Strength 2 Strength
International Collaboration
We are Epic Indonesian Exchange & Synergy by Mark Smith: South African Exchange
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Monday 28 October
Zoom, FREE
10am - 11:30am UK time (5pm-6:30pm Indonesia, 11am-12:30pm South Africa)
BSL Interpreted
We Are Epic
Join dancer, Kadafi Mulula and We Are Epic Director, Anthony Evans, as they share the process, learnings and real-life experiences of international exchange in Southeast Asia.
We Are Epic is an inclusive arts organisation that works in the UK and internationally. It creates and delivers talent development and international collaboration opportunities for underrepresented artists.
In June 2024, We Are Epic supported their Associate Dance Artist, Kadafi Mulula, to undertake an international exchange with artists in Indonesia.
‘Convergence of Grace’ was an inclusive and collaborative dance film project funded by the British Council that saw Kadafi travel to Bali for a 10-day residency. We Are Epic supported Kadafi to connect with Kitapoleng, a Bali based company of deaf dancers and film makers, and Arif Onelegz, a disabled dancer from Malang. All the artists came together on the island to devise, choreograph and film on location during the residency. We Are Epic conceived the project with Kadafi and the international artists and supported him throughout the process.
We Are Epic continues to build networks throughout Southeast Asia to create more international exchange and collaboration opportunities for underrepresented artists in the UK.
SYNERGY
Choreographed by renowned Deaf choreographer Mark Smith, SYNERGY is an outdoor performance exploring the profound impact of climate change on Deaf and disabled individuals.
Collaborating with extraordinary disabled international dance talent Musa Motha and Lethabo Shai, and leading UK disabled dance artists Annie-Rose Grantham, Deaf ballet dancer, Ben Randall and wheelchair dance artist Kate Stanforth.
“Earth is burning and the viability of life on other planets begins to be seriously explored. What provision is made for disabled people? Using projection and live streaming from smartphones, SYNERGY explores themes of information & disinformation spread by social media, power and control. Four unique dancers meet as characters in a moment of space and time working together, demanding recognition and a future beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.”
We will be joined by SYNERGY producer, Rachel Veazey and Lethabo Shai, a cast member from South Africa who is an amputee.
Guest Speakers
Anthony Evans
Director, We Are Epic
Anthony Evans is an internationally experienced arts professional, specialising in dance, performing arts, and inclusivity. He founded We Are Epic in 2016 and continues to foster talent development opportunities for underrepresented artists in the UK and internationally, along with developing inclusive dance initiatives in partnership with global organisations. He is also Director for Epic Arts in Cambodia, where he has worked with local leaders to create Southeast Asia's first inclusive dance company, ‘Epic Encounters’, developed the social enterprise ‘Epic Arts Café’ and delivered projects for UNICEF and WaterAid. Alongside his work as Director of We Are Epic and Epic Arts Cambodia, Anthony is Creative Director at The Hub St Mary’s where he works with the community to develop inclusive, diverse and relevant arts programming for the venue.
Kadafi Mulula
Associate Artist, We Are Epic
Kadafi Mulula, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a self-taught hip hop and acrobatics artist with a BA and first-class MA in Dance. A member of Company Chameleon and Associate Dance Artist with We Are Epic, he teaches, choreographs, and performs globally. Raised in Leeds, Kadafi aims to inspire the next generation of dancers, fuelled by the belief instilled by his mentors.
Rachael Veazey
Creative Producer & BSL Interpreter
Rachael Veazey is a creative producer specializing in supporting Deaf and disabled artists in the creation of live performance work. With a deep commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, she collaborates with artists to develop innovative and thought-provoking productions that challenge traditional boundaries. Rachael’s work focuses on amplifying underrepresented voices and ensuring that Deaf and disabled artists have the resources and opportunities to thrive. Her passion for equitable storytelling and her expertise in producing have made her a vital advocate in the performing arts community.
Lethabo Shai
Performer, SYNERGY
Lethabo Shai, a self-taught dancer, a psychology and a sociology honours graduate. She challenges societal norms surrounding disability through her artistry. Trained with companies like Unmute Dance Theatre and Moving into Dance, she embraces diverse bodies in creative spaces. Her recent performance of "SONUS" at the Playhouse Theatre sparked discussions about South Africa's political history. Through pieces like "WomXn in Me" and "Bells & Sirens," she explores personal narratives and queerness. Since her debut in 2018, she has showcased resilience and vision at various festivals. Seeking to explore body-dance dynamics, she navigates the performer's journey with creativity both in and outside the studio.