Simon Manyonda takes to the stage, supported on the decks by Owain Kelly. Armed with a projector screen, a sound mixer and mics, Simon shares a relatable, witty and affecting mixtape about the ‘confused, misguided, adolescent town’ Croydon. He recounts his own confused adolescence with humour and huge affection for the movies, music and girl he loved. The collage of film and TV clips, remixed tracks and memories offer a wistful trip through late 90s culture, where Napster, Dawson’s Creek and Dr Dre provide a backdrop to Simon’s burgeoning sense of self and acting ambitions. The conclusion is strong. To act is to have autonomy and agency, to live. The pleasure and pride Simon takes in his craft is clear to see.
I make my way home through the wet night with a joyful heart and a nostalgic hankering for Rooster’s Chicken. Tonight’s double bill has given me all the feels and left my beating heart a little lighter.
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