Just tell the truth: Mike Figgis speaks up

What’s the state of contemporary culture? Are we in a mess? It’s been on the mind of Mike Figgis, the  film director, composer and writer, who’s curating this year’s Deloitte Ignite festival at the opera house (2-4 September).  Hear his views as he gets ready to ‘Just Tell the Truth’.

Portrait of Mike Figgis

JUST TELL THE TRUTH –  statement of intent

I’m bringing together a cross-section of the cultural community for a weekend of aesthetic intercourse shared with the public. When I was asked to curate DELOITTE IGNITE, it was clear to me that I should use the opportunity to share my own ideas with a wide group of contributors and try to create an environment where all the ideas could be aired under the loose heading of ‘just tell the truth’.

The individuals taking part are from a wide vista – Dance (Flamenco and contemporary). Film, Philosophy, Performance Art, Fashion, Photography and Politics. I’m intrigued to know what we all think about the state of the culture that we all exist in, for me much of it is a mess, reduced to a very low level by the media and the internet. Yet I am constantly discovering little gems and my faith in humanity is still entirely positive.

Over the three days we will be able to listen to interesting opinions, watch stunning performances, take in a large number of video films and get a sense of what is happening in the cutting edge of fashion and the art world. I’m also designing the event with the internet in mind so that much of it can be shared outside of the actual ROH environment.

Mike Figgis

Deloitte Ignite: a contemporary arts festival for new audiences, sponsored by the accountancy group Deloitte and organized by the opera house’s contemporary wing ROH2. All the opera house’s spaces will be opened up to the public, for free, for this  multi-arts programme. Find out more, book your free ticket.