Looking to the future to remember Stephen Lawrence
Afrofuturism theatre, robotic swans performing on water, and aerial performances have been announced in a festival which marks 30 years since Stephen Lawrence was murdered.
UK and international artists are being brought together with a programme of outdoor theatre, performance, art, dance and circus in iconic public spaces across London.
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival (GDFI) has announced its first, free events, all inspired by acts of hope.
Events include the world premiere of The Architect, a theatrical journey on a London bus infused with the experiences of black Londoners across the three decades since the murder of teenager Stephen Lawrence in Eltham in 1993.
This celebration of the memory of Stephen will be presented in support of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation.
Jessica Neil, chief executive of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation said: “The Architect is a powerful example of how storytelling can create empathy, understanding and hope in communities, and we are so proud that Stephen’s legacy is being supported.”
GDFI’s programme also includes an Afrofuturism inspired circus extravaganza.
Ancient Futures is an intergalactic Afrofuturist party that blends circus, music and dance inspired by West African folklore.
An aerial performance on the streets of London, The Air Between Us, has been created by disabled artist Rodney Bell and dancer Chloe Loftus and Loomaland’s Cygnus showcases a poetic light installation that will see illuminated, animatronic swans perform a mesmerising water ballet.
Bradley Hemmings, GDIF artistic director said: “This year’s festival theme of acts of hope invites us to come together through free outdoor arts and reflect on hope as a unifying language.
Artists and participants have created stunning new productions which explore the possibilities of active, change-making hope.
“As well as offering illuminating perspectives on the world as it could be, artists across the festival will be transforming
familiar public spaces into creative arenas; places in which audiences can come together and share in a spirt of optimism and celebration.”
The GDIF will take place between August 25 and September 10.
Picture: Ancient Futures Picture: creativepowerr
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