Creative Inspiration – November 2023
Friends! This is part of a new monthly series where people in the IndieSpace family share something that has been inspiring, nourishing, and/or creatively fulfilling.
We started this series because it is helpful to share the things in life that sustain and spark our joy.
Sharing these types of moments is especially important as we process the upsetting and tragic events happening in the world. We hope you’re finding moments of calm and creative inspiration when you can.
We are just wrapping up a few days at the Grantmakers in the Arts conference in Puerto Rico and I’ve been pretty inspired by many of the conversations we’ve been having here. And the invitations and performances and provocations from the artists we’ve met and the places we’ve seen.
I was blown away by a gorgeous performance from Caridad De La Luz “La Bruja” and Tanicha Lopez.
And I was so excited and inspired by our visit to Y No Habia Luz, a beautiful indie theater and cultural center full of life and creativity and imagination. And, of course, has been a creative home to Joel, our wonderful team member. My heart feels really full that we got to spend time in one of his places, one of the spaces that enriched his life as an artist. - this is their Instagram.
AND ALSO - check out their store! They make incredible items that sustain their work.
- Randi Berry
I moved to London this spring, and I’ve been learning more about the indie theater scene here. I’ve been to two shows at the Bush Theatre, and they’ve both been fantastic. Red Pitch is a wonderful show centered on three teenagers in South London who meet at their neighborhood football (soccer) pitch after school. While practicing, they process family stress, the gentrification in their neighborhood, and their future.
My primary share is a show I saw last month: Elephant, written and performed by Anoushka Lucas. The show is in the round and is anchored by a piano on a turntable. Lucas performs as Lylah, and the play follows Lylah’s relationship with her own race, class, and history through her connection with her piano. The play opens with Lylah explaining the history of the piano and then cuts between moments at three different points in Lylah’s life.
I went to Elephant knowing very little about it. It was one of those nights when you end up being completely blown away by a show and performance. I saw it a month ago, and there is a line in the show that I’ve thought about every single day since.
Since most of you reading this are in New York, sharing a fantastic show in London (that has closed) is not especially helpful. Instead, I implore you to listen to Anoushka Lucas’ music. This is her artist page on Spotify.
- Justin Clark (Social Change Consulting, Communications)