The Bush Theatre has released production images prior to the world premiere of three short works from the next generation of theatre designers. 2036, presented by the Project 2036 cohort, can be seen online on-demand from 20.00 (BST) on 22 April until 00.00 on 29 April.
The Bush Theatre’s Project 2036 programme offers three Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, and Refugee emerging theatre designers a £7,500 bursary each year. This year’s cohort is set designer QianEr Jin, sound designer Darius McFarlane, and lighting designer Devon Muller.
The programme has been running for four years and has supported twelve artists in that time. In 2019 the focus shifted to address a lack of representation in design talent.
Daniel Bailey, Associate Director of the Bush Theatre said,
‘Our Project 2036 cohort was supposed to present their work in the summer of 2020. Covid-19 meant we had to cancel that, but it has allowed us to create three different showcases, which each designer has led with their ideas and concept. In their own creative voice they each ask the question: Can design truly lead the theatrical process?
In this challenging period, we wanted to support our freelance family, twenty of whom will be collaborating on and contributing to the three showcases and providing guidance and expertise to our 2036 cohort. This project was always about how we make this industry more accessible for marginalised communities and with this opportunity we can do that. Shout-out to Devon, QianEr Jin, and Darius on their journeys!
Pawn by Devon Muller
Bullied at school for looking Indian. Profiled with his friends by the police for being Black. Jordan’s mixed heritage turns everyday encounters into a game of politics and power. Spoken word and innovative lighting design collide in Devon Muller’s exploration of race and identity, written with Omar Bynon. Directed by Daniel Bailey and filmed live at the Bush Theatre.
Devon Muller is a lighting designer from north London who has studied Drama and Performance at London Southbank University. Upon leaving university, Devon gained experience in the industry volunteering at The Bunker, where he learned about the technical side of theatre. He then moved on to Project 2036 at Bush Theatre, where he further learned about the industry as well as what it takes to be a lighting designer. Pawn is his professional debut as a lighting designer.
One Day by QianEr Jin
Can’t sleep. Grab a coffee. Don’t forget Po Po’s funeral flowers. QianEr Jin’s immersive film, written by Kathryn Golding, explores Ashley’s story through the eyes of a mayfly, which lives its whole life in the course of a single day. Directed by Daniel Bailey, with animation by Nicholas Wong.
QianEr Jin is a London and Shanghai-based performance designer. QianEr is interested in immersive storytelling and interactive performance and finds texted based work is a great way to inspire the quirkiness within her. QianEr graduated from the Royal Central School and Speech and Drama, studying Theatre Practice: Design for Stage.
Latekid’s LimBoby Darius McFarlane
This conceptual music performance video is an interrogation of the ‘self’, racial identity and the anomalies of life, with self-produced music and poetry from Latekid (Darius McFarlane) and co-directed by Avenhue. Filmed live at the Bush Theatre.
Latekid (Darius McFarlane) is a self-taught, anti-disciplinary sound artist, musician, writer, and vocalist who aims to find the colours within the shaded spaces of Art and postmodern expressionism. Having worked with and performed at institutions including Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Jazz Cafe, and Complicité, Latekid aims to bring an alternative angle to music performance, gig theatre, or public sonic experimentation.
2036 will be available to watch on-demandinternationally from 20.00 (BST) on 22 April – 00.00 on 29 April.
Ticket pricing is ‘Pay What You Decide’ with tickets available at £2, £5, £10, (+£5 donation) and can be booked at bushtheatre.co.uk
2036 can be watched on a web browser, via Google Chromecast, or on Apple TV, Android TV or, Amazon Fire TV.
Subtitling (English – UK) is available on the captioned version of the film. There is also an audio-described version of the film.
2036 ismade possible thanks to the support of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, which enables the venue to produce work from October 2020 to March 2021.
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