Your November Agenda

Brains : News

02 November 2020

Long gone are the evenings where you’d make any excuse to catch the last of the day’s sun, probably with a glass of rosé in hand, but November brings us ever closer to our favourite festive tipple: mulled wine! Yes, the ever changing lockdown restrictions is only adding to the seasonal anxiety that can occur at this time of year, but at least we have a warming cup of vino to bring a warranted moment of peace.

But as well as being a little too relaxed with our red wine intake, November is the month to top-up your dose of culture. What better way to escape the cold than to visit the latest art exhibit, or an evening in the theatre?

Resilience Literary Festival
London-based charity, Freedom from Torture, is holding a 3-day virtual literary festival on the theme of resilience this November. From November 24th to 26th, join to hear from stars like Thandie Newton, Juliet Stevenson, and Nikesh Shukla as they perform and discuss works they feel have given them resilience, all from the comforts of your home. To attend each event, make a donation of what you can, and all the funds raised will go directly to supporting survivors of torture.

As well as the festival, The Resilience Auction will launch on Thursday 12th – an online silent auction of unique literary-themed experiences and prizes. With prizes confirmed so far from artists Edmund de Waal, Chris Riddell and Quentin Blake as well as writer, Margaret Atwood, Lee Child and Ian McEwan, to name a few, take this as an opportunity to snap up some Christmas presents for any beloved bookworms. It shouldn’t be missed.

To attend the Resilience Literary Festival, that’s running from November 24th to 26th, make a donation and order your ticket here. The Resilience Auction will be running from Thursday November 12th (opens 10am GMT) to Thursday November 26th (closes 9pm GMT), email events@freedomfromtorture.org for more information.

Death of England: Delroy
After the summer of Black Lives Matter protests, the sequel to Death of England, that’s now showing at the National Theatre couldn’t be more poignant. Death of England: Delroy is the new standalone work by Clint Dyer and Roy Williams, which explores a Black working class man searching for truth and confronting his relationship with Great Britain.

As the first play running since the National Theatre reopened, and with Death of England being a critically-acclaimed success, those of you who have been itching to get back to the theatre won’t be disappointed.

Death of England: Delroy is showing at the National Theatre until November 28th, you can buy tickets here.

Tracey Emin / Edvard Munch: The Loneliness of the Soul
On first appearances, the art produced by Tracey Emin and Edvard Munch has little, if anything, in common. And yet, the Norweigan painter, whose artwork, The Scream, is one of the most recognisable pieces of art to date, is a continuous inspiration for Emin. To celebrate the influence he’s had on her work, the Royal Academy of Art is hosting an exhibition that will showcase both their retrospective work.

Alongside over 25 pieces of Emin’s paintings – some of which have never been on display before – neons and sculptures, will be a selection of 19 oils and watercolours from Munch’s rich collection and archives in Oslo, Norway. This exhibition is a rare opportunity of seeing such a personal curation of artwork, as Emin has selected these pieces of art for their exploration into the concept of loneliness – a unique opportunity to see how the artists represent the most vulnerable emotions.

Tracey Emin / Edvard Munch: The Loneliness of the Soul is available to view at the Royal Academy of Art from November 15th 2020 to February 28th 2021, you can book tickets here.

Earl of East At Home Candle Making Workshop
If you’re looking to spend more time at home this month, why not fill your time learning a new craft? Earl of East, the East London fragrance brand, have brought their beloved candle making workshops to the virtual realm, so you can do exactly that.

Echoing the classic candle workshops that used to be held in their studio, participants will learn all the basics of candle making over Zoom, with one of the brand’s expert candle makers guiding them through the process step by step. Prior to the workshop, attendees will receive a personalised candle making kit, containing all of the core materials and equipment needed to make their scented soy wax candle. Satiate your sense of smell with this wholesome winter activity.

The next Earl of East At Home Candle Making Workshop is on November 15th and can be booked here.