Matthew ‘Kupakwashe’ Murrell’s Emerging Director Residency – Week 1 Blog Post

September 12, 2016October 6, 2016Leave a comment

Matthew ‘Kupakwashe’ Murrell is on the Fresh Milk platform this month as the second candidate in the inaugural Emerging Directors Residency, hosted in collaboration with the National Cultural Foundation (NCF). Despite working within a short time-frame and noting that two weeks is not enough to fully flesh out a residency of this kind, Matthew is making the most of the time and resources he has been afforded by having fruitful discussions with his assigned mentor, renowned St. Lucian poet, playwright and director Kendel Hippolyte, and doing research for his chosen play ‘Shakespeare’s Nigga’. Read more from Matthew below:

My name is Matthew ‘Kupakwashe’ Murrell and I am a part of the Emerging Theatre Director’s Residency pilot project with the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) and Fresh Milk. Although this is the first collaboration of its kind, it’s not the first time I’m undertaking a theatre residency at Fresh Milk. In 2013, I completed a residency in playwriting, producing an excerpt of a play I was devising titled ‘The Brightest Red’.

For the first week, I’ve experienced some ups and downs as it’s the first of its kind and some kinks have to be dealt with along the way to make future participants happy. Given two weeks to do research and then give a presentation of findings is really not enough. Talking to my assigned mentor, St. Lucian playwright and director Kendel Hippolyte, he agreed as well. One week for researching and another for rehearsals as I divided it, still meant little time for proper conceptualisation, rehearsals, scheduling etc. As a director’s residency, I would expect more time to be given for proper research and rehearsals, but it seemed more like a tight window for academic purposes of research and a small presentation of findings. I also expected not to do the whole piece as intended, but even a scene or two in this small window isn’t enough in my opinion. Time is necessary.

So for my residency I’m working on ‘Shakespeare’s Nigga’ written by Trinidadian born and Toronto based playwright and actor Joseph Jomo Pierre. I was first introduced to Joseph’s work years ago as a student at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination (EBCCI). At that time, Alison Sealy-Smith was teaching there fresh off the boat. I always found his work to be daring and unapologetic, and it influenced my writing a lot, especially when our works focused largely on masculinity. Later, Joseph and I became good friends when I travelled to Toronto and spoke about this particular project. ‘Shakespeare’s Nigga’ enters into the dream world of Shakespeare where he is confronted by his black/Moor characters. His rebellious slave Aaron (Titus Andronicus), his obedient ‘slaves’ Othello (Othello) and Tyrus (Titus Andronicus). Shakespeare also deals with his rebellious daughter Judith, who has an ongoing relationship with Aaron. I chose this play for the themes presented and what they meant for me. Shakespeare represents a part of the patriarchy; 50 years of Independence is being celebrating all throughout the Caribbean this year, and our literary giants still hold a back seat to Shakespeare.

His works in our space are considered ‘classics’ and used as a tool for classicism in our classrooms in the days of ‘growing up stupid under the union jack’. Reading the text, as a Caribbean ‘yute’, I saw the proverbial whip being handed down on Aaron’s back by Othello, who was ordered by Shakespeare to do so, as a constant reminder not only of physical but also mental slavery. Aaron’s response to uprise and to denounce Shakespeare as not his ‘negro’ but his ‘nigga’, turning around that hateful word and putting power and purpose to it, and also Othello’s realisation of Shakespeare’s separatism of he and Aaron to cause divide is nothing short of revolutionary for black literary consciousness.

“I am not Shakespeare’s negro. My palate is not so refine. My coarse hair knows not the acquaintance of a brush…”

– Aaron

As research goes, I’ve brushed up on my Shakespeare knowledge on Titus Andronicus and Othello. To be very fair, I am not a Shakespeare fan (except Hamlet), so personal feelings aside, it’s quite interesting to see the playwright’s use of characterisations of the hated Moorish slave in one piece and a hated Moorish commander in other. Both did what they could do to muster respect and a proper way of life, instead…

“…For the paper, look how low we’a stoop/
even if you in a Benz, you still a nigga in a coup/coup…”

– Kanye West

I’ve also done a lot of reading in Augusto Boal’s ‘Theatre of the Oppressed’ which I may add is one of the hardest rangate books on theatre and performance I’ve ever read. So theatre kids in college and university reading this blog, invest in it. Many a times while reading it, I’ve been constantly reminded of what I love about the theatre, and what I think has been missing from our scene for some time. Another part of my research was looking at Spike Lee’s ‘Chi-Raq’. As a Spike Lee fan all my life, I totally enjoyed what he did in taking Lysistrata and making it a contemporary film surrounding the tragedies happening in Chicago’s inner city. Taking a Greek tragedy and showing the purpose and strength of #BlackLivesMatter was especially something I wanted to focus on within my research.

Along with the research, my mentor Kendel and I had great conversations about theatre, the drama and the direction of the piece. The dream of Shakespeare opens countless ideas of how to manipulate the space. The use of language, sound and lights presented endless ideas and great discussions. Next week I work with my actors in the space. Right now, instead of using all the characters, I will only be using three. The legendary Patrick Foster as Shakespeare, the enigmatic Nala as Aaron and the feminist powerhouse Luci Hammans as Judith…I love my cast as you can see from their superpowers.

And as I end this report…

“what light over yonder breaks?
….oh shite, is de ra**hole police!”

– Kupa

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This project is a collaborative initiative, funded by the NCF Barbados

Renelde Headley’s Emerging Director Residency – Week 2 Blog Post

July 8, 2016October 6, 2016Leave a comment

Renelde Headley, who was on the Fresh Milk platform as part of the first Emerging Directors Residency hosted in collaboration with the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), writes about her second week in the studio. This week saw her becoming more accustomed to her surroundings and continuing her interactions with the other creatives sharing the space, as well as the introduction of the two actors she is working with to develop the style of the play ‘Yellowman‘ during her residency. Read more from Renelde below:

My second and sad to say final week at Fresh Milk brought me outside a lot more. As I got more comfortable in the space I’d walk about and play with the puppies or eat snacks out on the deck as well as talk to Katherine, Anisah and Torika, when I needed to step away from the monotony of thinking. This week’s conversations included my hope that I’d hear a monkey on the roof, just once. At the same time, the studio was a hive of activity this week with presentations to UNESCO representatives being made by Katherine, Torika and Anisah and myself.

I spent most of my time delving into the script, conceptualising the work and all-round prepping to meet the actors, Shea Best and Teila Williams. When I met with them, we were off to a strong start discussing character development and the over-all themes and concept. We also were able to experiment with movement and investigate how that impacts/ strengthens a theatre piece.

Over-all the experience, though short, has been extremely rewarding. Having the chance to experience a programme that supports and allows you to investigate your art without the pressure of deadlines or “production” makes me feel like I’ll be a much stronger artist because of it.

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This project is a collaborative initiative, funded by the NCF Barbados

Renelde Headley’s Emerging Director Residency – Week 1 Blog Post

July 5, 2016October 6, 2016Leave a comment

The first resident in the inaugural Emerging Directors Residency – a collaboration between Fresh Milk and the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) – Renelde Headley writes about her first week on the platform. She has begun her stint in this programme by taking in her new surroundings, exploring the material in the Colleen Lewis Reading Room, and enjoying being in the company of creative practitioners from other fields. Read more below:

My first week at Fresh Milk has been a welcomed respite from the hustle and bustle of the everyday. It was extremely encouraging to be in the company of fellow artists doing their art while, most importantly, doing my own. My view this week has been mostly of the Colleen Lewis Reading Room, which I must say is a very “bad” view to have, as I spent most of the week reading and perusing the library!

As I would sit and read a sampling of the books on culture and race as well as on theatre practice and directing styles, I’d often be able to look up and see Torika reading or tapping away at her computer and Anisah bent over her drawings and spy Katherine through the window working on the deck. Amidst working on our individual projects, the four of us would stop to have little conversations where we’d pick each other’s brains about various topics or just get to know each other a little better. This was very encouraging for me because it allowed me to think outside the confines of my field since they are all visual/fine artists.

Material in the Colleen Lewis Reading Room

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This project is a collaborative initiative, funded by the NCF Barbados

Fresh Milk and the NCF launch Emerging Directors Residency Programme

June 24, 2016June 24, 2016Leave a comment

Fresh Milk is very pleased to announce the launch of the Emerging Directors Residency Programme, our collaborative initiative with the National Cultural Foundation Barbados (NCF) in support of up-and-coming local theatre directors.

This programme, which officially began on June 20, 2016, will see two young Barbadian creatives undertake residencies based at Fresh Milk which will provide them with an opportunity to conduct much needed research into Caribbean theatre heritage and to explore and create through theatre form and style.

L-R: Matthew Murrell (participant in the Emerging Directors Residency), Andrea Wells (Chief Cultural Officer, NCF), Renelde Headley (participant in the Emerging Directors Residency), Amanda Cumberbatch (Cultural Officer, Theatre Arts, NCF) and Annalee Davis (Founding Director, Fresh Milk)

The launch at the Fresh Milk studio was attended by representatives from Fresh Milk and the NCF, and created a platform to announce the two successful candidates for this first edition of the programme: Renelde Headley and Matthew ‘Kupakwashe’ Murrell. Renelde will be taking part in the first residency period, which runs from June 20 – July 1, 2016 and Matthew’s residency will be held from September 5 – 16, 2016.

As part of the critical development aspect of this residency, the participants will be mentored by established theatre professionals, beginning with Trinidadian playwright and teacher Rawle Gibbons who will interact with and give feedback to Renelde during the course of her residency.

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About the Residents & their Projects:

Renelde Headley

RESIDENCY PROJECT: ‘YELLOWMAN’

The proposed play is Yellowman by African-American playwright Dael Olandersmith, a two-hander. Yellowman is to be explored and developed through postmodern and experimental techniques. This approach would allow for symbolic parallels to be drawn and explored between the Southern American and Barbadian experiences of race, class and identity as well as explore a contemporary Barbadian aesthetic. To do this, the director seeks to explore and develop elements that are distinctly Barbadian despite the juxtaposition of the source material’s origins. Simultaneously, the director seeks to investigate and cultivate her own creative and aesthetic identity through this piece.

RENELDE HEADLEY BIO:

Confident, 6ft 2, 175 pounds, Renelde Headley is set on world domination, with the power of Love and Creativity. Through singing, acting, dancing, directing and any other art form she chooses to master, she is determined to spread her message of empowerment and freedom worldwide. She cautions that “Freedom comes with the responsibility of being aware of others and their right/desire to be free. – Mankind must not lose his compassion.” She hopes that through her self-expression and work, she can share concepts that encourage others to embrace and unify their multifaceted selves.

‘Maco’s Revenge’, Selfie break during Mustardseed ensemble rehearsal. Mustardseed Productions, 2016. Dir. Renelde Headley

“It is possible to be strong, no nonsense and sensitive all at once.” To this end she is often drawn to work that explores Identity – be it cultural, social, racial or personal. This because the various concepts of identity that exist, though constantly evolving or perhaps sharing similar elements, offer unique perspectives that inform the way the world functions: this, in turn, allows constant investigation and experimentation.

With her positive attitude, critical eye and arsenal of talents, Renelde will prove by example that being tough and sensitive don’t have to be juxtapositions. You can enjoy every minute of life just being yourself, once you “…know who you are and strive to be the best of who that is.”

Matthew ‘Kupakwashe’ Murrell

RESIDENCY PROJECT: ‘BARBADOSED’

In this project, I would like to explore the concept once known as being Barbadosed. When the island’s existence was based on a punishment by the crown and neighbouring Caribbean islands. Through our modern history, we have been told that Barbadians are passive, but has our history shown that, or is that something current? Our history has shown we have had a bloody history more than most English speaking islands, torture devices have been invented here, land disputes have caused death, political prisoners were sent to be punished here and not to mention human trafficking. Our Barbadian historians and cultural activists have disputed the notion of Bajans being docile. Barbadosed will expose many true events of the atrocities that occurred on This Island in the Sun, the Gem of the Caribbean Sea. This project will utilize elements of acting, dancing, singing and performance poetry.

MATTHEW MURRELL BIO:

Through my company, Yardie Boy Theatre, we like to explore social themes that affect young Caribbean voices. Some may perceive us to be controversial for tackling such themes as religion, gender and sexuality and socio political. Many concepts of directing have been explored such as divisive theatre, use of music, dance and performance poetry. A young people’s theatre company that is highly inspired by everything culturally Caribbean.

‘De Angry Black Boy Tantrums’. Scene: ‘My Judical Family – Dre & Sista’. Actors: Deevon Clinton (‘Dre’), Ayesha NuRa Delpeche (‘Sista’). Dir. Matthew Kupakwashe Murrell

Such works include ‘De Angry Black Boy Tantrums’ (pictured above) which delves into the oppression of the Caribbean black man in the 21^st Century. ‘Demons in Me’, when four young people battle inner demons while under scrutiny of the society. ‘The Brightest Red’ a piece dedicated to the memory of young intellectual Rastafarian, I’Akobi Maloney.

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About the Mentor:

Rawle Gibbons

Rawle Gibbons is a playwright and a teacher. Born in Belmont, Trinidad in 1950, between 1970 and 1984 he lived mostly in Jamaica, attending UWI and teaching at the Jamaica School of Drama. He returned to Trinidad and in 1986 was appointed to the newly established Creative and Festival Arts Centre at UWI, St. Augustine. He has written A Calypso Trilogy. Most of my recent productions have been collectively devised with my students at UWI. Since retiring from the UWI, I’m a director of Caribbean Yard Campus, a network for the development of Caribbean indigenous knowledges.

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This project is a collaborative initiative, supported by the NCF Barbados

Open Call: Fresh Milk and the NCF announce Emerging Directors Residency

April 13, 2016April 13, 2016Leave a comment

The Fresh Milk Art Platform and the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) are pleased to share an open call for their first collaborative Emerging Directors Residency 2016. This exciting new partnership is a paid artist residency for early career theatre directors, which will provide them with an opportunity to conduct much needed research into Caribbean theatre heritage and to explore and create through theatre form and style.

Two residencies will be offered, for two emerging Barbadian directors who will receive a stipend of $1,000.00 BBD each. Each residency, which will be based at the Fresh Milk studio in Walkers, St. George, will run for a 50 hour period which the resident must complete over two weeks. There are two fortnightly time-frames scheduled between May 23 – June 3 or June 6 – June 17, and each candidate may choose which time-frame is suitable for them. The deadline for applications is April 29, 2016.

Residents will be mentored over the course of the programme by a noted Barbadian/Caribbean Director and, at the close of the period, each will present, by way of a small showcase with actors, aspects of the work they have been exploring.

Rationale:

Residency programmes afford professionals time and space away from the demands of daily work life to carry out much needed professional development. Outside of traditional longer term training, a paid residency allows artists time, however short, for contemplative study and exploration. In the Barbadian context, there is much focus on the training of performers, however there are considerably fewer opportunities for those theatre artists with a special interest in directing to hone and develop their skills. Highly skilled, culturally aware and visionary directors are needed, as we move nationally to advance our cultural industries sector, and to enrich the quality of small and large scale staged events, whether drama, music, dance, or indeed multimedia events.

Greater awareness of Barbadian/Caribbean theatre form and style will serve to enhance the ideological and interpretive output of those up and coming directors on the local theatre scene, and equip them to create work that consciously and profoundly engages with Barbadian tradition. ‘Emerging Directors Residency’ offers an opportunity to design and apply staging concepts for ‘alternative spaces’, i.e. the “site-specific”, and otherwise environmental concept. It offers mentorship, access to archival material, and affords time for creativity.

Objectives:

– Partner with local and regional arts platforms to offer developmental opportunities for artists;

– Provide a forum for emerging directors to research their craft through mentorship, and through access to documented and archived material;

– Provide emerging directors with a secure and rigorous environment for practice, and the resources with which he or she may develop emerging work, and/or experiment with new ideas;

– Provide opportunities for actors to work with emerging directors in a developmental and experimental workshop setting.

Eligibility:

The ideal candidate should be a trained Barbadian theatre artist, who has directed between 1 and 4 plays.

Duration of Programme:

1 Session per Resident: 50 hours to be undertaken over EITHER May 23 – June 3, 2016, OR June 6 – 17, 2016.

Application process:

Prospective candidates can apply with the completed application form (which includes a bio/artist statement and project proposal, and can be downloaded here), full CV and portfolio, writing samples from your director’s notebook and 2-3 critical (newspaper, peer or academic) reviews of recent work to the National Cultural Foundation, Theatre Arts Office at the email address ncftheatrearts@gmail.com or lisa-cumberbatch@ncf.bb before midnight on Friday, April 29, 2016. They will be interviewed by a panel comprising NCF and Fresh Milk officials.

Successful candidates for the residency will be offered a stipend of $1,000.00. The resident is required to spend 50 hours at Fresh Milk in Walkers, St. George and should indicate a potential schedule of days and times they might be available during the interview process. The mentor will spend 10 hours in total with each resident over each 50 hour session. Each resident will have access to two actors for 15 hours to experiment and/or create work. At the end of each period, there will be a short showcase where the residents share aspects of the work they have been contemplating.

Expectations:

In addition to the 50 hours spent at Fresh Milk, each resident will be required to keep a weekly blog of text and images documenting their thoughts and processes which will be shared on the Fresh Milk website. At the close of the residency, each resident will also be required to submit a report according to Fresh Milk and the NCF’s guidelines.