Blog - Meet the Curator with Leyla Josephine
Delve returns in 2024 for a party at the end of the world (as we know it)! A stellar line-up of artists curated by Leyla Josephine awaits this March to give us the ultimate send off.
We caught up with Leyla to ask more about the Delve weekend and her inspirations behind the artists she’s invited to perform and celebrate with us.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your career as an artist?
My background is in performance art and poetry. I’ve recently started working in film. I started writing back in 2013 and performing at spoken word nights around Scotland & England. I won the UK National Slam back in 2014. I made two solo shows Hopeless which I was lucky enough to tour extensively and Daddy Drag which won the Autopsy Award supporting groundbreaking work being made in Scotland. My short film Groom was Scottish BAFTA and Critics Circle Award nominated. I love telling stories that undermine the fabric of society, dilute shame and offer fresh perspectives on the world and human existence. I lived for a bit in Japan teaching skiing. I like travelling around in my camper van who is called Big Gina and is orange. I love ABBA and dressing up. I never get sick of hanging out with dogs. Poetry feels like a spiritual practice for me. I believe everyone has the right to live a creative life and I love teaching people how to do this, which is also a big part of my practice. I believe the more creative people allow themselves to be, the happier they are, communities and relationships are stronger and this leads to a better world. I hope to be alive to see the fall of capitalism and universal basic income become reality. I love meeting people and dancing until the early hours. That’s me at this moment anyway.
What does an average day and week look like for Leyla Josephine?
What I love about my work is that it’s so different depending on what story I’m telling at the time. Sometimes I’m in rehearsal room or on set. Sometimes I’m in a school or a prison. Sometimes I’m on a stage or travelling somewhere to be on a stage. Sometimes I’m at my desk scribbling away. Sometimes I’m just scrolling on my phone avoiding work. I have a great little desk at SWG3, so you can usually find me there drinking tea and talking to the other artists.
Outside of arts and culture, what else do you enjoy doing?
It took me a long time but I’m starting to like to exercise – I play for a netball team called Dough Balls, I do hot pilates. The cinema with a large salt popcorn is my go to when I’m blue. I love spending time in nature, it’s where I go when I’m lost or stuck over an idea. I always, always, always get something out of spending time outside. I like clubbing and festivals. I like to read and listen to audio books. I like celebrity gossip columns. I LOVE playing backgammon or other competitive board games. I think play is super important in adult life, Brene Brown describes play as something you enjoy that you lose track of time doing. I think I’m good at that.
What was the inspiration for the theme of A Party at the End of the World?
I’m hoping that we’re witnessing the end of the world as we know it. And I want to celebrate that and ask my favourite artists to respond to that idea; what do we want to leave behind and what do we want to take with us? Artists have great imaginations, they’re vital in imagining a better world, how things could / should be.
What can people expect from the events across Delve?
It’s going to be a riotous occasion. I’ve booked some of the boldest people I know and I’m hoping that there are plenty of happy accidents and magical conversations sparked. The first evening highlights local poets and musicians that I think are some of the most exciting ones to come out of Scotland at the moment. On the Saturday during the day we have time to think and reflect on the idea of ‘The End of The World’ and in the evening we have a cabaret with some of the most cutting edge performers on the scene. It’s really exciting and it’s a line-up I’d love to engage in if I saw it as a punter.
What inspired you to choose the artists you have curated for Delve?
I’ve worked in Scotland as an artist for the last ten years and I’ve managed to see some amazing artists come through. I’ve picked a bunch of people that I think are varied and exciting and overall will surprise and entertain and maybe even challenge our audiences.
It’s a party at the end of the world, what three songs are you putting on the jukebox?
- It’s the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine) – R.E.M
- A Change is Going to Come – Sam Cooke
- The Winner Takes It All – ABBA
What Is Delve?
DELVE is an eclectic weekend of music, spoken word, workshops and discussions chosen especially this year by guest curator; poet, film and theatre maker Leyla Josephine. DELVE is our invitation for you to dive in, look beneath the surface and join Leyla’s Party at the End of the World (as we know it). Times may be dark but we can still celebrate!
Featuring The Joy Hotel, Goodnight Louisa, Rachelle Atalla, Leyla Josephine and our famous cabaret, Delve is going to be a riotous send off!
