Every week we curate a list of the hottest upcoming events across London’s arts and culture scene, offering you a selection of not-to-be-missed experiences taking place in the next days. This is part of our mission of keeping you at the cultural forefront by uncovering events that are alternative, thought-provoking and foster conversation. Here are our top picks this week.
THEATRE
Marylebone I 5 September to 21 September
Inspired by the final statements of women prosecuted for political offenses in Russian courts, The Last Word is a powerful multimedia performance conceived and performed by Alisa Khazanova (The Woman In Black), and directed by Maxim Didenko (The White Factory).
The performance brings together the last words of defendants such as Maria Alyokhinaand Nadezhda Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot, Alla Gutnikova, Sasha Skochilenko, Zarifa Sautieva and others to shine a light on their courage and to paint a timely and devastating picture of Russia’s current regime.
More information and tickets here.
Production images: Sasha Gusov
DANCE
Notting Hill Gate I 10 September to 14 September
Korea’s leading dance company blends hip-hop, ballet, and acrobatics in a playful, pulsating performance, bringing the energy of new Korea to one of London’s most atmospheric theatres. Known for collaborations with Coldplay and the V&A’s Korean Wave exhibition, the two-part show begins with an immersive journey through The Coronet Theatre’s candlelit hallways, exploring backstage areas, dressing rooms, and the rooftop cupola, before culminating in a high-energy full-length piece on the main stage.
More information and tickets here.
FILM
Temple I 13 September
An exploration of fetishistic desire in collaboration with the Bishopsgate Institute’s UK Fetish Archive.
The programme delves into the personal collections of the nation’s perverts to share a fetishistic vision of latex and rubber. Featuring scenes from magazine-order pornographic VHS tapes of the 90s and 00s, the programme offers a brief taste of the delicacies tucked away in the UK Fetish Archive and open a time capsule of latex fetishism and its representations.
More information and tickets here.
Rubber Country, dir. Peter W. Czemich, Germany 1997
FILM & ART FEST
East London I 14 to 22 September
Since 2011, Fringe! Queer Film & Arts Fest has been a volunteer-run organisation rooted in London's queer creative scene. This year programme brings a diverse range of films, workshops, and arts events celebrating LGBTIQA+ stories from around the world.
More information and tickets here.
Underground Orange dir. Michael Taylor Jackson
MUSIC
Camberwell I 15 22 September
Jazz Cafe is hosting their first festival away from its Camden home. Featuring four stages, the event showcases a blend of established and emerging talent across Hip Hop, Soul, Jazz, Latin, and electronic music. With artists from the UK, US, Cuba, and beyond, the celebration will culminate in a special performance by composer Nils Frahm.
More information and tickets here.
Nils Frahm
FILM
Bloomsbury I 15 September
Chinese director Wang Bing filmed the lives of young textile workers in Zhili, a town 95 miles from Shanghai, over the course of five years. Wang captures their personal stories, highlighting their dramas, joys, and the relentless monotony of their work. The film also explores their evolving friendships and romances, as well as their struggles with wage negotiations and decisions about whether to stay or return home.
More information and tickets here.
NIGHT
Dalston I 20 September
Klub Verboten is celebrating its 8th anniversary taking over EartH with play areas, performances, adult conversations and sets from Verboten's 8 most favourite DJs. Since its launch in 2016, Klub Verboten has been dedicated to creating contemporary spaces for BDSM and fetish practices, focusing on the spatial, sonic, and visual aspects of future kink culture.
Everything you need to know before going to the event and tickets here.
DANCE
Paddington I 21 September
Dance.Film.Performance is dedicated to reimagining contemporary arts. This evening will explore the intersections of dance, new media, and fashion by showcasing artists from new media, visual, and digital arts. This exploration of contemporary art forms is presented in collaboration with Darren Johnston (Array) and media partner MOVES Magazine.
More information and tickets here.
