It is most fitting to write a review on a night bringing to light democracy and its downfalls when my home country has just seen the far-right party overhaul the European Parliamentary elections. Democracy from Where I Stand, the only iteration of its kind throughout the London Film Festival, was inspired by the Financial Times’ Democracy film series.
Throughout this night of songs, poetry, speeches and films given exclusively by women, the state of democracy from the point of view of these comedians, writers, activists, politicians and musicians carried us along a hopeful road towards true democratic power.
The evening took place in the picturesque backdrop of the Dutch Church in Moorgate and as our host Brenda Emmanus playfully remarked, this unconventional topic for a church allowed us to leave “polite” at the door and participate as much as we wanted in these provocations and celebrations.
“…as our host Brenda Emmanus playfully remarked, this unconventional topic for a church allowed us to leave “polite” at the door…”
The performances which bookended the evening, a percussion-based show by African-Brazilian musical collective Baque Luar, allowed us to reconnect with the most primary joyous modes of connection, sound and smiles.
The link between the concept of divine feminine terrestrial and that of a working democracy transpired from the uplifting melodies that celebrated the earth. Throughout the event, we were treated with two stand-up comedy sets by Aditi Mittal and Rosie Holt, an academic speech on the role of public libraries in shaping democracy, a poem by Lola Shoneyin on the fragile nature of democracy in West Africa and the dangers of the extremes in politics, and most notably a speech by 17-year-old Fetuma Hassan, young mayor of the Tower Hamlet borough.
It is unusual for a theatre critic to be confronted with such a wide scope of mediums and genres, all in pursuit of a single theme. The main takeaway from such a joyous evening, and notably from Miss Hassan’s beautifully eloquent speech, is the power of hope and how this power can be harnessed if we only decide to listen and act.
“The main takeaway from such a joyous evening, and notably from Miss Hassan’s beautifully eloquent speech, is the power of hope and how this power can be harnessed if we only decide to listen and act.”
If some mediums were less effective in engaging my personal inclinations, the entire evening articulated itself well around the notion that countless means of human connections are at our disposal and can make a difference in upholding democratic standards.
This wondrous gathering of women from around the world – LIFT is indeed the London International Festival of Theatre – occupying a corner of a church and speaking to hearts, minds and souls is an example to follow, and an invitation to attend more LIFT events in the coming weeks.
Featured Image: Democracy from where I stand – Lift Festival – Aditi Mittal. Image courtesy of the Financial Times
Show Details
Venue: The Dutch Church, London
Dates: June 8th
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