THE EXCHANGE

aftername showcases creative practices and intellectual property that connects to the post-ColdWar migration of East Europeans in Europe & UK as human struggle and unfulfilling existence. The works presented are designed, devised and directed by RAD POPP under various guises and contexts with contributions from other artists and BuBau Theatre Comp. The format of the projects is transmedia and the intention is to speak to a transnational audience.

A starting reference are the 1989 revolutions and the process of transformation and emancipation Eastern Europeans have undergone since – that the Western audiences still have to contend with if not undertake themselves. This process was subverted and patronised if not oppressed and ultimately appropriated by Western culture as ‘victors of the Cold War’. The main implication of that is, only them and their reps have been encouraged to speak and be heard in the creative landscape for over 30 years in regard to this topic.

The intention of the presented works is to formulate a problematic physical and psychological space outside local boundaries and patterns where ‘home’ and ‘acceptance’ beacon ‘if only you go the distance’ yet both are denied anachronisms ‘here’ and ‘there’ between ‘us’ and ‘them’ in a 3rd millennium Europe. These dramatic new cultural dimensions are meant to engage with audiences outside the naturalistic framework of the UK/EU (US tributary) host and pursue transnational appeal, participation and illicit resistance to the dominant culture that is experienced as inhumane, self-censored and serving the few in its intent.

• The listed works go further than PaR to support reflection, creative practices and output outside the controlled narratives, agendas, and ultimate, agency forced on the migrant since the 90s. This the opposite of aiming to validate ‘a reputation’ in the Western sense with view to become a ‘culinary commodity’.

For collaborations in the area of new (migrant) writing, non-naturalistic performance, animation and cinematic VR and/or if you are looking to commission creative concepts, intellectual property and skills that fall purposefully outside local (British) agenda, please click the speech bubble on your right to send a quick message.

Positioning the practice

My practice consciously objects to being part of ‘the culinary dream’ post-colonial soft-power is made of. Its lacklustre or ambiguous humanity for some and lack of better opportunities for many is evident in my work. You and I can treat creatives who refuse to adapt their work to qualify for such UK/EU schemes, as more genuine artists in fighting for what’s right and also harder to gain, here and everywhere! It’s called a free mind and spirit, that self-supports itself and is not doing someone else’s bidding. ACE-funded art is state-sponsored art – and you won’t see the ACE logo or other known logos here for these reasons. It!… is the basis of this practice. Get in touch if you share same ideas or ideals.
Rad Popp – DIRECTOR