Last month, we launched an interview series with Chisenhale Dance Space (CDS) that will spotlight the six partners presenting and curating scratch nights as part of Scratch Renaissance.
Running for a whole year, Scratch Renaissance was created in collaboration with CDS’s artist community, and responds directly to the urgent need for artists to test ideas, take risks and share works-in-progress in a supportive, accessible and low-cost way.
Last month saw Emergency Chorus presenting Past Works Recycling Plant, a night for artists to revisit, remix and reimagine past works. This month will see Mind The Gap: Open Night, an evening of improvised performances in different mediums with four curated acts and four ‘open mic’ slots available on the night.
Created by Théïa Maldoom, Mind The Gap brings together improvised performances in different mediums. Every event has a different feel, with past line ups including dancers, musicians, spoken word artists, actors, comedians, drag artists and zine makers. What makes it extra special is that Mind The Gap is always full of curiosity, creativity and surprises.
Taking place on Friday 27 June, we caught up with Théïa ahead of the event to find out more!
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, on a scratch night, who would it be and why?
Patti Smith because I think she’s an incredible artist. It would be cool to see how she would approach putting on a night and who she would be interested in bringing together.
Can you share a memorable scratch night experience—either your own or one you attended?
Recently, I went to one of Raze Collective’s Scratch Sundays at SET Peckham and it was great! There were quite a few acts, a lot of them I hadn’t seen perform before and I left excited about going to see more of their performances. It felt personal and playful and the atmosphere was so sweet and supportive.
Mind The Gap: Open Night takes place on Friday 27 June at 7pm at Chisenhale Dance Space. Get your tickets here.