The Venus Papers is a theatrical poetry show of arrivals, departures and journeys, written and performed by Lydia Towsey, with onstage music and vocals by Dave Dhonau and Ola Szmidt. Plus performances by guest singer-songwriter Julie Felix and poets Helen Ivory and Dzifa Benson.
Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty has washed up on British shores in time to witness the frenzy and aftermath of the 2017 snap election. Through the filters of an immigration officer, the media and the general public, she experiences what it is to be a 21st century woman at a time of upheaval and change.
The show presents multiple tales of women – every-woman, immigrant, refugee, outsider - and is also about how we look - at ourselves, at each other, and the world. For ages 14+.
Absolutely spectacular” Poet in the City
Directed by Rachel Mars and Nick Field. Paintings by Scott Bridgwood and production by Renaissance One. Funded by Arts Council England and supported by Attenborough Arts Centre, Burning Eye Books and Writing West Midlands.
Part of the Migrations festival. Read more and book at the JW3 website
WATCH: click on the video link below to watch the video poem 'Armed', the first of a series created by Lydia Towsey and collaborators for the tour this year.
“When you sing live, you’re tapping into a great energy. People open their hearts and that’s spiritual to me, my way of praying.”
WATCH: a performance by Julie Felix and Leonard Cohen of 'Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye' below
