Jan 2017 | LIGHTING UP LIBRARIES AFTER HOURS
Following our performance of our site-specific commission, Illuminate, at Manchester Central Library in the autumn, we are touring extracts from the production to three local libraries in Manchester on a three night winter tour.
Between Weds 31 Jan and Fri 2 Feb, we’ll be taking dance into Longsight Library, North City Library and Wythenshawe Forum Library as they open their doors for a very special after-hours performance.
As an adapted version of the show, a smaller company of six dancers will make the libraries their stage for the performances. Audiences can look forward to seeing libraries transformed through dance as they go on a journey of four scenes in four different spaces around the different library buildings.
Kevin Edward Turner, our Co-Artistic Director and Director of Illuminate, said “Our biggest commission to date, Illuminate at Manchester Central Library was without a doubt one of the most exciting projects we’ve undertaken. We’re delighted to be given the opportunity to take extracts from the production into different communities in Manchester through local libraries. We hope to give people a new and exciting experience of dance to remember.”
Inspired by key themes that underpin literature, Illuminate will feature stories of tragedy, love, power and relationships, through inspiring and original dance and movement.
Scenes include ‘Voyage and Return’, based on the notion of a soldier going to war, experiencing it and returning home. ‘Rags to Riches’, exploring the value of female beauty and the battle of men between men to gain riches, power and status; and ‘Tragedy’, which delves into the idea that the things that divide and disconnect us are tragic.
In what promises to be an alternative experience of local libraries, Illuminate is taking place as part of the Creative Spaces programme, which celebrates Manchester’s local libraries as spaces where you can enjoy arts and culture on your doorstep for free. #McrCreativeSpaces.
After each of the performances, there will be a post-show discussion with Company Chameleon.
All performances are FREE but booking is essential as tickets are limited.
We will be sharing live updates of the performances on social media over the performances, so do follow us on twitter, Facebook and Instagram for coverage. You can also keep up-to-date via Manchester Libraries on twitter and Facebook.
BOOKING & INFO
Manchester Libraries and Company Chameleon present
Illuminate
Weds 31 Jan, 7pm, Longsight Library
Thurs 1 Feb, 7pm, North City Library
Fri 2 Feb, 7pm, Wythenshawe Forum Library
Free, booking essential.Book a ticket on the Reception Desk at your local library or book here.
