Expect killer selections adorned with splashes of digital synths, electronic percussion and vocal interjections that galvanise waves of full-blown euphoria wherever he plays. DJ Katapila’s new Aroo EP (Awesome Tapes From Africa) is the latest addition to the iconoclastic producer’s catalog of fast-paced, pan-West African-influenced dance music and follows his debut Trotro (2016) which ignited the international acclaim for his work, with the likes of The New York Times, Pitchfork, Resident Advisor and FACT heaping praise on his work.

Cutting his teeth in the early 90s as a mobile DJ at funerals across Ghana, Katapila began spontaneously inserting Ga- and Twi-language chants and raps into instrumental breaks of the well-trodden international house and techno radio hits he’d been playing. Performing on his Yamaha DD11 electronic drum pads during instrumental breaks, he also added his own percussion. He combined the microphone toasting and his rhythms with a sampler and invented new creations on the fly, establishing his trademark rough-edged dance sound which has now become ubiquitous in Ghana and other parts of West Africa.

After a few years testing the mainstream stage with a major record deal Pepino has moved back to her roots as a leftfield rock and electronica songwriter. As well as drawing influence from contemporary electronic passions like Caribou, Grizzly Bear and Sylvan Esso, Pepino also draws from late 60s and early 70s folk and popular music such as the song-smithery of Carole King, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell. The song content for ‘Heterogaster’ is based around ideas of family, sex, trust and disconnection, using rich vocal harmonies, beautifully layered to musically represent these issues.

In Mesadorm’s debut album ‘Heterogaster’ listeners will find songwriter and lyricist Pepino in happy harmony with producer Aaron Zahl, fleshing out her musical world with his electronic soundscapes. Each musician then adds his or her unique musical touch to every song, resulting in a truly special and original sound. Having known each other since they were teenagers and weathered various phases of life and musical outfits, Zahl, Pepino, Palmer, Johnston and Silverston have a unique connection that plays out in their music with depth and assuredness. Their writing sits somewhere between the domestic observation of Suzanne Vega and the powerful, elemental other-worldliness of Bjork.

Blythe Pepino - Vocals/Keys

Aaron Zahl - Guitars/Keys/Bvs

Jo Silverston - Cello/Keys/Bvs

David Johnston - Bass/Keys/Bvs

Daisy Palmer - Drums/Bvs

“Blimey! That’s the sound of Mesadorm!” - Huw Stephens, BBC Radio 1

“Loving the sound of Mesadorm. I reckon the next 12 months could be chock-a-block for those guys" - BBC Introducing in the West

“Mesadorm have that uncanny ability to find that perfect line between pop and experimentation. They achieve a rare and colourful psychedelic minimalism that is strikingly engaging.” - Folk Radio UK

We're super happy to be hosting the launch for this year's Mayfest festival...as well as three fantastic shows.

To celebrate their return (having taken the decision to become a biannual festival), Mayfest have invited "Ghanaian DJ and producer Katapila to kick off the festival with one of his marathon, euphoria-drenched DJ sets. Splicing the neo-traditional dance music styles of his youth in Accra with the up-tempo, bass-heavy, Roland 808 sounds of Detroit techno, Chicago acid and house, Katapila’s relentlessly joyful sets have become a thing of legend" in Trinity's Main Hall. Come on down (10 May) and expect killer selections adorned with splashes of digital synths, electronic percussion and vocal interjections that galvanise waves of full-blown euphoria wherever he plays.

So, for those who haven't been - what is Mayfest? Mayfest is Bristol’s unique international festival of contemporary theatre, "dedicated to presenting a broad range of unusual, playful and ambitious work from leading theatre makers from Bristol, the UK and beyond". They will be taking over theatre (and non theatre) spaces across the city bringing 10 days of back to back performances, workshops and talks from Thur 10th - to Sun 20th May.

This year we are excited to be hosting How (not) to live in Surburbia (14-15 May) a new show from Annie Siddons "a hilarious, brutal and poignant attempt" to describe what happened next when "in the middle of a shitstorm of life events, single mother, artist and proud Londoner Annie Siddons found herself living in suburbia by accident".

Meanwhile, Scottish Dance Theatre bring Velvet Petal (16-18 May) to Fyfe Hall where they present their latest show about"tough girls and pretty boys living life in the margins, dreaming about being at the centre". They explore "the transformative power of beauty, created out of whatever is on the bedroom floor" in this "truly compelling piece, exquisitely performed” (The Stage).

Finally it feels very fitting to be hosting acclaimed Australian artist Joseph O’Farrell (JOF) and Sam Halmarack who combine theatre with the fist-pumping euphoria and power ballads of a stadium gig, in WE ARE LIGHTNING! (15-18 May) "a darkly comical work that reflects on the importance of communal spaces where people can come together and express themselves".

For more info on the rest of their programming visit Mayfest's website here.

UK PREMIERE

You are invited to the final requiem for the last music joint left in town.

Acclaimed Australian artist Joseph O’Farrell (JOF) and Sam Halmarack combine theatre with the fist-pumping euphoria and power ballads of a stadium gig, in WE ARE LIGHTNING!, a darkly comical work that reflects on the importance of communal spaces where people can come together and express themselves.

Trinity is transformed into a music venue on the brink of closure. A teen band, a community choir and ageing rockers join JOF’s drums and Sam’s guitar to mark and protest its demise, leading audiences through a strange ceremony and heartfelt celebration of how music shapes the lives of the people who play it.

Join us for our last chance to come together and be saved by music.

“Whole Lotta Love for the spirit of live music.” The AGE

“Spirited and defiant.” Melbourne Arts

Wed 16 May, 4:00pm

Thu 17 May, 9:00pm

Fri 18 May, 9:00pm

Running time: 65 mins

Age guidance: All ages (6-106)

WE ARE LIGHTNING! is supported using public funding by Arts Council England through its Strategic Touring Fund.

Following its performance at Mayfest, WE ARE LIGHTNING! will tour to Strike a Light in Gloucester, Quarterhouse Folkestone and Derby Theatre.

Image by Pia Johnson

Velvet Petal explores the transformative power of beauty, created out of whatever is on the bedroom floor. The dancers experiment, seduce and philosophise through their bodies, clothing and ideas. This fresh new work from Scottish Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director Fleur Darkin is inspired by the life-cycle of the monarch butterfly and Robert Mapplethorpe’s polaroids. Set to a fresh dance-punk score arranged by Torben Lars Sylvest, including music by LCD Soundsystem, Spoek Mathambo and Four Tet.

Scottish Dance Theatre is Scotland’s principal contemporary dance company and is fast becoming one of the foremost contemporary dance companies in Europe. SDT is a research engine for dance, and commission the most exciting choreographers to make original and exclusive works that they bring to Scotland and the world.

★★★★★ “Lively, playful and gutsy and guaranteed to put a spring in your step” Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

★★★★ “A truly compelling piece, exquisitely performed” The Stage

★★★★ “Darkin’s choreography is fresh and clever” The Wee Review

★★★★ "An erotic and electrifying dance-drama" Edinburgh Guide

Wed 16 May, 7:00pm*

Thu 17 May, 7:00pm

Fri 18 May, 7:00pm

Running time: 65 mins

Age guidance: 14+

*Following the performance of Velvet Petal on Wednesday 16 May, Bristol-based band Mesadorm will bring their leftfield melodies and warm vocal harmonies to the Trinity Centre. This five-piece is the new collaborative project of Blythe Pepino, formerly of London Art Pop trio, Vaults. Mesadorm walk the line between pop and experimentation, drawing from a palette of electronica, dance and visual art.

Image by Brian Hartley

“Who the Fuck are you?”

“I’m the Walrus of Loneliness. Let me in.”

A few years ago in the middle of a shitstorm of life events, single mother, artist and proud Londoner Annie Siddons found herself living in suburbia by accident. This show is a hilarious, brutal and poignant attempt to describe what happened next.

On Monday 14th there will be a free post show Q and A with Annie and members of the company chaired by Amy Perrin from the Marmalade Trust, a Bristol based charity that aims to tackle loneliness "one spoon at a time”. https://marmaladetrust.org/.

Performed by Annie Siddons and Sarah Moore.

With films by Richard DeDomenici.

Directed by Justin Audibert and Nicki Hobday.

Annie Siddons is a Londoner, writer, performer and musician.
Her work is funny, brutal, honest and poignant, embracing the mythic and the mundane, and always has narrative and music at its root and heart.

★★★★★ “Subtle, sincere, riotously funny and endearingly raw.” – Broadway Baby

★★★★ “Siddons’ distress is our pleasure… witty and profound.” – Evening Standard

★★★★ “Heartbreaking Autobiographical performance.” – FestMag

“Highly Recommended!” – Alan Davies on my Radar, Observer

Lyn Gardner’s Picks of the Week, Guardian.

Annie has appeared on Radio 4’s Midweek with Libby Purves and on TV on Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled.

Mon 14 May, 7:00pm

Tue 15 May, 7:00pm

Running time: 60 mins  // Age guidance: Strictly 18+

HNTLIS premiered in Edinburgh 2016 and completed two sold-out runs at the Soho Theatre in 2017 and a cross disciplinary symposium on Loneliness at UCLAN. It tours throughout 2018 and 2019 and is currently being developed for TV.

Image: Claire Nolan

“Who the Fuck are you?”

“I’m the Walrus of Loneliness. Let me in.”

A few years ago in the middle of a shitstorm of life events, single mother, artist and proud Londoner Annie Siddons found herself living in suburbia by accident. This show is a hilarious, brutal and poignant attempt to describe what happened next.

On Monday 14th there will be a free post show Q and A with Annie and members of the company chaired by Amy Perrin from the Marmalade Trust, a Bristol based charity that aims to tackle loneliness "one spoon at a time”. https://marmaladetrust.org/.

Performed by Annie Siddons and Sarah Moore.

With films by Richard DeDomenici.

Directed by Justin Audibert and Nicki Hobday.

Annie Siddons is a Londoner, writer, performer and musician.
Her work is funny, brutal, honest and poignant, embracing the mythic and the mundane, and always has narrative and music at its root and heart.

★★★★★ “Subtle, sincere, riotously funny and endearingly raw.” – Broadway Baby

★★★★ “Siddons’ distress is our pleasure… witty and profound.” – Evening Standard

★★★★ “Heartbreaking Autobiographical performance.” – FestMag

“Highly Recommended!” – Alan Davies on my Radar, Observer

Lyn Gardner’s Picks of the Week, Guardian.

Annie has appeared on Radio 4’s Midweek with Libby Purves and on TV on Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled.

Mon 14 May, 7:00pm

Tue 15 May, 7:00pm

Running time: 60 mins  // Age guidance: Strictly 18+

HNTLIS premiered in Edinburgh 2016 and completed two sold-out runs at the Soho Theatre in 2017 and a cross disciplinary symposium on Loneliness at UCLAN. It tours throughout 2018 and 2019 and is currently being developed for TV.

Image: Claire Nolan

This season of in house Theatre and Dance programme - IGNiTE we are talking about and celebrating change- changes in people's rights and changes in people's opinions and identities.

Our IGNiTE programming decisions are made in collaboration with our Programming Forum, who share their thoughts on potential shows. For this season, it was clear from the start that we had a great selection of strong female led companies interested in bringing their work to Trinity. All three shows are well crafted performances that tackle intimate themes, telling personal stories that have a universal reach. Having just celebrated International Women's day we are really quite proud to have Man on the Moon, by Keisha Thompson (March 23) , Ladylike by Ella Mesma (March 24) and The Headwrap diaries by Uchenna Dance (April 13) on the horizon.

Ella Mesma Company's show Ladylike challenges the representation of women, particualy the notion of what it is like to be 'ladylike'. We asked Ella ahead of her March 24 show at Trinity, to tell us a little more about her show and why she created it:

What drove you to make Ladylike?

We all need real life superheros who reflect and inspire us. Seeing someone who you can fit the shoes of just speaks in a different way. I had a dream to make Ladylike, a piece that reflected real women, latin women, black women, mixed women, break-women, superhero women. In the media: the women I was seeing were beautiful, but they were not heroes, they were ‘sidechicks’ without much script, and they weren’t doing the saving but being rescued… I wanted to make a piece where the women were dealing with the real life day to day… but fighting back like warriors!

Who is Ladylike for?

I think Ladylike is for everyone: all women! real women, latin women, black women, mixed women, break-women, superhero women… but also for men too… Last night I dreamt that one of the roles was played by a male friend of mine… and he smashed it! I think the story could equally be applied to men: It is about smashing the patriarchy (which all men should be on board with!)

What are the benefits of making a dance theatre piece?

I think dance theatre is about healing, speaking up, having a voice,… and so I think it is also a cleansing experience… a ritual, both for the performers and those watching

Catch Ladylike by Ella Mesma Company March 23. 7.30pm at The Trinity Centre. For tickets and more, head to IGNiTE's what's on.

Help us secure Trinity's past, present and future

Keisha Thompson's Afrofuturistic Man on the Moon

Trinity’s new season of Theatre and Dance is all about celebrating change and features a strong cast of female led  performances - launching with Keisha Thompson’s Afro futuristic journey of displacement and family relationships, Man on the Moon (March 23) and Ella Mesma’s emotionally charged fusion of hip hop and latin dance, Ladylike (24 March).

Thompson’s Man on the Moon is a bruk down journey, through space and time, fuelled by love and fear. Using poetry, looped sounds and story-telling, Keisha’s intimate performance explores the Black British experience of mental health and how that can impact the family dynamic. While Ella’s Ladylike fuses Afro Cuban, Breaking, Rocking and Contemporary dance theatre to fight & undress preconceptions of what it is to be ‘Ladylike’.

Uchenna Dance’s The Head Wrap Dairies (13 April) is “ an amazing piece that I know that a lot of people have been dying to see” says Natasha Benjamin who runs the award winning weekly urban dance group Hype at Trinity.

“I think Head Wrap Diaries really embraces the struggle that the Afro Caribbean community is going through at the moment, especially young girls and women, for many years of growing up not knowing when or where the natural form of their hair will be accepted, so I think seeing this piece will be an eye opener to those that may not be aware or may not understand the struggle of this issue.”

Natasha, sits on Trinity’s programming forum – who share their thoughts on possible shows for our in-house programme. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, so asking communities to help us shape our programme means the work we bring here is relevant to our audiences.

IGNiTE Launches with Man on the Moon, March 23. 7.30pm at The Trinity Centre. For tickets and more, head to IGNiTE's what's on.

About IGNiTE

Trinity's in house programme of world-class, innovative theatre and dance about issues that matter to people now, starting conversations and sparking debate. IGNiTE is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

Come to Social Muscle Club: Queer Bristol – a celebration of togetherness with performance, music, heartfelt exchanges and dancing. Bristol-Berlin Queer Arts Exchange and Pride Without Borders invite you to meet new friends and take part in a simple game of giving and receiving surprising gifts – a favourite book, freshly baked bread, a song, a story, some advice, a portrait, a dance move, a stage dive ... See you there!

Photo Credit: Julian Hemelberg

The first half of the show explores the idea that although we often strive for the same things, we each must find our own way. The dancers have been invited to think about their own journeys, their future opportunities and the decisions they may make.

This year RISE is 10 years old and the second half of the show celebrates the achievements of the company and the young people that have been part of its journey. We have revived some of our favourite pieces from the last 10 years, and invited previous company members on their own journeys, some working as professional dancers or training professionally, to join with the 2018 company.

Please note there are mulitple performances: Click the links below to book a specific time and date.

7.00pm, Friday 27th April: Book Tickets

2.00pm, Saturday 28th April: Book Tickets

7.00pm, Saturday 28th April: Book Tickets

2.00pm, Sunday 29th April: Book Tickets

Times and details to be updated.

NB The website currently shows details from the festival in 2017: www.bsf.co.uk

Lullabies workshop at Easton Community Centre. Photo @ Alexa Ledecky

Roxana is a multi-award winning Iranian/British multi-disciplinary artist working with music, storytelling, film and live performance in a participatory context for over 20 years. Core to Roxana’s work is a desire to connect with the human stories that unite us, using a multi art approach to tackle issues of racism, discrimination and belonging.

In 2018 Roxana joined the Trinity team developing her project, Lullabies, during her IGNiTE residency. Lullabies, was inspired by Roxana signing traditional Iranian lullabies to her children at night. Here she began to imagine how many others might be singing songs in different languages to their children and the stories behind them.

During her pilot project Roxana worked with local communities and schools to collect lullabies from families. She recorded interviews and songs from communities across Bristol, including Somali, Kurdish, Irish, Israeli, Iranian, Hungarian, German and Afro-Cuban songs.

In 2020 the project was selected to be part of Here and Now, a national project celebrating of 25 years of National Lottery Funding and showcasing everyday culture.

With the support of Trinity Roxana is continuing to develop Lullabies and in 2021 and will deliver online Zoom workshops. There is an open call for the public to submit their Lullabies and there are a series of adaptive podcasts with BBC R+D.

The program will also feature a very special performance from a community cast of people aged 16 – 60, who will work with TrashDollys leading up to the event to create a short piece to be performed on the night. If you are aged 16 or over with an interest in movement and performing you can take part. No experience in dance or performance is necessary and it's free to participate! To find out more read our news article here and register your interest by emailing participation@trashdollys.com.

The performance is FREE to attend but please register here to guarantee your seat.

Please show your support by spreading the word, we look forward to seeing you there!

5 Days Of Falling has been made possible by the Bristol Creative Seed Fund. For more information on TrashDollys, go to www.TrashDollys.com.