#shaidis arts

[shaidis]

Pictures for prompts of Pathologic Fest 2022.

[pendleton-manor]

Soggy boys. Short smoke break before Morgan has to head back to the slaughter house.

Commonor AU twin design by @shaidi

Close ups:

[nimaabbasi]

❝ Sometimes people can hunger for more than bread. ❞

Age: 25

Gender identification: Cis female, she/her

Residential area: Gastown

Occupation: Podcast creator & host of Tell Me a Story & Who Are You? / Amateur indie filmmaker

Two positive traits: Resilient & creative

Two negative traits: Reticent & stubborn

Length of time in Vancouver: 22 years

Faceclaim: Yara Shaidi

introduction:

infidelity tw, child abandonment tw, drug addiction tw

A free-spirited woman, Nima’s mother was in Chicago having an affair with a prominent man when she was conceived. The woman had herself fooled, thinking he was in love and would leave his family to be with her and this baby she found out she was going to be having. 

When she told him of the amazing news of what would surely only bring them closer, he got upset and threatened her. His social standing couldn’t be jeopardized and he would never leave his family. Not for a woman like her. Nima’s mother had supposed to have only been a means to blow off steam, nothing more. 

Frightened by the threats, she ran back home to Vancouver and eventually gave birth to Nima in the backseat of her beat up car.

It was a vehicle that would be her home many times in her youth. Sometimes it was stairwells, but occasionally they got lucky and lived in a rundown apartment. That was when Nima’s mother had it together and her addictions were mildly under control. 

When Nima was 15 her mother just kind of left town and disappeared, never to be heard from again. For a while she lived in shelters or with people that would take pity on her as long as she could pay for a room. At that time she worked whatever odd jobs she could get and usually at the soup kitchen. 

The struggle and her hard work paid off, Nima went to the university and earned herself a broadcasting degree thinking she wanted to go into radio. Shortly following her graduation she opted for film school instead.

As a big fan of film and film noir, she has the dream to bring real art back into film. To make movies how they used to be made, with strong stories and acting performances. 

During film school, Nima took a chance and created a podcast called Tell Me a Story which is based on having a guest each episode come in and tell a significant story from their life. Something that’s always stuck with them. 

Following the success of that, her producer asked her if she had any other ideas and Nima went on to create another podcast. This one a little closer to her heart. Called Who Are You? it’s about a quest for people to find family, to get in touch with the lost ones in their lives and receive answers.

Back during her first year at university, Nima had begun thinking about looking for her dad. She’d been wanting to know who he was and if she looked like him, sounded like him, or had any of his traits. And, if possible, Nima wanted to track down her mother.

She’s finally at the place of doing her own search and investigation into her own roots, but first that calls for Nima finding her mother.

As of now Nima has a successful podcast company where she not only produces her own two shows but she also develops and produces shows for other talent.

potential connections:

roommates — nima makes decent money but vancouver isn’t the cheapest city to live in. plus, with her work she needs to cut costs where she can. currently i have her living in gastown but that is adjustable based on plotting and such. age and gender does not matter for this connection!

production crew — it would be AMAZING to have the producer for her podcasts in play! just a fun venture to toy around with and tell some great stories!

podcast co-host/s — nima has two shows and could use a co-host for either or both of them. they’re popular shows so it could help with someone’s career or be a side gig.

the ex — truthfully, nima hasn’t dated much or even attempted relationships other than this one. she has abandonment issues and doesn’t trust easily. which was ultimately the downfall in this relationship. it was roughly about two years and full of ups and downs as they just couldn’t get things to work despite how strongly they may have felt for each other. gender does not matter for this connection!

MORE TO COME!!!

[mdyaoi]

Thank you @leavenopathuntaken n for the critique of my first full painting in Procreate. Inspired by Pluschow’s Napoli - Vincenzo Galdi photo, a sweet and gentle Staci among some daisies.

Also thank you @fireleech for RPing such an adorable Staci with me.

Staci art senpais that made me fall in love with him: @loun3e, @shaidis, @syongallagher

Nsfw original:

https://twitter.com/mdyaoi/status/1156284339249983490?s=21

(copy and paste url above into address bar because tumblr hides posts with active links in tag searches)

[londontheatre]

Abraham Popoola Othello, Ghazwan Alsafadi Montano and Christopher Bianchi Duke of Venice Gratiano Othello – Photo credit The Other Richard

Bismillah, ‘In the name of Allah’ are the Muslim Othello’s opening words, a Muslim who roams around with a Crucifix around his neck leading an army in Cyprus to fight… Muslims. He pretends to be a Christian to fit in and advance himself through the ranks of the army. And that sets the religious tension, but that is only one of the layers of tension in this play. I wonder how we hide our identities to adapt and fit in, something which probably all do in today’s society.

Occasionally you’ll see the sparkly gold prayer beads (tasbih) often used by Muslims, and that is probably the only sparkly tangible item in this play.

Richard Twyman, (the director) has been bold and brave in casting a number of young actors for roles requiring such expert acting skills. He has chosen very well. Each cast member bringing something special to the table. This perfect concoction of talent and skill is to be admired!

Othello is physically strong, with a very powerful voice. In fact, at one point he demands ‘the handkerchief’. His voice echoes fierce fully around the auditorium. His physical strength is essential for the times when he carries his beloved wife Desdemona in his arms. There was charisma between the two and maybe a tad too much passionate kissing. At times I felt that if I stretched my arm out, I probably could touch the love in the air. Abraham Popoola who played Othello only graduated from RADA in 2016 and the young Norah Lopez Holden who played Desdemona were exceptional in their delivery of roles. Just amazing!

Iago’s performance (played by Mark Lockyer) was exceptional and oozed experience. He shifted between being calculative and manipulative by implanting seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind about Desdemona’s faithfulness, to acting the obedient officer. Iago was the key character who leads the story and he did this expertly. He does not value his wife Emilia (Katy Stephens). She is beautiful in every aspect, her voice, her demeanour and dress. This elegance exaggerates the simplicity and innocence of Desdemona, who passionately argues her innocence with Othello.

Desdemona, as expected, is murdered by Othello. This aggressive terrifying murder scene is intense and goes on a bit, which is suitably fitting for this Shakespeare production. Emilia settles down, next to the dead Desdemona to die. Emilia’s passion for acting seems to seep out of every cell in her body. Her acting is one of the best that I have ever seen and I am truly blown away by it.

There is some music, very different to what I expected, nevertheless, I did enjoy it. There is also an unexpected scene that is shocking, that came out of nowhere, quite in your face and it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. So a few may see it as distasteful while others may call it art. I fail to see why such crudeness was really necessary.

Considering I am not a major Shakespeare fanatic, I can put my hand on my heart and say that I thoroughly enjoyed this play, especially the different layers of tension and the analysis of it all. A brilliant production that is supported by an exceptionally talented cast. The acting was at a different level. I certainly will be looking forward to watching more productions from Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory.

Review by Shaidi Ramsurrun

One of Shakespeare’s most timeless plays is made ever more relevant with this contemporary re-setting, a Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory co-production directed by Richard Twyman, Artistic Director for English Touring Theatre. RADA graduate, Abraham Popoola, takes the title role as a Muslim general, facing difficult decisions and watching his life unravel when employed by a western colonial power to lead their army against a Turkish invasion.

This masterful depiction of a life torn apart by racism and the destructive nature of prejudice features a cast whose stage credits include performances in ‘Hamlet’ at the Globe, ‘The Alchemist’ and ‘Othello’ for the RSC and ‘The Last Days of Judas Iscariot at the Almeida.

Explore the themes further with free day festival The Othello Project on Saturday 20th May.

Cast Ghazwan Alsafadi Montano Christopher Bianchi Duke/Gratiano Alan Coveney Brabantio Piers Hampton Cassio Hayat Kamille Bianca Mark Lockyer Iago Brian Lonsdale Roderigo Norah Lopez Holden Desdemona Abraham Popoola Othello John Sandeman Lodovico Katy Stephens Emilia with Joel Macey, Zachary Powell and Kenton Thomas

Production Richard Twyman Director Georgia Lowe Designer Giles Thomas Composer and Sound Designer Matthew Graham Lighting Designer Floriana Dezou Assistant Director Abdul-Rehman Malik Creative Adviser

Produced by Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory, Tobacco Factory Theatres and English Touring Theatre https://wiltons.org.uk/

http://ift.tt/2qzv3HA LondonTheatre1.com

[shaidis]

Pictures for prompts of Pathologic Fest 2023.

[shaidis]

Pictures for prompts of Pathologic Fest 2024.

[londontheatre]

Miss Meena (Raj Ghatak), Shaan (Nicholas Prasad), Preetho (Harvey Dhadda), Pinky (Vedi Roy) – Images by David Fisher – Miss Meena & the Masala Queens

Well hello, Miss Meena in his red Indian scarf with a gold glitzy border and his distinct Birmingham accent. Miss Meena is a drag queen who has lost his sparkle. His night club was a safe space where drag queens used to be able to hang out, dress freely and more importantly were free to be themselves. The night club is at risk of being taken over and turned it into something not so nice and where business will be carried out in a ruthless manner.

Miss Meena has always been truthful to himself, but now faces a number of challenges including protecting the family honour. Will these testing times allow him to continue to be authentic to himself?

Rifco Productions “felt the time was right to be more provocative in our subject matter and to talk about issues that are still very difficult in the South Asian Community“. The production tackles serious issues, however, part of the message is distorted by the light-heartedness of the production.

Having said that, introducing such a taboo subject whilst encouraging and enticing new audiences to the world of theatre, being light-hearted is probably a good approach. It starts with Preetho and Pinky whose first audition for a drag queen dance performance is very clumsy and clunky. A simple transformation out of their builder’s high visibility uniform into a Punjabi Salwar Kameez and a very high bun, with a sparkling pearls hairpiece entwined in it, is enough for them to be fully equipped to carry out their Bollywood groovy clumsy moves.

The sprinkling of Bollywood dancing and music continues and there is a wide range of music. Punjabi Bhangra music as you imagined popped its head up occasionally but in the main, the production is filled with numerous Bollywood Blockbuster title songs from different eras. Dola re Dola from Devdas (2002), Hawa Hawai from Miss India (1987) and Chalte Chalte from Pakezah (1972). To further add to the diversity pot there is a dusting of English songs including, I Am What I Am being one of them and as you’d expect there was a fusion of different cultured dance steps to go with it. The song itself makes the point.

With all this dancing and the various pressures does Miss Meena give up and is he able to keep the club from the vultures who desire to turn it into a business venture?

All in all, this is a great production that tackles a serious taboo subject that is not openly discussed. It is delivered in a fun and light-hearted way and there are snippets of comedy too.

Review by Shaidi Ramsurrun

From the producers of Laila – The Musical, The Deranged Marriage & Happy Birthday Sunita. Dazzling saris, grand Bollywood lip-sync dance numbers and queues of adoring fans – for Miss Meena this is all now a distant memory. The once famous and fabulous drag queen has lost his sparkle and like his nightclub is washed up and out of date.

The punters have gone and whilst the other drag queens are strutting their high-heels elsewhere, property developers are circling like vultures waiting for Miss Meena to give up the lease to the club. With the club on its knees, a new arrival brings a glittery rainbow of hope. But just as things are starting to look up for Miss Meena, a visitor from the past makes him question everything he ever stood for.

Rifco and Watford Palace Theatre in association with Warwick Arts Centre present Miss Meena and the Masala Queens WRITTEN BY Harvey Virdi DIRECTOR Pravesh Kumar DESIGNER Libby Watson LIGHTING DESIGNER Mark Dymock COMPOSER AND SOUND DESIGNER Niraj Chag MOVEMENT DIRECTOR AND DRAG STYLIST Andy Kumar

Cast Kabir /Ranjeet – Ali Ariaie Preetho – Harvey Dhadda Miss Meena – Raj Ghatak Shaan – Nicholas Prasad Pinky – Vedi Roy Munni – Jamie Zubairi

http://ift.tt/2o6i3ry

http://ift.tt/2pAOFId LondonTheatre1.com

[londontheatre]

Are you ready says Adam Black, and the kiddies all shout out ‘yes’ and so the play begins. Much Ado About Nothing… hold on, it is Puffin, not Nothing – Much Ado About Puffin! Is this a different story to the one I know?

Well, this is a story about a lonely man on a stormy small island who collects weather data, who eventually makes friends with a bird, actually to be more specific, a puffin. There are very few words spoken in this production, in fact, I do not recall any words. Instead, there are puppets, music and symbols.

The puppets and figurines are of different sizes and the different sizes represent distance. The ideology of scaling is cleverly used in the set too.

The cast consists of only two people who were very simply dressed. Adam Blake played the lonely man who battles through the winds and storms in his bobble hat, yellow trousers and brown coat. He does a lot of aaahhhhhh, ummmmm and makes various appropriate noises that capture the audience’s attention. Debbie Hard in her striped top represented the puffin by puppeteering. Both performers embraced their roles and played their parts very well. The audience was captivated.

The set is equally simplistic and after the show there was the opportunity for the children to take pictures, ask questions and explore the set. There were lots of inquisitive questions, some about what the sturdy looking islands were made of, how the puppets were manipulated, how the smoke came from the chimney of the miniature house and so went the questions.

The space was used very well, there was a suspended window, two islands and a few boards. But that was enough for the story-telling and when the play was being acted out, you didn’t notice the whole set, you ended up focusing on just a bit of the set.

As this story is told with the absence of words, the music is crucial and Sarah Moody has composed it very well, she got it absolutely spot on. I sat there with my five year old who cooed, swayed and hummed at the right moments, and then is stunned to see how Adam quickly grabs his coat up from the floor and it is instantaneously shaped to resemble a person. ‘Look Mama, he is dancing with his coat’, my little boy shouts out and then giggles away along with some other toddlers.

He may not have understood the symbolism of when the little dolls house opened that we were being transported inside the house, or the sign that represented days and nights, but he enjoyed the play and understood the main story. A lonely man on island who makes friends with a puffin.

Review by Shaidi Ramsurrun

Much Ado About Puffin On a small island, In the middle of the big sea, A man meets a bird…

Join Open Attic as they traverse stormy seas and reckless tides to bring you this funny tale about a man all alone, a friendly puffin, and a whole lot of fuss over nothing.

Using skilful puppetry, beautiful music, and good old-fashioned storytelling, Much Ado About Puffin is about old habits, new friendships, and stepping out into the unknown!

Much Ado About Puffin Trailer from Adam DJ Laity on Vimeo.

Much Ado About Puffin is Open Attic’s first family show, it is recommended for children ages 4+ and their families. It is currently available for booking for rural and theatre venues for 2016/2017.

Battersea Arts Centre – 16-17 Feb 2017 Lyric Hammersmith – 25 Feb 2017 Greenwich Theatre – 29 May 2017 Little Angel Theatre – 11-13 Aug 2017 http://ift.tt/2ms1cwx

http://ift.tt/2kZMpME LondonTheatre1.com

[shaidis]

Ready to kick some asses (งಠ_ಠ)ง 

[dbhreed-rk900]

Gavin reed's A+ flirting 👌

I almost feel sorry for Nines… this gremlin :D

[shaidis]

We could have been beautiful.

[shaidis]

No time left.

[shaidis]

"Go ahead and kiss me, darling. I turned off the light, so don't be shy".

He's waiting... :D

[shaidis]

[shaidis]

Eddie vs Eddie!