In these unprecedented circumstances, the situation is uncertain and unsettling for us all, however we intend to do everything possible to support our artists, colleagues, communities, audiences and friends during this period of distancing and isolation.
Please continue to stay in touch via facebook, twitter, Instagram etc. and from our Nutkhut family to you and yours, stay safe and well and we look forward to a time when we can all gather at events and create more fun and mischief together!
Nutkhut and Ali Williams Productions are looking for performers for an exciting new outdoor touring show called Princess and the Chickpea.
The Princess and the Chickpea is an introduction, through storytelling, circus, dance and comedy to the interconnected strands of South Asian dance from Kathak to Balinese via Flamenco and Bharatanatyam.
We are seeking South Asian Dancers/Performers (all genders welcome) for touring Festivals and Melas in summer 2020.
Must be available mid April/May for rehearsals and for work most weekends from 24th May until early September.
Application deadline is 31st January 2020 with auditions taking place on the 12th February 2020 in Woolwich, London.
For more information please email emma@nutkhut.co.uk
To apply please send your CV, cover letter and Showreel to emma@nutkhut.co.uk
Eden Arts, Nutkhut and the Mela Partnership wish to commission a new festival piece that will be first seen at this year’s Winter Droving in Cumbria (25/26 October).
We are seeking artist/makers to design and deliver a portable (wearable) peacock in full display mode – we are looking for a show stopper – a piece that will symbolise the Mela Partnership!The completed piece will need to work primari-ly in the dark ie have lighting built in, be robust enough to have repeat uses (it is envisaged that the piece will tour to festivals, carnivals and Melas in 2020), be able to be dismantled for transportation. It is likely that this piece will be based upon lantern making principles but there may be other ways! The lighting is extremely important as this is primarily (but not exclusively) a night time display.
Eden Arts have a workshop (a fire station en-gine bay) in Cumbria where the make can take place (accommodation can be arranged).Nutkhut have access to archives and potential research materials and are based in London. Nutkhut HQ can offer desk space for research and development.
Timescales: Submissions close 6pm, 9 September.
Commissions notified by 13 September, Design agreed 20 September, Completed 18 October
Further information or an informal conversation can be had with Eden Arts Director Adrian Loch-head on 01768 899444
Submissions (emailed to adrian.lochhead@edenarts.co.uk) should include design sketch including plan for materials/measurements, how it can be transported, power, lights; please include examples of previous work.
GOOD LUCK!!!
25 years of Smethwick Mela culminated in a special music programme in Victoria Park in Birmingham.
First opened in 1889 over 14 hectares, Victoria Park is a typical example of a civic, municipal park developed in city suburbs across the country.
The Nutkhut team attended this years event and discovered the rich tapestry of Mela’s in the Midlands. One of a number of annual Mela’s in Victoria Park, this demonstrates a real thirst that Mela audiences have for diverse work, culturally diverse programme, attended by intergenerational audiences.
A nostalgic connection with the past, identity and memory was a clear theme that ran through the day. Headline artist Kulvinder Billa reminded us of a young version of the great Gurdas Maan. His opening number spoke of the collective connection with home, homeland and what’s left behind, without being downbeat, it was a positive and open celebration of new beginnings.
Smethwick Mela is a genuine, local event, clearly much loved, with an old fashioned community feel.