Transit Productions are bringing their show Places I Never Think About to the Omnibus Theatre next month as part of the 96 Festival.
“Places I Never Think About is a queer retelling of myths and folklore from Eastern Europe using polyphonic singing, live music, storytelling & puppetry.
Three characters from Eastern European folklore come to life, sharing their stories that draw inspiration from the creatives’ experiences of migration.”
Where: Omnibus Theatre, Clapham
When: 30 Jun-2 Jul
Ticket link: https://www.omnibus-clapham.org/places-i-never-think-about/
I caught up with the team to find out more.
Your remit as a company is to bring about change by representing often overlooked communities. How did this come about?
We’re keen to use our platform to challenge cultural stereotypes.
The company started as a collaboration between Hungarian artist Rebeka Dio and Zimbabwean artist Tatenda Matsvai out of frustration at the lack of authentic representation reflecting unique intersections of identities within our communities.
Since then we’ve worked with artists from a diverse range of identities and backgrounds. Our current main area of interest is to showcase experiences of LGBTQIA+ immigrants who often have to compromise parts of their identities in order to fit in.
Places I Never Think About retells Eastern European folk stories from a queer perspective, with music, puppets and more. What should audiences expect?
A joyful cultural immersion into three folk stories from Hungary, Croatia and Romania.
We take you on a journey of three heroes through a silly amount of multi-roling and live music with instruments ranging from a violin and accordion, to the Hungarian citera.
Expect queer love, campness and horses.
Transit have been a regular feature at Fringe theatres and festivals. What have you been most proud of so far in your careers?
With every new project we find new things to be proud of, and this time we’ve been lucky enough to get Arts Council Funding which enabled us to connect with organisations such as The Outside Project, Mosaic Trust & Cardboard Citizens.
It’s such a joy being able to meet incredible people through songs & stories. We’ve been very inspired, and it’s a constant reminder of the power of theatre and community in society.
What attracted you to stage this show at the Omnibus?
Places I Never Think About started three years ago and our first scratch performance was shown at Omnibus – we’re very excited to come back!
Marie McCarthy is an incredible artistic director who puts together thoughtful and exciting programming, which we can’t wait to be part of.
We’re thrilled to be performing as part of the 10th anniversary of 96 Festival.
You’re involving the audience by inviting them into a communal Dance House at the end of the show. Is this kind of interaction a crucial part of your practice?
The Dance House has been part of every one of our shows since the beginning. It’s so powerful being able to bring everyone together in this joyful celebration.
In that circular formation, everyone is seen, everyone is equal, and the divide between audience and actors is dismantled.