Ladyfest Rocks

Article published: Wednesday, October 1st 2008

This summer sees another rash of Ladyfests, the now veteran DIY feminist arts festivals that have sprung up all around the world, spreading to the global South and Eastern Europe.

With origins in the riot grrrl and punk movements of the USA, the line-up for Ladyfest London (9-11th May), is mainly on the punk/indie side, featuring ex-Moldy Peaches Kimya Dawson as the main draw.

There is far more to Ladyfest than just girls with guitars, as successive events have worked hard to broaden the concept to encompass different styles of live music, clubbing, spoken word, comedy, film and visual art to name a few.

Skill-share and discussion workshops such as Cool Mums Coffee Morning & Discussion, and
Confronting White Privilege give the festivals a political edge, and constantly re-evaluate its worth and direction. DIY in that it is organised by volunteers on a not-for-profi t basis, typically non-hierarchically, and feminist because it celebrates female achievements in the arts. Beyond that, Ladyfest is not tied to any particular formula. And in case anyone was wondering, men are more than welcome at most events!

More: Manchester

Comments

No comments found

The comments are closed.

Culture

Halloween creatures invade Manchester early: chance to win two tickets to the Illuminaughty Halloween party!

A heavy mist suddenly falls on a darkened Manchester hiding from sight unspeakably hideous creatures. Drums can be heard in the distance lulling you into a hypnotic trance, the work of witches and daemons no doubt. Or perhaps Voodoo ring masters, descending onto the city streets armed with psychedelic beats banged out by their armies of musical Goblins possessed with the desire for mischief and fun. It must be that time of year again; it can only be the Illuminaughty Halloween party.

Science Slam: a synergy of science and poetry transcends expectations

Poetry and science are two things generally not associated with each other, in fact if you joined the two in a word association test you would be one step closer to a chemical cosh and your very own padded cell. However the audience attending the Science Slam at the packed out Nexus Art Cafe Thursday night will never again doubt the validity of the two pursuits being combined; though I can’t rule out they may end up bouncing of the walls of a padded cell at some time in the future.

Review: Greater Manchester Fringe Festival – A Dream Play

We were outside Nexus Art Café in the Northern Quarter, queuing, when a car raced up, the driver shoved a woman to the pavement and the performance began. This was the introduction to the character Aggie in A Dream Play by the Déjà Vu Ensemble, daughter of the gods, who has come to our world to learn what it means to be human.