To uncover the truth, you must first accept the lies you tell yourself.

Journey into a mind where memory, music and myth merge 'seamlessly to create an emotionally resonant whole' (Rudge/23).

This intimate, autobiographical piece explores the memory of a survivor of childhood trauma. Using embodied objects, stories, and original songs from their past, KH builds a dark world in which they invite you to explore what's true and false and witness the uncovering of a long-buried truth.

'D E S C E N T's power lies in the raw honesty and vulnerability of the multifaceted performance' (Ash/23).

Photographer credit: Sheila Burnett

About the company

KH Del Rio Smith is a London-based multidisciplinary artist and Performance Maker with a background in Performing arts (Theatre, Music and Movement) and scenic & costume design.

Artistically, they are preoccupied with work that is socially engaged, and often use autobiographical archival material as a vehicle for exploring broader themes (Most recently: Sexual Assault, Violence against Women, Marginalised Identities, Disability, Humanity).

Their artistic aim is to create work that transmits a message and provokes honest and open discussion and reflection on the themes discussed. D E S C E N T is their Debut piece and has been featured in Sprint Festival at CPT as well as being commisioned for the London Borough of Culture edition of Croydonites Festival 2023.

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Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
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The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
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