Digging Potatoes with Josette Simon

Don't panic, I'm not actually up to my knees in potatoes and soil with Josette Simon OBE. I did, however, have the pleasure of an hour 'in conversation' with the multi-award winning actor, and when she compared her process of characterisation to digging potatoes she left me wanting to dig for more of the strength, truth and diversity which she discussed so passionately.

From the moment the conversation began, Simon radiated a natural charisma and sincerity, as she recalled her experiences growing up in Leicester and discovering her unexpected career path. She consistently demonstrated her passion and personal resilience, from building a thick skin in tackling adversities, to her relentless pursuit of the 'absolute real' in her work. 

The highlight for me was Simon's desire for the highest standard of work across the industry and her refreshing views on race representation. She encouraged her audience to embrace individuals regardless of ethnicity, and as part of the human race, calling for diversity based on merit instead of numbers. 

This culminated in an engaging and thought-provoking session which left me feeling incredibly inspired. If all creatives thought more like Simon, I imagine the industry would paint a much more diverse and supremely talented picture. 

Want to join the potato dig? You can check out the other events as part of De Montfort University's Cultural Exchanges Festival, taking place from 26 February - 2 March 2018, many of which are free!


Hollie Godwin

Josette Simon - in pursuit of the truth

“I like pursuing the truth and the exploration of human nature – that’s what I really love.” So said multi-award-winning actor Josette Simon, on her role as Shakespeare's Cleopatra in a Guardian interview last year.

“The only person who does her justice and seems to understand there is so much more to her than a bewitching enchantress is Shakespeare," Simon added." This is not just a play about passion, it’s a play about politics – and she’s as much a player in the political narrative as Octavius or Antony." 

With any luck, Simon will talk more about her sense of this and other roles when she's in conversation at De Montfort University's Cultural Exchanges Festival tonight.

Simon seems to be the kind of actor who has a hands-on approach for all the work she does. At Central School of Speech and Drama she was warned by the principal not to expect to get the classic roles because of her skin colour. This didn't deter her. Instead it inspired her to work harder than anybody and made her excel at those very roles.

If you're quick - and lucky - you might still get a ticket to see her tonight. Book here.


Regina Toth

Don't forget the fringes

Headline Acts:
- Jazzie B!
I do like Soul II Soul.
- Gary Younge!
Hmm, interesting journalism.
- Josette Simon!
Oh BOY, some SHAKESPEARE.

I booked all three.
But in my excitement, I'd neglected to consider the fringe events: the ones I knew little about. I looked further, and found:

CLAIRE FOX (FESTIVAL FRINGE EVENT) FREE SPEECH ON CAMPUS?

This question seemed to be addressed to me personally.


The event offers a discussion between Dr Greg Scorzo and Claire Fox, Director of the Institute of Ideas, on the rise of safe spaces and trigger warnings.

Booked.

Most appealing about this event is its potential for discussion. I'm sure there will be many audience members armed and ready to debate. But that's great! This is one of those topics that requires people to share opinions and experiences. How else can we educate each other?

As someone who's currently undecided on the subject, I look forward to finding out more and forming an opinion. I chose this event for its potential to make me think, and I believe all of us, at DMU and elsewhere, should consider that when booking.

So don't just book what you know you will enjoy. Book something that might challenge you!

Learn more about Cultural Exchanges. Click here



Araminta Jürgen-Romrig

The real Heather Peace

Heather Peace is in an actor/musician known for her parts in London’s Burning and Lip Service. As soon as she entered the room it was obvious that there was a massive amount of respect. We sat in silence as she was interviewed by Beverly Hancock-Smith of Leicester College.

Within the first five minutes of seeing Heather, it became very difficult to not become enamoured by her demeanour. Heather smiles a lot and is so down-to-earth that when she laughs you can’t help but laugh along with her. You imagine taking her down to your local and having a few pints like it’s nothing out of the ordinary.

Obviously the subject of Heather’s sexuality came into focus a quite a bit. I was surprised at her responses: that sexuality shouldn’t matter, that she has “never been in the closet” and questioning a person’s sexual preference is crass.

Tonight I felt we saw the real Heather Peace through her history, ambitions and honesty. We were treated to three of the songs from her upcoming album Fairy Tales.

And strike me down if Heather Peace can’t belt out a note or two.

John Marr

A fairytale event

This evening, room 3.03 in De Montfort's Clephan Building filled with excited chatter at the anticipation of Heather Peace's arrival. We were not disappointed.

As soon as she set foot into the room the audience was hanging onto her every word. She oozed confidence and gave the room a relaxed atmosphere. The sound of laughter frequently echoed through the roomin repsonse to her talk.

Heather was honest about her passion for performing, the choices she made regarding her career and comments about her sexuality. I thought the way she addressed the talk about her sexuality was fantastic. She asked 'Why should anyone care?' and I completely agree. Why should her personal life be treated as the focal point of her career? She's a wonderful actress, a superb singer and an inspirational woman.

Heather sang three songs from her new album Fairytale: 'Better than you', 'Thank god for you' and 'Fairytales'. They were all sung beautifully. The album comes out this spring, so watch the shelves.

Cultural eXchanges has blown me away by offering such a genuine talk from a well-loved celebrity and all for the cost of ... nothing.

Please listen to Heather Peace; she's remarkable.

Debbie Tinsley