THIS SIDE UP
26-28 February
Theatre Deli - Broadgate
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Gaming, meets podcast, meets hands-on installation art. Jessi has spent years crafting a collection of micro-games and audio stories around some LGBTQ badasses from throughout history. These are not just the ones you hear about in the books and at museums and trust us, these stories are fire. Jessi was recently inspired by a personal hero (not Bowie this time) to take these installations on the road, so here we are. Join us for THIS SIDE UP an audio and game driven experience around queer stories.
There are two ways to come to THIS SIDE UP.
LIVE PERFORMANCE: An intimate experience with only 12 audience members. Jessi will introduce you to some additional LGBTQ badasses and lead you in some live interactive games. Jessi's joy and passion is palpable so prepare to enjoy a playful hour. You may even have a special guest. (1 hour)
OPEN INSTALLATIONS: Runs in an informal, relaxed format, allowing you to come freely while it is open. You can play through the initiations at your own pace with no live interaction. Just you, the stories and the hands-on installations. (FREE)​
LGBTQ+ Organizations:
Gendered Intelligence: Has a mission to increase understandings of gender diversity. Particularly specializing in supporting young trans people aged 8-25.
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Mermaids: Raises awareness about gender nonconformity in children and young people and supports children, young people, and their families to achieve a happier life.
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London Friend: Supports the health and mental well-being of the LGB&T community in and around London.
The Outside Project: UK’s first LGBTIQ+ Crisis/Homeless Shelter & Community Centre.
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All Out: a global movement fighting for a world where NO ONE has to sacrifice their family, freedom, safety, or dignity because of who they are or who they love.
The Artists:
Arlo Howard (Director/Creator) London-based, international immersive, interactive, and site-specific director, creator, consultant, and producer. Since 2012, Arlo has served as Co-Artistic director with (re)discover theatre in Chicago, producing eighteen shows, eight large events, and ongoing programing. Arlo's background in dance and design creates highly visual and multi-sensory experiences. Currently, Arlo is studying immersive theatre in London, focusing on accessibility in immersive forms. Arlo has trained with Punchdrunk, Third Rail Projects, The Neo Futurist, Frantic Assembly, and has worked with Blast Theory and Coney.
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Rachel Copel (Jessi/Devisor) is a performer and theatre maker from Chicago, USA. She received her bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts with High Honors from Brandeis University, and is a current MFA candidate at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. In Chicago, she has collaborated with Od Theatre Co, Quest Theatre Ensemble, Redmoon Theatre, Barrel of Monkeys, First Floor Theatre, The Crowd, The iO Theatre, and Flat Iron Comedy (RIP), among others. She is one half of performance art duo/internet nuisance VivianWard.
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Manuel Santos (Alex)
Manuel, born and raised in Portugal, is a gender non-binary performer who is interested in exploring all of the aspects their craft has to offer. Focusing mostly on autobiographical work, characterisation and movement, Manuel is a recent graduate from Middlesex University of BA with First Class Honours in Theatre Arts (Performance).
One of their main focuses being Solo Performance, Manuel likes to take on the challenge of bringing their life’s experience to the stage, specially with matters such as their relationship with Gender. This can be seen through their one person shows: “Manuel”, “Gender Camp” and “Maybe Grieving is a Process”, a stand up routine performed Downstairs at the Kings Head (with a working title). Furthermore, Manuel has also worked on collaborative theatre making. Their most recent piece titled “Feeling Lonely at Parties” was performed at the Camden Fringe festival, being directed by Yusuf Niazi and holding a 4.9 star reviews at the Stage Door. Another recent collaboration includes “Odyssey”, a piece of Contemporary theatre performed in Dominio Pubblico, where they worked as an understudy, soon coming with it’s London run as well.
Manuel is currently a performer in collaboration with the collective Pursued by a Dragon.
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Matt Reich (Sound Designer)
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Ali DeRegt (Installations Associate Designer) is a multi disciplinary theatre artist from Calgary, Canada focused on devising, puppetry, and clown. She currently resides in London, UK and is pursuing an MFA from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Recent theatre credits include roles with Quest Theatre, The Green Fools, and Mudfoot Theatre. She is also one of the co-founders of Hot Trash Theatre, a company focused on devising new work. Ali has had the privilege of training in puppet performance and fabrication with The Old Trout Puppet Workshop and Long Grass Studio. She has also trained with the distinguished clown duo John Turner and Michael Kennard. Recent voice over credits include World Trigger, Cardfight!! Vanguard, and Future Card Buddyfight.
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Dev Danzig (Script Consultant)
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Access and Content Information:
Access:​
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Within the live show audience member move around a set of table to different station
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Audience is seated and stationary for the majority of the show
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The "Live Performance" provides a relaxed environment, allowing exits and reentry at any point.
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The "Open Installation" allows audiences to go through the story installations at their own pace.
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Text versions of all the audio stories can be found here: arlohoward.com/this-side-up-stories
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There will not be audio described, captioned, or sign interpreted performances.
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Companions are welcome to come to assist with accessing the show.
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Content Information:​
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The show is primarily driven by audio stories. The written text can be found here: arlohoward.com/this-side-up-stories
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The live performance is half individual audio experience and group games. The installation mode has just the individual audio experiences.
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Audience member rotate through story stations sharing over the ear headphones.
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THIS SIDE UP involves a series of playful games. All participation is entirely optional and the host provides opt out options throughout.
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Some games can become fast paced but none are highly competitive. They include, moving in a circle, whispering, repeating catch phrases, hand to hand contact, throwing and catching, and maths. All of this is optional.
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The stories told are about queer/LGBTQ+ people. Their stories involve struggles and triumphs. Content includes; metal health, genital surgery, cesarian sections, unexplained death, Nazis, racism, homophobia, sexuality, Cancer, assassination, homelessness, childhood abandonment, and one box contains real flowers
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