This one day event is the conclusion of an 18 month artistic process that is The River Project. Lead artist Babis Alexiadis along with 16 other artists and 138 performers from Birmingham have worked together to create an installation, including film, dance and performance. Dance rehearsals and animation workshops have culminated in this exciting event that celebrates heritage and identity through dance.
The exhibition consists of screenings of new work, including the film with a soundtrack performed live by internationally acclaimed band Pram, live dance performances, a video installation of seven documentaries capturing the making of The River Project and a time-lapse video about Retort House – the exhibition venue – capturing its architectural beauty and historical character.
The River Project engaged with people from 7 diverse communities in Birmingham and created a film using dance as a storytelling technique to represent all voices from different age groups, ethnicities and genders. The participating individuals had the responsibility to choreograph a new dance piece with the assistance of a professional choreographer and dancers. The theme of the film is based on the participants’ experience in understanding dance and using it as a form of expression to tell their own stories.
For the lead artist Babis Alexiadis each group represents a river, embracing its shape, characteristics, colour and surroundings. As nature commands, the small rivers stream into a bigger river; this culturally and characteristically integrated river is Birmingham.
Following the journey of the The River Project, it was clear that the quality of the work created and the participant’s achievements and commitment deserved a public presentation and celebration.
For more information visit http://theriverproject.co.uk/
