Derby Theatre and Derby Creative Arts Network have revealed that newly commissioned artistic pieces, community-based workshops and an evening of celebration and entertainment will be held to celebrate the city’s easing out of quarantine.
Derby Rises is a version of The Bakery of Slow Ideas, a community art practice created by Leo Kay from London-based Unfinished Business. The performance company is working with Derby Theatre, community groups and artists to explore themes of hope, identity and how to emerge from lockdown.
Since July, Kay, Derby CAN and commissioned artists have collaborated with the LGBTQ+ community, asylum seekers, the refugee community and a newly formed group who identify as working class.
The project will culminate on Sunday 27 September in a cabaret-style performance at Derby Theatre which will also be live-streamed. Artists performing who will also be involved at the workshop stage are writer, poet, lyricist and educator from Derby Jamie Thrasivoulou, Amy Pennington who uses humour to connect human experiences and socio-political issues, Symoné, a hula hoop artiste, dancer and roller-skater, and Mr Supreme, a rap artist based in the East Midlands.