long occupation of Palestine. The play is told without words and is symbolic; a woman’s peaceful existence tending her orange orchard is disrupted by the arrival of an unknown man with a large suitcase. At first, we are sympathetic to him, but he soon becomes violent and insistent on taking over. The invasive powerful presence of the male actor dominates the gentle Palestinian woman. He eventually destroys her home and pushes her out of it. The actors vividly convey what it’s like to lose your home and have a once happy and peaceful life stolen from you.

In the discussion after the play, the young Palestinian actors in Ramallah, who were originally going to perform their play ‘Guernica-Gaza’, joined on Zoom to talk to the audience. They could not make it to Oxford due to not being able to get a permit to go to Jerusalem. The artistic director spoke about how much it ‘pains us to not be able to perform’ but how this is a small obstacle compared with the bigger political picture of the genocide in Palestine. One of the young Palestinians, talked about how important art is to help process the difficult emotions they are all experiencing. Iman, the actor in ‘Oranges and Stones’, talked about the duty and responsibility the UK has to stop the genocide and that we need to wake up.

Oranges & Stones Collage by Juliette Vergori from the Creative Writing workshop.

To see what’s coming up head to mandalatheatre.co.uk

#UncagingOurWorld

Day 2

The first day of workshops! Work began on the finale performance in Physical Theatre, Dance, Puppetry, Circus & Movement, Creative Writing, Spoken Word & Film.

In the afternoon, the incredible @ashtartheatre performed Oranges & Stones to packed houses at @artsattheofs We also had a panel discussion with the cast of Guernica-Gaza from ASHTAR young company who were unable to join us in Oxford due to the occupation.

Tari Hawksworth from the Creative Writing group reviewed the show:

‘Oranges and Stones’ conveys the powerful and poignant experience of the 75-year-long occupation of Palestine. The play is told without words and is symbolic; a woman’s peaceful existence tending her orange orchard is disrupted by the arrival of an unknown man with a large suitcase. At first, we are sympathetic to him, but he soon becomes violent and insistent on taking over. The invasive powerful presence of the male actor dominates the gentle Palestinian woman. He eventually destroys her home and pushes her out of it. The actors vividly convey what it’s like to lose your home and have a once happy and peaceful life stolen from you.

In the discussion after the play, the young Palestinian actors in Ramallah, who were originally going to perform their play ‘Guernica-Gaza’, joined on Zoom to talk to the audience. They could not make it to Oxford due to not being able to get a permit to go to Jerusalem. The artistic director spoke about how much it ‘pains us to not be able to perform’ but how this is a small obstacle compared with the bigger political picture of the genocide in Palestine. One of the young Palestinians, talked about how important art is to help process the difficult emotions they are all experiencing. Iman, the actor in ‘Oranges and Stones’, talked about the duty and responsibility the UK has to stop the genocide and that we need to wake up.

Oranges & Stones Collage by Juliette Vergori from the Creative Writing workshop.

To see what’s coming up head to mandalatheatre.co.uk

#UncagingOurWorld

✨ day one dump ✨

🥂 We kicked off with the opening event at OVADA!

🪩@kashiieee opened the festival programme with an incredible performance of Nothin’ But A Shadow

🎭 Mandala Young Company closed the day with Transmissions in Advance of the Second Great Dying

The Creative Writing workshop shared this insight from @poet.adnan.alsayegh:

‘Transmissions in Advance of the Second Great Dying’
A reflection by Adnan Al-Sayegh
‘What struck me most about ‘Transmissions in Advance of the Second Great Dying’ was the brilliant use of light, images and movement as shapes and characters overlapped and separated, as if they were universes or worlds forming from each other, representing life, death, the human and the unseen, despair and hope in equal measures. An incredible and unforgettable achievement by director Yasmin Sidhwa and her magnetic young cast.’

To see what’s coming up head to mandalatheatre.co.uk

#UncagingOurWorld

✨ day one dump ✨

🥂 We kicked off with the opening event at OVADA!

🪩@kashiieee opened the festival programme with an incredible performance of Nothin’ But A Shadow

🎭 Mandala Young Company closed the day with Transmissions in Advance of the Second Great Dying

The Creative Writing workshop shared this insight from @poet.adnan.alsayegh:

‘Transmissions in Advance of the Second Great Dying’
A reflection by Adnan Al-Sayegh
‘What struck me most about ‘Transmissions in Advance of the Second Great Dying’ was the brilliant use of light, images and movement as shapes and characters overlapped and separated, as if they were universes or worlds forming from each other, representing life, death, the human and the unseen, despair and hope in equal measures. An incredible and unforgettable achievement by director Yasmin Sidhwa and her magnetic young cast.’

To see what’s coming up head to mandalatheatre.co.uk

#UncagingOurWorld

UNCAGING OUR WORLD HAS BEGUN! 🌍

From the Creative Writing Workshop:

On Saturday 20 July 2024, Director of Mandala Theatre Company’s Yasmin Sidhwa welcomed young people from eight different countries at the start of the Uncaging Our World Festival, emphasising its theme which is that we must urgently work together to create a more sustainable world.

Hosted by @ovada_gallery alongside their ‘On the Edge’ exhibition by the Royal Society of Sculptors of pieces that reflect sickness, war and the climate crisis, the welcome event buzzed with creative energy, including poems by Mandala Theatre Company’s Luis and Mya Fraser and song and dance from the Mazoji Teatro Akademija Company of Lithuania.
Trustee Rachel said ‘It’s amazing to have Mandala Festival launched here as the young people bring so much energy, with music and poetry – we really value the work that Mandala do.’

Sheriff of Oxford, Dr James Fry said ‘This is a chance to meet people, see performances and enjoy different cultures despite the artificial barriers that have been created by Brexit.’

Mita Vaghela, Director of Ovada Gallery and Denise Bryan, curator of the exhibition also said they were delighted to join forces with Mandala and host the event.

#UncagingOurWorld
#MandalaMonday

UNCAGING OUR WORLD HAS BEGUN! 🌍

From the Creative Writing Workshop:

On Saturday 20 July 2024, Director of Mandala Theatre Company’s Yasmin Sidhwa welcomed young people from eight different countries at the start of the Uncaging Our World Festival, emphasising its theme which is that we must urgently work together to create a more sustainable world.

Hosted by @ovada_gallery alongside their ‘On the Edge’ exhibition by the Royal Society of Sculptors of pieces that reflect sickness, war and the climate crisis, the welcome event buzzed with creative energy, including poems by Mandala Theatre Company’s Luis and Mya Fraser and song and dance from the Mazoji Teatro Akademija Company of Lithuania.
Trustee Rachel said ‘It’s amazing to have Mandala Festival launched here as the young people bring so much energy, with music and poetry – we really value the work that Mandala do.’

Sheriff of Oxford, Dr James Fry said ‘This is a chance to meet people, see performances and enjoy different cultures despite the artificial barriers that have been created by Brexit.’

Mita Vaghela, Director of Ovada Gallery and Denise Bryan, curator of the exhibition also said they were delighted to join forces with Mandala and host the event.

#UncagingOurWorld
#MandalaMonday

EXTRA SHOW ADDED 🤩

This #MandalaMonday we are THRILLED to announce that opening #UncagingOurWorld will be Nothin’ but a Shadow by Akasha Daley, UK/Germany 🇬🇧🇩🇪

How many people have the language to love Black women, when colonisation has perverted Blackness, womanness and love itself? - SHAADI DEVEREAUX

They get to be colourful but not coloured, loud but not aggressive, carefree but not lazy and most importantly they get to be beautiful. A word that you have never been described as. Instead, they have found other words, exotic, wild, fiery, seductive. Anything but the simplicity of just being called pretty, to be cared for, to be nurtured. You get anything but the tenderness surrounding whiteness. So, it’s you. again. alone. Because to them, you are just a strong independent Black woman.

In Nothin’ but a Shadow, a spoken word, physical theatre piece, we follow the character ‘BB’ as she uncages herself from the shackles of the past. Guided by teachings or perhaps warnings of her grandmother’s voice, ‘BB’ searches to understand the world through her own eyes.

📅20 July 16:30
📍 Pegasus Theatre
🎟️ Link in bio or go to https://pegasustheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873662780/events

Written, Choreographed and Performed by Akasha Daley
With Original Music by Bruna Cabral.
Featuring music also from: Ette James, Ramsey Lewis and Aqua

#UncagingOurWorld

EXTRA SHOW ADDED 🤩

This #MandalaMonday we are THRILLED to announce that opening #UncagingOurWorld will be Nothin’ but a Shadow by Akasha Daley, UK/Germany 🇬🇧🇩🇪

How many people have the language to love Black women, when colonisation has perverted Blackness, womanness and love itself? - SHAADI DEVEREAUX

They get to be colourful but not coloured, loud but not aggressive, carefree but not lazy and most importantly they get to be beautiful. A word that you have never been described as. Instead, they have found other words, exotic, wild, fiery, seductive. Anything but the simplicity of just being called pretty, to be cared for, to be nurtured. You get anything but the tenderness surrounding whiteness. So, it’s you. again. alone. Because to them, you are just a strong independent Black woman.

In Nothin’ but a Shadow, a spoken word, physical theatre piece, we follow the character ‘BB’ as she uncages herself from the shackles of the past. Guided by teachings or perhaps warnings of her grandmother’s voice, ‘BB’ searches to understand the world through her own eyes.

📅20 July 16:30
📍 Pegasus Theatre
🎟️ Link in bio or go to https://pegasustheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873662780/events

Written, Choreographed and Performed by Akasha Daley
With Original Music by Bruna Cabral.
Featuring music also from: Ette James, Ramsey Lewis and Aqua

#UncagingOurWorld

In case you missed it:

The incredible line-up of Uncaging Our World Festival!🤩🌎

We CAN’T WAIT to welcome our friends from Tunisia, Germany, France, Palestine & Lithuania to Oxford for an action-packed 8 days of shows and events.

See you there from 20-27 July!

Limited tickets available for the public.

Shows take place at Old Fire Station and Pegasus Theatre.

More information and booking:
LINK IN BIO or go to
https://www.mandalatheatre.co.uk/uncaging-our-world

#UncagingOurWorld
#MandalaMonday

In case you missed it:

The incredible line-up of Uncaging Our World Festival!🤩🌎

We CAN’T WAIT to welcome our friends from Tunisia, Germany, France, Palestine & Lithuania to Oxford for an action-packed 8 days of shows and events.

See you there from 20-27 July!

Limited tickets available for the public.

Shows take place at Old Fire Station and Pegasus Theatre.

More information and booking:
LINK IN BIO or go to
https://www.mandalatheatre.co.uk/uncaging-our-world

#UncagingOurWorld
#MandalaMonday

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QUICK LINKS

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Mandala Theatre Company

4150 Chancellor Court

John Smith Drive

Oxford

OX4 2GX

info@mandalatheatre.co.uk

© 2024 Mandala Theatre Company

Registered Charity Number: 1194229

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