PAPAYA Fest is a deliciously juicy biennial festival of Anglo-Latinx theatre & music in the heart of Bristol, coming to The Wardrobe Theatre and The Old Market Assembly between 11th – 19th October 2024
Click here to see the full line-up for PAPAYA Fest 2024
It’s all systems go here at Popelei HQ! (And when we say “HQ,” we mean three laptops spread across three different locations, each being tapped away on by a different creative mind on a mission.) We’re deep in the grind, and honestly, we’re here for it.
First up, we’ve been sipping on some seriously tasty concoctions with our brand-new festival partners, the wonderful folks at The Bristol Rum Company. Yep, cocktail tasting is a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it! We’re working on the perfect drink to bring a little extra sunshine to this year’s PAPAYA Fest.
When we’re not sampling cocktails, we’re diving into a specially curated booklist from our comrades at East Bristol Books, thanks to another exciting new partnership. This reading list will offer up a collection of stories and ideas that fuel the fire behind this year’s PAPAYA Fest theatre programme. We’ll be announcing it on our socials soon, so keep an eye out. We’re all about giving you the tools to dig deeper, think harder, and feel more connected – shout out to EBB for helping make that happen.
And let’s talk about food – because in a world that’s increasingly disconnected, breaking bread together is a radical act. We’ve been sampling some incredible tropical, Bristol-inspired dishes for our new supper club experience, “Eating With Others.” It’s a celebration of community and togetherness, as vibrant and welcoming as the city itself. The catch? You can only have a chance of securing a spot if you purchase a ticket to any PAPAYA Fest event before October 7th and enter the prize draw!
Amidst all this, we’re also taking to the airwaves with Papaya Radio on BCFM, where we’re interviewing over 20 artists who are ready to shake up The Wardrobe Theatre this October. The talent we’re bringing in is off the charts – raw, authentic, and ready to challenge the status quo. We can’t wait to share their work with you.
There’s a lot going on, and that’s exactly how we like it. This year’s PAPAYA Fest is shaping up to be something truly special, with a little something for everyone (including the kiddos!). We’ve put together a lineup that’s all about making you laugh, think, and maybe even cry a little. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:
50 Ways To Kill A Slug
Friday 11/10 7:30pm
Ready to start your weekend with something unforgettable? You’re in for a wild ride with 50 Ways To Kill A Slug. Picture this: fierce dancing, over-the-top lip-syncing, and a whole lot of slime. An(dre)a Spisto and Joana Nastari are taking you straight to slug land, where queerness, ugliness, and radical slowness reign supreme. It’s going to be messy, fun, and like nothing you’ve seen before! And it will leave you in the perfect boogying spirit for our opening festival fiesta at Old Market Assembly afterwards.
The Death & Life of All of Us
Saturday 12/10 7:30pm
Grab a seat and prepare to be captivated. Victor Esses is bringing his powerful show The Death & Life of All of Us back after wowing audiences in Soho and at Edfringe. This one’s all about family secrets, resilience, and finding where you belong, told through home videos, live music, and some seriously fearless storytelling. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve just been on an emotional journey with him.
Juicy Bits
Sunday 13/10 3pm
Looking for something totally unpredictable? Come check out Juicy Bits. Local Bristolian performers are teaming up with Latin American artists to create daring 15-minute acts, and they’ve only got 48 hours to pull it off! It’s going to be fast-paced, exciting, and full of surprises. You’ll be right there in the thick of it as these creatives push their limits to bring something totally new to the stage.
Chile Estyle
Tuesday 15/10 7pm
If you love street art, you’re going to want to be at Chile Estyle. This visually stunning documentary takes you deep into Chile’s street art scene – prepare to be amazed by the creativity and passion behind the graffiti. And don’t rush off afterwards! Stick around for a Q&A with filmmaker Pablo Aravena and local artist PEKOE. They’ll break down how the global graffiti movement is making waves right here in Bristol.
Panel Discussion: Bridging Feminist Frontiers
Wednesday 16/10 7pm
This one’s for anyone who’s passionate about feminism. We’re hosting a powerful evening of conversation, dance, and music, all centred around the challenges and connections between UK and Latin American feminists. You’ll start with a dynamic Bullerengue dance workshop that gets your body moving, then dive into a panel discussion that’s sure to spark some important conversations.
Letters To My Dead Mother
Thursday 17/10 7:30pm
Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions with Letters To My Dead Mother. Brazilian performer Ana Borges is going to have you laughing and crying as she takes on grief with humour and heart. And after the show, you can stay and be part of an intimate Day of the Dead ceremony that’s both moving and beautiful. This one’s going to stay with you long after you leave the theatre.
Mad Women
Friday 18/10 7:30pm
If you’re into stories that pack a punch, Mad Women is for you. You’ll dive into the lives of iconic artists Frida Kahlo, Violeta Parra, and Judith Marquez, exploring their struggles and triumphs. These gripping monologues will challenge stereotypes and take on societal norms head-on. It’s bold, it’s fierce, and it’s going to make you think.
Súper Chefs
Saturday 19/10 11am
Got little ones? Bring them to Súper Chefs – our first-ever kid’s show! This interactive musical adventure is packed with fun, food, and a big helping of Latin American culture. Six-year-old Manny’s cooking up a storm, but he’ll need some help from the audience to save the day. It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning with the kids! Ideal for ages 4 – 8.
Jeezus!
Saturday 19/10 7:30pm
Ready to end the festival with a bang? Jeezus! is a musical comedy that’s as outrageous as it sounds. Expect hymns, bodily fluids, and a whole lot of divine chaos. It’s a rowdy quest for queer love and rebellion, and it’s all leading up to our final, raucous PAPAYA Fest party. Trust us – you’re going to want to be there!
What are you waiting for? Grab your tickets, rally your crew, and get ready for a week of theatre that’s about to shake things up. We can’t wait to see you there.