You can edit almost every page by Creating an account. Otherwise, see the FAQ.

Sisters Grimm

From EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki







Script error: No such module "Draft topics". Script error: No such module "AfC topic".

Sisters Grimm Ltd is a creative production company founded by ex Royal Ballet ballerina Pietra Mello-Pittman and painter, music composer and theatre producer Ella Spira in 2009.[1][2] Celebrating cultures and inclusivity and collaborating with worldwide performance artists, the pair has been producing culturally-themed shows, original music videos garnering millions of views, films, global youth initiatives and immersive exhibitions showcasing the unique beauty of a territory. The company has built up a brand internationally for theatrical productions with live music and dance. The duo have explored the world collaborating with artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Soweto Gospel Choir in South Africa, percussionists Olodum in Brazil and Samurai warriors in Japan.[3][4][5]

History[edit]

The founders of Sisters Grimm, Ella Spira and Pietra Mello-Pittman, have met through a mutual friend in 2008 while working on the 'Reves au Chemin' project for The Royal Ballet. Their common dream of joining different cultures and artistic disciplines, honouring ancestors and celebrating traditions around the world have led to the formation of their company, Sisters Grimm, in 2009. The company's first project, 'Rapunzel – The Final Chapter', was a ballet film partially funded by the Royal Opera House in 2009.[6]

Commemorating 20 years of democracy and freedom in South Africa, Sisters Grimm have launched their first show called 'INALA - A Zulu Ballet' at the Edinburgh International Festival on 10 August 2014 and at London's Sadler's Wells Theatre in September 2014.[7][8] The concept of 'INALA - A Zulu Ballet' came after 4 years of work and collaboration between the producers of the show, Sisters Grimm, choreographer Mark Baldwin and the South African a cappella ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo.[9] The theatrical show has brought together ballet, contemporary dance and traditional Zulu tribal dance performed by dancers from The Royal Ballet and Rambert Dance Company. The play's musical score was written by the British composer Ella Spira in collaboration with Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.[10][11][12]

In 2014 and 2015, 'INALA - A Zulu Ballet' have made an appearance at the Royal Variety Performance in the presence of TRH, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. In addition, 'INALA - A Zulu Ballet' have had an international premiere at the Chekhov festival in Moscow in 2015.[13][14]

In 2015, Ella Spira and Pietra Mello-Pittman were both nominated for the Women of the Future Awards in the Arts & Culture category. In 2016, the music from their show 'INALA - A Zulu Ballet' composed by Ella Spira, was Grammy-nominated for Best World Music Album and the Best Special Entertainment Award at the Manchester Theatre Awards.[15]

Following up their show 'INALA', Sisters Grimm premiered in 2017 a brand new dance musical, 'Voices of the Amazon', played at Sadlers Wells in London, Russia, Singapore and the Latitude Festival.[16] The show, performed by a group of 14 dancers, singers and musicians, features a mix of ballet, contemporary dance and capoeira, conceived by choreographer Helen Pickett. 'Voices of the Amazon' is a mystical folk tale that presents the story of 'Beleza'. 'Beleza', a water spirit from the Amazon river, begins a journey through the Amazon Forest in search of a remedy to save her dying sister. The story behind 'Voices of the Amazon', supported by the WWF and the Eden Project and narrated by the actor Jeremy Irons[17], highlights the impact of deforestation on rainforest people, animals and plants.[18][19] With a Brazilian music score created by Ella Spira in collaboration with Brazilian songwriters and the percussionists Olodum, 'Voices of the Amazon' have won the Brazilian International Press Award for Best Show in 2018.[20][21][22][23]

Sisters Grimm's Inala show was relaunched in the UK at the Peacock Theatre in 2019 and in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands, featuring the voices of South African choral ensemble Soweto Gospel Choir and international dancers.[24][25][26] The show was also performed at HRH Prince Harry's Hampton Court Palace Sentebale Concert in June and at The Royal Albert Hall in October, to celebrate World Ballet Day and Black History Month.[27][28][29] For the Royal Albert Hall performance, the producers started a partnership with the Mosaic Initiative at The Prince's Trust to offer 1000 free of charge tickets to young people from a diverse range of backgrounds across London. The participants of the INALA Schools Programme have been invited to a pre-show experience to learn about the career opportunities within the theatre industry and to gain insights into every stage of the creative process.[30][31]

In the year 2020, Sisters Grimm has released 5 music videos for their new Arab World Show: ‘Just Saying Hi’, ‘Together Let Go’, ‘The Way Home’, ‘Between the Stars’, and ‘United’.[32] The music videos gathered over 5 million views on YouTube.[33] 'Together Let Go' is a musical collaboration celebrating foreign talent from five continents, including Joseph Shabalala from South Africa, Siori Tanabe from Japan and Dito Martins from Brazil. Co-written by Ella Spira and DB Gad, featuring the voice of Madyan Hamza and Arqam Al Abri, the song and music video have been launched for World Water Day on the 21st of June 2020, celebrating inclusivity and the unity of diverse cultures through music.[34][35][36] The song, 'United', has been released for UAE National Day to celebrate the deep history of the seven United Arab Emirates. The music video features original paintings and Sisters Grimm's artistic expression to acknowledge the natural beauty of the Emirates. Inspired by the travels of Sisters Grimm's founders across the seven Emirates, the song 'United' was co-written by Ella Spira and DB Gad, featuring the vocals of Maydan Hamza, Don Abdullah, Shamma Hamdan and DB Gad.[37][38][39]

In 2021, Pietra De Mello-Pittman and Ella Spira, the founders of Sisters Grimm, have been awarded ‘Member of the Order of the British Empire’ (MBE) for services to International Trade and the Creative Industry in the 2021 New Year Honours lists. The award represents a recognition of 11 years of achievements and dedication to bringing worldwide talent together by promoting culture and inclusivity.[40][41][42]

In the same year, the production company have launched the "Art in Nature" Initiative in the UAE, encouraging all children between 5 and 18 years old to embrace the natural beauty of their country by engaging with nature and creating a unique piece of art for a chance to appear in the Sisters Grimm's next animated music video. The 'UAE Art In Nature' project, supported by Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority, have received more than 1,000 submissions from 100 schools in the UAE.[43] On 3 March 2021, for World Wildlife Day, the music video 'Windows of the Mind' has been released, showcasing the winning artworks of young people throughout the emirates. The 'Windows of the Mind' music video, featuring singers Madyan Hamza and DB Gad , co-written by Ella Spira and DB Gad, has reached over 3.5 million views on YouTube.[44][45][46]

At the end of March 2021, Sisters Grimm has announced the '50 for 50' art auction and their first NFT drop, marking the country's Golden Jubilee Year. '50 For 50' is a collection of 50 UAE landscape art pieces created by artist Ella Spira during her travels across the UAE to celebrate the unique diversity and beauty of the seven Emirates. The production company has declared that the proceeds from the art auction and NFT drop will fund new youth art initiatives and a Performing Arts Programme in the region.[47][48][49][50] One month later, in May 2021, Sisters Grimm has launched the 'Art of Practice' Program for those under 18.[51] The artistic training program has been included in the UAE'e schools curriculum, contributing to the country's creative industry growth. The Performing Arts Training Programme was closely related to the launch of a new tactical program to increase the number of creative businesses, designed and implemented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.[52]

Between 29 November - 14 December 2021, Dubai Opera has hosted a multi-sensory theatrical experience and immersive art exhibition called '50 For 50'.[53] The audiovisual journey was produced by Sisters Grimm, commemorating the UAE's Golden Jubilee. The show has unveiled a collection of 50 art pieces painted by Ella Spira in honour of the UAE's natural beauty and to draw awareness to environmental issues and to inspire nature conservation.[54] '50 For 50' stages a mix of art and music inspired by creatures unique to the region, with every painting showcasing a distinctive score composed by Ella Spira and Emirati collaborators Db Gad, Don Abdullah and Shamma Hamdan.[55] The multimedia show culminates with the world debut of the Sisters Grimm's film 'Daughters of the Wind Overture', with Royal Ballet ballerina Pietra De Mello-Pittman as the main protagonist and singers DB Gad and Madyan Hamza. The 'Daughters of the Wind Overture' film screening, directed by Jhenyfy Muller and inspired by the Stephen Powell's story, portrays the tale of a land that has been radically transformed by the industry and inspires a spirit of community, encouraging people to stand together despite their differences.[56][57][58][59]

The year 2022 has begun with the release of a new single and music video, called 'See Beyond', on 19 January, in collaboration with Muslim hip-hop and rap artist DB Gad. Recorded and produced in Sisters Grimm's studio in Dubai and co-written by DB Gad and Ella Spira, 'See Beyond' was created as a result of the artists' desire to bridge the Western and Arabic music and break down barriers around cultural conflicts. The song is a fusion of classical music and hip hop, composed by two artists with different backgrounds, a celebration of cultural differences and a reflection of the ‘Abraham Accords’, according to Ella Spira. The music video of 'See Beyond' is an excerpt from their film 'Daughters of the Wind', Act 2 of the '50 For 50' exhibition, and it describes the story of an Emirati Woman surrounded by nature in a progressive city, with people of diverse cultures embracing collaboration and acting as a community.[60]

In February 2022, the 'Art in Nature' Program was launched in Australia, encouraging all children under 18 to connect with their natural surroundings and create an art piece that represents their experience with nature. All children who took part in the 'Australia Art in Nature' Initiative have received a signed certificate of participation and have had their artwork displayed in an online gallery. The program has been commissioned by The Science and Technology Facilities Council and RAL Space UK/Australia AgroClimate Space Programme, which contributed to the project by providing imaginary and educational information on the consequences of climate change on the environment. At the end of the program, Sisters Grimm has launched 'Life', an animated music video made up of only winning artworks from young people across Australia, for World Water Day, on the 22nd of March. The song 'Life' was composed by Ella Spira and Australian singer-songwriter Corinne Gibbons featuring aboriginal elder and activist Uncle Ozzy (Oswald Cruse).[61][62][63][64][65][66][67]

Productions[edit]

  • Rapunzel – The Final Chapter (2009): short ballet film co-produced with the Royal Opera House.
  • Inala (2014 and 2019): a celebration of modern South Africa, meaning‘abundance of goodwill’ in Zulu.
  • Voices of the Amazon (2017): dance musical, set amidst the landscape of the Brazilian rainforest.
  • Daughters of the Wind Overture (2021): Arabian Peninsular dance musical for the first time bringing together song, ballet and art and celebrating Arab culture.

Music Videos[edit]

  • Together Let Go (2020). Co-composed by Ella Spira and DB Gad; Lead vocals of Madyan Hamza and Arqam Al Abri; Sisters Grimm production.
  • Been El Nogoom - Between The Stars (2020). Co-composed by Ella Spira and DB Gad; Sisters Grimm production.
  • The Way Home (2020). Co-composed by Ella Spira and DB Gad; Lead vocals of Arqam Al-Abri and Layla Kardan; Sisters Grimm production; Filmed at Dubai Opera.
  • United (2020). Co-composed by Ella Spira and DB Gad; Lead vocals of Shamma Hamdan, Maydan Hamza, Don Abdullah and DB Gad; Sisters Grimm production.
  • Windows of the Mind (2021). Co-composed by Ella Spira and DB Gad; Lead vocals of DB Gad and Madyan Hamza singing in English and Arabic; Sisters Grimm production.
  • See Beyond (2022). Co-composed by Ella Spira and DB Gad; Lead vocals of rapper DB Gad and Madyan Hamza; Sisters Grimm production.
  • Life (2022). Co-composed by Ella Spira and Corinne Gibbons; Lead vocals of Corinne Gibbons featuring Uncle Ozzy; Sisters Grimm production.

Awards[edit]

Inala[edit]

2016 Grammy award nominated - Best world music album.

2016 Manchester Theatre award nominated - Best special entertainment.

Voices of the Amazon[edit]

2017 Brazilian International Press Awards Winner - Best Show 2017.

2017 Brazilian International Press Awards nominated - Best Director, Pietra Mello-Pittman

References[edit]

  1. "Sisters Grimm - Slate Ministry Of Sound | The Wonderful World of Dance Magazine". 2019-01-17. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  2. "Their common love for theatre turned two UAE expats into business partners: How they turned their passion into profits". gulfnews.com. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  3. Reporters, T. S. F. (2022-03-07). "Inspirational Female Founder Spotlight: Ella Spira MBE & Pietra Mello Pittman MBE | The Successful Founder". Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  4. "These producers in British Honors List write music at the Burj Khalifa". gulfnews.com. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  5. "UAE based female producers awarded 'Member of the Order of the British Empire' on new year 2021 honors list". Campaign Middle East. 2021-01-05. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  6. Team, WATC Admin (2019-06-13). "Inspirational Women: Ella Spira & Pietra Mello-Pittman | Producers, Sisters Grimm Ltd". WeAreTheCity. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  7. Lawson, Alex (2016-04-11). "Entrepreneurs: Sisters Grimm plot move from Grammys to Disney". Evening Standard. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  8. Horton, Emily (2015-11-02). "Interview: Pietra Mello Pittman, retiring from the Royal Ballet to produce Inala". Essential Surrey & SW London. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  9. Watts, Graham (2019-05-05). "Sisters Grimm – Inala – London". DanceTabs. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  10. "Grammy-nominated composer from Gloucester receives MBE - Business & Innovation Magazine". 2020-12-31. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  11. "Theatre review: Inala - A Zulu Ballet at Sadler's Wells Theatre". British Theatre Guide. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  12. Web, UK Theatre. "Tour archive for Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Inala (Concert). 31st May 2015-2nd August 2015 [TOUR]". UK Theatre Web. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  13. "UAE based female producers awarded 'Member of the Order of the British Empire' on new year 2021 honors list". Campaign Middle East. 2021-01-05. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  14. Quacoe, Michelle. "INALA to play Royal Albert Hall for one night only". Black History Month 2022. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  15. Team, WATC Admin (2019-06-13). "Inspirational Women: Ella Spira & Pietra Mello-Pittman | Producers, Sisters Grimm Ltd". WeAreTheCity. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  16. Limited, London Theatre Direct. "Voices of the Amazon — Sisters Grimm". London Theatre Direct. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  17. "Jeremy Irons at Sisters Grimm 10th Birthday Celebration". jeremyirons.net. 2018-11-10. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  18. "Voices of the Amazon review – water sprite's belting ballet rocks the rainforest". the Guardian. 2017-07-05. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  19. "Voices of the Amazon review: It's painfully well meant". The Independent. 2017-07-06. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  20. Team, WATC Admin (2019-06-13). "Inspirational Women: Ella Spira & Pietra Mello-Pittman | Producers, Sisters Grimm Ltd". WeAreTheCity. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  21. Swain, Marianka. "BWW Interview: Ella Spira and Pietra Mello-Pittman Talk VOICES OF THE AMAZON". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  22. Winship, Lyndsey (2017-11-20). "Voices of the Amazon, dance review: Smiley show feels very Disney". Evening Standard. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  23. Ground, Our Man On The (2017-06-30). "Sisters Grimm Brings Voices Of The Amazon To London". Our Man On The Ground Travel and Lifestyle. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  24. "Sisters Grimm - Slate Ministry Of Sound | The Wonderful World of Dance Magazine". 2019-01-17. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  25. "Sisters Grimm - Inala". timeout. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  26. "INALA's West End Debut". Culture Whisper. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  27. bakchormeeboy (2019-06-24). "Review: INALA – A Zulu Ballet, produced by Sisters Grimm". Bakchormeeboy. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  28. Mark (2019-05-02). "Inala means abundance of good will in Zulu". Mature Times. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  29. Quacoe, Michelle. "INALA to play Royal Albert Hall for one night only". Black History Month 2022. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  30. "Sisters Grimm Announce Partnership with the Mosaic Initiative at The Prince's Trust • Prince's Trust Mosaic". Prince's Trust Mosaic. 2019-04-25. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  31. Team, WATC Admin (2019-06-13). "Inspirational Women: Ella Spira & Pietra Mello-Pittman | Producers, Sisters Grimm Ltd". WeAreTheCity. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  32. "UAE based female producers awarded 'Member of the Order of the British Empire' on new year 2021 honors list". Campaign Middle East. 2021-01-05. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  33. "These producers in British Honors List write music at the Burj Khalifa". gulfnews.com. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  34. Saeed, Saeed (2020-06-21). "On World Music Day, we ask: is the genre simply another example of cultural appropriation?". The National. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  35. "Sisters Grimm Release Global Anthem 'Together Let Go' كلناواحدToday - Middle East Events". 2020-06-21. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  36. Woman, Global (2021-02-22). "The Tale of the Sisters Grimm". Global Woman Magazine. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  37. Bedirian, Razmig (2021-03-25). "Sisters Grimm to auction 50 artworks created in the UAE to mark the country's golden jubilee". The National. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  38. Arabia, Eye of (2020-12-02). "'United' – the Musical and Artistic Celebration of The Seven Emirates – Launches Today for UAE National Day | EYE OF ARABIA". Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  39. AlSadr, AHmed (2020-12-03). "{:en}United' - the Musical and Artistic Celebration of The Seven Emirates{:}{:ar}'الاتحاد' – عمل موسيقي فني إبداعي احتفاءً بالإمارات السبع{:}". Dubai Global News (in العربية). Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  40. "Grammy-nominated composer from Gloucester receives MBE - Business & Innovation Magazine". 2020-12-31. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  41. Rabinowitz, Chloe. "Theatre/Dance Producers Sisters Grimm Receive MBEs for Services to International Trade and the Creative Industry". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  42. "UAE based female producers awarded 'Member of the Order of the British Empire' on new year 2021 honors list". Campaign Middle East. 2021-01-05. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  43. Tascon, Adam (2021-03-30). "Sisters Grimm to auction 50 artworks marking UAE's Golden Jubilee Year". Magzoid - Luxury Magazine Leading the Creative Space of MENA Region | Art, Culture, Business, Industry Veterans, Fashion, Luxury, Lifestyle. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  44. Gillett, Katy (2021-03-04). "'Windows of the Mind': Sisters Grimm launch new single and music video featuring artworks by UAE youth". The National. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  45. "Sisters Grimm Launch 'UAE Art In Nature' For World Wildlife Day | Go Green - A Cyber Gear initiative for living a green lifestyle". 2021-01-19. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  46. "World Wildlife Day – Windows Of The Mind Music Video And UAE Art In Nature Gallery Launched – UAE Today Blog". Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  47. Bedirian, Razmig (2021-03-25). "Sisters Grimm to auction 50 artworks created in the UAE to mark the country's golden jubilee". The National. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  48. Hassan, Rania. "Sisters Grimm Announce '50 for 50' Art Auction Marking". www.dubainewstyle.com. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  49. Tascon, Adam (2021-03-30). "Sisters Grimm to auction 50 artworks marking UAE's Golden Jubilee Year". Magzoid - Luxury Magazine Leading the Creative Space of MENA Region | Art, Culture, Business, Industry Veterans, Fashion, Luxury, Lifestyle. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  50. "Sisters Grimm to auction 50 artworks created in the UAE to mark the country's golden jubilee". GULF BIGNEWS English. 2021-03-25. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  51. "Love ballet? A theatrical spectacle is coming to the UAE in autumn". What's On. 2021-06-09. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  52. "Sisters Grimm Founders Announce Revolutionary Performing Arts Training Programme 'The Art Of Practice' – UAE Today Blog". Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  53. Rosky, Nicole. "Grammy-Nominated Sisters Grimm Showcases Multisensory Exhibition At Dubai Oper". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  54. "Sisters Grimm: 50 For 50 – magpie". Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  55. Rosky, Nicole. "Grammy-Nominated Sisters Grimm Showcases Multisensory Exhibition At Dubai Oper". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  56. "Dubai Opera, Sisters Grimm host multisensory show to mark 50 years". www.gulftoday.ae. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  57. ""50 FOR 50" FEATURING ELLA SPIRA MBE". Dubai Opera. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  58. Mehta, Somya. "A multisensory art series is celebrating UAE's 50th anniversary at Dubai Opera". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  59. Rodriguez, Maria A. "Dubai Opera and the Grimm sisters present multisensory performance to mark 50 years". www.virtual-opera.com. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  60. "Egyptian hip-hop artist DB Gad collaborates with Sisters Grimm on new single 'See Beyond'". Arab News. 2022-01-28. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  61. "Art In Nature-The Latest 2022 News". 2022-02-12. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  62. McMahon, Hayley (2022-02-10). "Fostering young Aussie's connection to nature through art". Novo News. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  63. "Sisters Grimm Art in Nature Australia | CAMD – Public Site". camd.org.au. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  64. Author, Guest (2022-02-01). "Australia Art in Nature". HEA Australia. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  65. "Calling on young artists in the Greater Shepparton region". Shepparton News. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  66. "Australia Art In Nature - On the Hunt for Aussie Kids Nature Artworks!". www.weekendnotes.com. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  67. "Australia Art in Nature: Calling For Art Submissions For Under 18s". www.ellaslist.com.au. Retrieved 2022-09-29.

External links[edit]


This article "Sisters Grimm" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Sisters Grimm. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.