Experiments: Lauren John Joseph
Written by Lauren John Joseph
LIVE FROM LONDON!
Lauren John Joseph, reading an extract of their forthcoming novel, for the first time.
Photo Credit: Holly Revell
Lauren John Joseph is a writer and artist working across the stage, the page, the silver screen. Their work investigates the friction between social class, gender identity, and religious faith in a camp and vicious fusion of psychedelic proletarian prose and social commentary. They have presented performances around the world including the Royal Opera House, Bristol Old Vic, the Barbican, Art Basel Hong Kong, Deutsche Oper, Martin-Gropius Bau (Berlin), Fancy Him (Tokyo), La Java (Paris) & MAC (Rio). Their three short films have been screened internationally, and they have exhibited in group shows in the US, UK, & Germany. La JJ has also contributed to catalogues, ‘zines, and anthologies in the US and Europe for over a decade, as well as writing for the online platforms of The Guardian, The Independent, iD, Dandy Dicks, and Amuse. Their plays “Boy in a Dress” and “A Generous Lover” were published in 2019 by Oberon. La JJ’s 2014 volume of experimental prose, “Everything Must Go” was shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize and a Lambda Literary Award. They are currently editing a novel, “At Certain Points We Touch”, for a 2022 publication.
Experiments Play Reading Series
For the 23rd season of La MaMa Experiments we will focus on theatrical works in progress addressing mental health issues. No one is more familiar with the need to create greater access to mental healthcare than our New York audience, who come face to face with this crisis on a daily basis. After 3 years of a global pandemic, all of us are feeling the upsurge of anxiety and depression, but these trends have been on the rise long before Covid-19. The works this season shed light on important, personal stories and deal with this subject matter in many different and unique ways. From tongue in cheek comedies to absurdist tragedies, Experiments hopes to create a season that will destigmaify, enlighten and, yes, even entertain.
Online Happenings
Presented by La MaMa and CultureHub, La MaMa is exploring ways to respond creatively to a situation that is potentially changing how we gather as a community in our theatres. La MaMa is working with CultureHub to provide online streaming of select productions and events on Howlround Theatre Commons.