Latest news with #Olivier-nominated
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Stirling arts venue unveils wide ranging new programme
The Macrobert line up features live performances, cinema, a dementia based festival and a Julia Donaldson favourite. Macrobert Arts Centre has unveiled an eclectic lineup of live performances and event cinema for its summer/winter 2025 season. The Stirling multi-arts venue will showcase a wide range of genres and disciplines as part of a varied and vibrant programme. Autumn 2025 will see Deepness' Dementia Arts Festival come to Macrobert in its third year, a week-long celebration of creativity from artists living with dementia. Combining powerful music, theatre, poetry, film and art, the festival showcases the resilience and creativity of the dementia community and pushes back against stigma and stereotypes. A beloved Julia Donaldson story is coming to the Macrobert stage this October. Olivier-nominated The Smeds and the Smoos comes from Tall Stories, the company which has also produced Donaldson's The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom. Spot's Birthday Party will be at Macrobert this July for the perfect summer holiday activity for families, with an engaging and interactive adaptation of Eric Hill's classic picture book, featuring songs and integrated Makaton. Also featured in the new programme are several thought-provoking pieces of theatre. Black is the Color of My Voice is a stunning one-woman show about the life of iconic musician Nina Simone, written by and starring Apphia Campbell. Piaf Revisited sees renowned Scottish songwriter Christine Bovill take audiences through the turbulent life of Edith Piaf, intertwining her story with Bovill's personal journey. Curated and presented by Macrobert, Central Scotland Documentary Festival (CSDF) is set to return for another bumper edition in 2025. The festival showcases the power of the non-fiction genre in shining a light on untold stories and changing the hearts and minds of audiences. In addition to screenings, CSDF25 will offer industry panels and masterclasses, providing invaluable opportunities to emerging talent. Ed Robson, Artistic Director and CEO of Macrobert Arts Centre said: 'We're looking forward to welcoming audiences to Macrobert for this eclectic and vibrant season of terrific new shows. 'With award-winning acclaimed productions such as Black is the Color of My Voice and firm favourites like Piaf Revisited, this season guarantees audiences great artists and great nights out right here in the Forth Valley. 'This autumn, Macrobert's proud to be the home for the Scottish Dementia Arts Festival 2025, which celebrates the creativity and vision of those living with dementia. 'This year's Central Scotland Documentary Festival builds on the success of previous years with the most expansive edition yet welcoming films and filmmakers from across the world. 'There's something for everyone at Macrobert this season and we can't wait to see you here.' To check out the full programme, visit:
The Independent
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Disabled actor let go by Globe theatre after alleging sex abuse settles
A disabled playwright and actor whose contract was not renewed by Shakespeare's Globe theatre after she alleged sexual abuse by another actor has said she feels 'relieved' to have reached a legal settlement with the playhouse. Olivier-nominated Athena Stevens sued the Globe for harassment and discrimination on grounds of her disability and sex, victimisation, and 'failure to make reasonable adjustments' after she worked for the famous playhouse as an Associate Artist for several years between 2018 and 2021. Ms Stevens' contract was not renewed in September of that year, six months after she reported that an actor had allegedly been sexually abusive towards her. The accused actor was subsequently hired by the playhouse and allegedly went on to send Ms Stevens voice notes threatening her, according to particulars of her claim. It is understood the Globe's position is that the accused actor was not cast in a production at the theatre and that neither Ms Stevens nor the other actor were employed by the theatre at the time of the alleged incident. In the same document, Ms Stevens – who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair after suffering a serious brain injury at birth – said she would also 'regularly encounter unfavourable and less favourable treatment because of her disability'. She claimed these included incidents when she was refused access to the stage by staff who did not believe she worked for the Globe, and other times when she was left to manage groups of performers alone even though she had told the theatre she did not feel comfortable doing so. It is understood the Globe's position is that the access issue was not raised at the time and that the issue around managing a group of performers had been resolved. She also claimed that in March 2021, she had told the Globe's managers about an incident in which the accused actor allegedly showed her images of his then partner without either women's consent. Ms Stevens, 40, who has waived her anonymity, said this incident constituted sexual abuse, as she was unable to physically remove herself from the situation because of her disability. A meeting took place with the Globe staff in June 2021 to formally record the allegations, with Ms Stevens being told she would only have to recount the incident once, her claims said. Around a week later, Ms Stevens said she was told the accused actor was cast for a production at the Globe. Ms Stevens was asked to discuss her allegations again, and she subsequently recorded a video in which she reiterated her allegations. She said she submitted the video to the Globe's chief executive Neil Constable, as well as board members. Ms Stevens claimed she also handed over voicemails she had received from the accused actor in which he allegedly threatened her. Two months later, Ms Stevens received a letter of dismissal which read: 'Given the recent breakdown in trust and relationship with the Globe, it feels wise to pause this working relationship until we have found a mutually agreeable resolution together.' Ms Stevens and the playhouse reached a confidential settlement on Wednesday. In a statement afterwards she said: 'I am relieved this fight is over and the Globe has agreed to commission a retrospective independent review to assess their safeguarding and accessibility procedures. 'I asked for this to be carried out in 2022 because I knew others could be harmed if swift action was not taken. 'If the Globe had listened to my concerns from the start, I would not have been forced to endure this ongoing battle that has caused significant damage to my health and wellbeing. 'I am incredibly thankful to my brilliant legal team Peter Daly and Rachel Barrett, who took up this case after many others turned it down.' She added: 'I hope this win acts as a stark reminder to all that disability and accessibility rights are in jeopardy and are a matter of law, not something an employer can pick and choose.' A spokesperson from the Shakespeare's Globe said on Wednesday: 'We are pleased to have reached a settlement on the employment dispute raised by Athena Stevens that supports everyone. 'The Globe deeply believes in the importance of creating equity for all, including those from the freelance and disabled communities, and seeks ongoing, continuous improvement of conditions that support an inclusive workplace. 'We remain committed to a healthy and inclusive environment for everyone at Shakespeare's Globe including staff, freelancers, and our audiences.'
