We are thrilled to welcome Hazaud Regis Gnaly, Paloma Jacob-Duvernet and Paul Armfield to the StoneCrabs Theatre Board!
Hazaud Regis Gnaly is a marketing analyst with specific expertise in data visualization, marketing automation, digital marketing and campaign strategy. Working as a data expert across industries such as ecommerce, data centres, events and more recently entertainment, makes his insights extremely valuable to StoneCrabs. Founder of Hazaud Media, Hazaud brings his love for data, creativity and the art together to help businesses of all sizes with their data requirements. On his appointment, he says:
“Life is all about perspectives. I am very excited to join such an organisation with a clear passion and drive to share those untold stories. See you at work.”
Paloma Jacob-Duvernet is an alumni of StoneCrabs’ 2019/21 Young Directors Programme (now Directors In Practice Programme). She crossed the Channel to study at Central Saint Martins and started off as a stage designer for dance, circus and theatre productions. Not long after graduating, she resumed her acting training and joined the London School of Dramatic Art. Rich from her experience as a designer and along with her acting skills, Paloma embarked on her director debut in 2018, with Medea (Camden Fringe – Cockpit Theatre, Reading Fringe Festival and Brighton Fringe – Purple Playhouse) the first production of her theatre company Wretched Strangers. More recently, she directed her adaptation of Secret Thoughts by David Lodge at Southwark Playhouse as part of StoneCrabs Young Directors Festival – Playdoh. Paloma says:
“StoneCrabs is a beautiful representation of diversity and joy in the theatre landscape. I had the wonderful opportunity to be part of their Young Directors Programme and now feel very privileged to carry on this adventure as a trustee. I feel I have found my theatre tribe!”
After several years in revolutionary Eastern Europe, Birmingham born Paul Armfield returned to his teenage home of the Isle of Wight in the mid-90s to get married and raise two fantastic children. Playing various instruments, singing, writing literate songs, releasing records, and touring regularly around Europe, Paul has managed to balance his musical career with other jobs in the arts – 20 years in the book trade managing a book store and several years as an arts centre manager. Now back in the book trade working with the publisher (Medina Publishing) that put out StoneCrabs’ fantastic Out On An Island book, Paul continues to programme and manage a broad range of cultural events, make music, and enjoy a nice side-line in linocut art. He says:
“Since my first encounter with StoneCrabs as they developed The Trial at Quay Arts where I was manager at the time, I’ve been incredibly impressed with their inclusive energy, good humour and sense of purpose; working with them on the Out On An Island project has only reinforced those first impressions. When I met more of ‘the family’ at the Out On An Island launch in London, I became aware of just how important and widespread their legacy was, the importance of shining light on untold stories seemed deeply instilled in everyone. Consequently I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been invited to sit on the board, hitching a ride on this inspiring journey. I’ll endeavour to do what I can to help ensure the continuation, development and promotion of such great work, but selfishly I’m very much hoping some of that brilliance, drive and professionalism will rub off on me.”
Of the appointment of these three new trustees, Fabio Santos (StoneCrabs Theatre Executive Director – Joint CEO) Said:
“We are immensely excited to have these three brilliant people joining our Board. StoneCrabs is committed to diversify the industry at all levels including in leadership and governance, and to have two very talented young people becoming Trustees of the organisation, makes us very proud. Paloma has recently completed our Young Directors programme and is very active in the theatre scene. She brings an array of industry knowledge that will be immensely valuable to us. Hazaud is an experienced Marketing Analyst and a young Entrepreneur passionate about the arts and in helping cultural organisations be the best they can. His experience will be crucial to our work.
And finally, we are extremely happy to have Paul, an experienced artist, arts manager and book aficionado joining us as our first Isle of Wight Trustee. Paul’s knowledge of – and passion for – the arts scene on the Isle of Wight, will be crucial in supporting the work that StoneCrabs develops locally.”
Dr. Almiro Andrade (Chair of the StoneCrabs Theatre Board) added:
“It is with immense pleasure that the StoneCrabs Theatre Board of Trustees welcomes Hazaud Regis, Paloma and Paul as our newest members. Their passion, creativity and incredible talents are paramount for our development and in the next steps StoneCrabs Theatre is taking towards a more solid and robust future; shining light on even more untold stories that will reach stages across the UK and beyond, through the several projects we support.”