Bloomsbury Festival 2021 by Bloomsbury Festival

2021: SHINING LIGHT

A world-class festival from a local community

bloomsburyfestival.org.uk

bloomsburyfestival.org.uk ● Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online 3pm-9pm daily ● Call 0203 280 6905 BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL FESTIVAL PATRONS Her Grace The Duchess of Bedford The Rt Hon Keir Starmer QC MP

FESTIVAL TRUSTEES Professor Maurice Biriotti (Chair)

Kate Anderson

Stella Bruzzi

Tim Coker

Joe Hancock

Gill Henderson

Nicole Logan

Nick Potter

John Robinson Abigail Tan

FESTIVAL TEAM Festival Director

Rosemary Richards

Artistic Associates

Bill Gee and Orit Azaz

Senior Programme Manager

John-Paul Muir

Programme Development Managers

Avni Patel & Nicole Atkinson

Cultural Heritage Project Manager

Junna Begum

Programme Associate Lia Prentaki Operations Manager

Melanie Wilson

Production Managers

Jonathan Bartlett & Jessica Hudsley

Marketing Manager

Claire Bowdler

Press and PR

Mobius PR

Designer Gillian Allmark Festival Administrator

Nicole Atkinson

Finance Mark Sands Digital Production

Ed Borgnis & Bobby Williams

ACE DYCP placement

Kristoffer Huball

Box Office Hannah Alexander Volunteer Manager

Catriona Strojwas

Intern Erienne Younsi

What is Light - The Knowledge Quarter (see pg 31)

Welcome 2021: Shining Light The 2021 theme Shining Light was conceived in the dark days of winter lockdown. It drew inspiration from the Festival’s Creative Lab over the winter of 2019-2020 where a team of artists, academics and local people gathered to share ideas for creating ever greater links between local communities. Our response is to shine light across these parallel divides, highlighting the cultures of our residents, the work of our institutions and universities, and celebrating outstanding talent of all types. We are grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for enabling us to work with the Bangladeshi community locally and mark the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Bangladesh. The festival in 2021 has so much to offer to everyone, from outdoor family events to outstanding classical concerts. We would particularly like to welcome new partners the London Handel Festival who share their prize-winners recital with us. We have inspirational exhibitions from arts and science partners, unmissable outdoor events including our Festival opening in Cromer Street – Lights, Banners, Tigers, and the Store Street Feast. We are also

delighted to present a ‘takeover’ event, indoors and in the piazza, at the British Library. Our New Wave programme offers opportunities to emerging artist and talent in Bloomsbury. An exhibition of the joint winners of our annual Fine Art Competition will be on display throughout the Festival. We have introduced a new Theatre Writing Scheme supporting the work of 5 aspiring playwrights in their first steps into professional theatre, We have also recruited five paid local trainees to work as part of our heritage project.

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Thank you to all our partners and in particular our core sponsors and funders, UCL, Bedford Estates, University of London, Central District Alliance (the Bloomsbury BID), and SHM Foundation, along with our numerous other partners, supporters, sponsors and venues across Bloomsbury. We hope you enjoy our immensely varied programme of events and exhibitions.

Rosemary Richards Festival Director

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme, occasionally changes may occur that are beyond our control, including updates to government guidelines. The programme is correct at time of printing check bloomsburyfestival.org.uk for updates. Cover photograph: Bloomsbury Festival by Christian Fisher.

How can a single spark ignite change?

Bishop & Sewell is proud to support Bloomsbury Festival 2021 Beautifully straightforward legal advice

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LOCAL, GLOBAL, INSPIRING

From dance challenges in Kenya to home-like therapy spaces in Sri Lanka, find out how the determination of a few caring people is reshaping mental health care around the world. Search for Sparks of Care in your favourite podcast app

A podcast mini-series from

Bloomsbury Festival is a small charitable organisation bringing big ideas to the fore. Uniting world-leading academics and artists with local people, Bloomsbury Festival is a cultural event with a mission – to enhance lives, provide opportunities, alongside putting on one of the capital’s most fascinating, playful and intriguing programmes of events. Each year we need to raise £200,000. We rely on the generosity of individual supporters to help us reach this target and as little as £5 can make a difference.

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Information PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS

FREE AND TICKETED EVENTS

Bloomsbury Festival 2021 has been planned and programmed to ensure events are safe and engaging. The safety of our audiences, participants, artists, partners and staff is paramount.

Over 60% of the Festival is FREE.

This programme includes our current plans which may be subject to change dependent on government restrictions and social distancing requirements.

DIGITAL EVENTS We aim to present all Bloomsbury Festival events live, but responding to current conditions we will also present some of the programme digitally. Look out for the digital symbol throughout the brochure, which indicates when an event will be available to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. We currently plan to hold most of our events in person, however should guidelines change we reserve the right to change events to digital online presentations.

LIVE EVENTS Live events, including our outdoor programme, will adhere to the latest guidance and be stewarded for audiences and participants reassurance.

BOX OFFICE: bloomsburyfestival.org.uk Advanced booking until 2 hours before the event

INFORMATION LINE: 0203 280 6905

FREE - Just turn up events do not require tickets. These events will be stewarded. FREE - but pre-booking essential is applicable for many events that have limited capacities.

CONCESSIONS £2 off where ticket prices are over £5 (under 16s, full time students, unemployed, disabled people).

ACCESS Information is available from venue websites or from admin@bloomsburyfestival.org.uk

THE WEATHER Our outdoor events will continue whatever the weather, unless safety is compromised.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK Look out for feedback forms at Festival events or fill in our online survey afterwards – we’d love to know what you think.

Please check bloomsburyfestival.org.uk for the most up-to-date information.

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Map & Locations 1. The Art Worker’s Guild 6 Queen Square, WC1N 3AT 2. Bedford Square Garden Bedford Square, WC1B 3ES 3. Bramber Green Judd Street, WC1H 8JS 4. The British Library 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB 5. Brunei Gallery, SOAS Thornhaugh Street, WC1H 0XG 6. Brunswick Square Gardens WC1N 7. Community Garden Junction of Cromer Street/Harrison Street 8. Conway Hall 25 Red Lion Square, WC1R 4RL SPECIAL EVENT (Fri 15 Oct): 9. Cromer Street WC1H 10. The Crypt Gallery Euston Road (Entrance in Duke’s Rd), NW1 2BA 11. The Foundling Museum 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ

12. The Grant Museum of Zoology UCL Rockerfeller Building, 21 University Street, WC1E 6DE

23. RADA Studios 16 Chenies Street, WC1E 7EX

13. The Harrison Pub 28 Harrison Street, King’s Cross WC1H 8JF

DISCOVERY HUB (Fri 22 & Sat 23 Oct): 24. Senate House, University of London Malet Street, WC1E 7HU

14. Holborn House 35 Emerald St, London WC1N 3QW

25. Spaghetti House Gallery 20 Sicilian Ave, London WC1A 2QD

15. Holy Cross Church 98 Cromer Street, WC1H 8JU

26. St George’s Bloomsbury Bloomsbury Way, WC1A 2SA

16. Lansdowne Terrace WC1N

27. St George’s Gardens Heathcote Street, WC1N 2NU

17. London House, Goodenough College Mecklenburgh Square, WC1N 2AB

28. St Pancras Church Euston Road, NW1 2BA

18. London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT

SPECIAL EVENT (Friday 22 Oct): 29. Store Street WC1E

19. Lumen URC 88 Tavistock Place, WC1H 9RS 20. The Music Room 49 Great Ormond Street, WC1N 3HZ 21. October Gallery 24 Old Gloucester Street, WC1N 3AL 22. Pushkin House 5a Bloomsbury Square, WC1A 2TA

30. Swedenborg House 20 - 21 Bloomsbury Way, WC1A 2TH 31. Wellcome Collection 183 Euston Road, NW1 2BE Pin positions are approximate - please check exact venue locations on a detailed map.

bloomsburyfestival.org.uk ● Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online & FM 3pm-9pm daily ● Call 0203 280 6905

Ice Cream Van by Chila Kumari Singh Burman (Lights on in Cromer Street)

Throughout the Festival LIGHTS ON IN CROMER STREET CHILA KUMARI SINGH BURMAN

NEW WAVE: ART PRIZE 2021 - AZERI AGHAYEVA BAGHERI & NOORAIN INAM

A selection of neon artworks designed by Chila Kumari Singh Burman and curated for the Bloomsbury Festival. These neon sculptures bring light and reflections of South Asian culture into the autumn evenings.

A specially commissioned exhibition by the 2021 Bloomsbury Festival Art Competition winners, responding to the theme ‘Shining Light’.

Community Garden at junction of Cromer St/Harrison St Fri 15 - Sat 23 Oct, 6.30pm - 8.30pm FREE - Just Turn Up

Azeri Aghayeva Bagheri is a final year BA Fine Art student at the Slade, UCL, and Noorain Inam is also studying at the Slade for a Masters in Fine Art. A Bloomsbury Festival Production supported by The Bedford Estates, Spaghetti House Gallery, Sicilian Avenue

BENGAL TO CAMDEN This exhibition will tell the stories of migration from Bangladesh to Camden, through a unique collection of photos and archives from the community, gathered and presented by the young people of Bloomsbury and Kings Cross. Presented by Bloomsbury Festival in partnership with Kings Cross Brunswick Neighbourhood Association and Holborn Community Association. Curated by the community. Brunswick Square Gardens/ Lansdowne Terrace Railings Fri 15 - Sun 24 Oct FREE - Just Turn Up

EVENT TYPES:▐ EXHIBITIONS

Fri 15 - Sun 24 Oct, 12noon - 6pm FREE - Just Turn Up

WINDOWS OF THE SOUL A grassroots art exhibition conveying the visual experience of those living with sight loss. Paintings, sound recordings and tactile Braille art have been developed through collaboration with people living with a variety of eye conditions. Supported by the University College London and NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre. Lumen URC Fri 15 - Sat 23 Oct (closed Sun 17), 12noon - 6pm FREE - Just Turn Up

SERENADE ON SKIN In this multidisciplinary event, trained classical singer and actor, choir conductor and painter Tamar Geist seeks to challenge the traditional conventions of a music recital by exploring innovative intersections with her bodypainting works, singing and performance art. The exhibited works of art are accompanied by three themed recitals (see pages 25, 31 & 37) that explore stereotypes associated with the female voice, and challenge gender boundaries. The Crypt Gallery Wed 20 - Sat 23 Oct, 12noon - 5pm FREE - Just Turn Up

LOCKDOWN AND BEFORE Ram Shergill’s poignant photographs of Bloomsbury taken during the first 2020 lockdowns are contrasted by the vibrant images of the community captured during previous Bloomsbury Festivals. A specially commissioned outdoor exhibition by The Bedford Estates. Bedford Square Garden Fri 15 - Sun 24 Oct FREE - Just Turn Up

bloomsburyfestival.org.uk ● Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online & FM 3pm-9pm daily ● Call 0203 280 6905 LIGHT AND SHADE IN THE BLOOMSBURY GARDENS - NICK ANDREW An exploration of city green spaces from the perspective of a rural landscape painter. Nick has captured the present-day life of the garden squares in this leafy, atmospheric neighbourhood, visiting regularly, researching and drawing outdoors in a different public garden each time. Open Air Art Gallery presented by the Association of Bloomsbury Squares and Gardens. Various Bloomsbury Squares - full details online Fri 15 - Sun 24 Oct, all day; FREE - Just Turn Up

STROLLING THE BLOOMSBURY GARDENS WITH GRIFF RHYS JONES A virtual stroll around some of the leafy garden squares in Bloomsbury with local resident Griff Rhys Jones. Presented by The Association of Bloomsbury Squares and Gardens as a celebration of these historic green spaces. Online at bloomsburyfestival.org.uk Fri 15 - Sun 24 Oct; FREE online event

26 WRITERS IN RESIDENCE Members from award-winning writers’ group 26 will attend festival events daily to write creatively, engagingly and objectively about everything they see going on around them. A Bloomsbury Festival Commission. Published daily at bloomsburyfestival.org.uk Fri 15 - Sun 24 Oct

Serenade on Skin - Tamar Geist (see pg 9)

Throughout the Festival ON HAPPINESS A season of free events, activities and two exhibitions – Joy and Tranquillity – which celebrate the complexity of positive emotions.

COLLECTORS, CURATORS, CONNOISSEURS: A CENTURY OF THE ORIENTAL CERAMIC SOCIETY

Enjoy multi-sensory artworks and historic artefacts, and see how cultural, scientific and spiritual perspectives on happiness compare with your own point of view.

Over 100 rare objects dating back 3,000 years, recounting the rich 100-year history of the Oriental Ceramic Society. Includes ceramics, bronzes, jades, sculptures and works of art from some of the UK’s most outstanding collections.

Wellcome Collection and online

Brunei Gallery, SOAS

Fri 15 - Sun 24 Oct, times vary

Fri 15 - Sat 23 Oct (closed Sun & Mon), 11am - 5pm

FREE - but pre-booking is recommended

THE MICRARIUM AT THE GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY

THE NEW MAN IS A PROCESS: SOCIALIST POSTER ART IN MOZAMBIQUE

It’s often said that 95% of known animal species are smaller than your thumb, but have you noticed how most museums fill their displays with big animals? The Micrarium is a beautiful back-lit cave of 2,300 microscope slides giving a glimpse of the vast diversity of animal life, nearly all of which is minute.

The first UK exhibition of the vibrant graphic posters produced by the Mozambican Directorate of Press and Propaganda during the early years of independence. The works bear witness to the early socialist commitment of Frelimo Mozambique’s ruling party from independence (1975) to date.

Grant Museum of Zoology

Brunei Gallery, SOAS

Sat 16, Wed 20, Thur 21 & Sat 23 Oct, times vary

Fri 15 - Sat 23 Oct (closed Sun & Mon), 11am - 5pm

FREE - but pre-booking is essential

FREE - but pre-booking is recommended

FIGHTING TALK: ONE BOY’S JOURNEY FROM ABANDONMENT TO TRAFALGAR Explore the extraordinary life story of eighteenthcentury boy, George King, through his own words! From being left in the care of the Foundling Hospital to serving at the Battle of Trafalgar. Fighting Talk brings a new perspective to our understanding of Georgian society and the lives of its working-class citizens. The Foundling Museum Fri 15 - Sun 24 Oct (closed Mon), 10am - 5pm Tickets (admission includes collections and exhibitions): £10.50 (£8.25, under 21’s FREE)

SELF BY CHOICE - ART COLLABORATIF Immersive, interactive and participatory sound installation exploring the neuroscience of body image, self-worth and identity. Lumen URC Fri 15 - Sat 23 Oct (closed Sun), 12 noon - 6pm FREE - Just Turn Up

THE STORY OF SWEDENBORG IN 27 OBJECTS A new exhibition of 27 treasures from the Swedenborg collection exploring the life and legacy of Emanuel Swedenborg, with original items by William Blake, S T Coleridge, Helen Keller and more. Swedenborg House Fri 15 - Sun 24 Oct, 11am - 6pm FREE - Just Turn Up

EVENT TYPES:▐ TALKS, WALKS & TOURS ▐ EXHIBITIONS

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(above) Neon Tiger by Chila Kumari Singh Burman © Tate (Joe Humphrys) (right, top) Sohini Alam; photo by Rimon Khan (bottom) Kinetika flags; photo by Mike Johnston

Opening Event - Friday 15 October

Lights, Banners, Tigers Live on Cromer Street Bloomsbury Festival Production

Fiery spectacle, neon sculptures, light projections and more, herald the start of Bloomsbury Festival. Outdoors and indoors, on Cromer Street, we’ll be celebrating and showcasing local, global and inspiring arts, dance, music and people. Discover kinetic tigers, marvel at neon sculptures, enjoy a procession of Bengali silk banners, become immersed in a live video projection from street artist Mohammed Ali, and be enthralled by a spectacular fire and light marble run installation by the Bureau of Silly Ideas.

partnership with local organisations, alongside celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Bangladesh. With appearances from international arts companies Kinetika, Shademakers UK, and Arunima Kumar Dance.

Friday 15 Oct 6.30pm - 8.30pm FREE - Just Turn Up

This event shines a light on the local community and its many diverse cultures, and is presented in

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Friday 15 October

MUSIC AND PLACE ‘BELONGING’ NW LIVE ARTS A fantastic melee of different types of music from different cultures interlaced with poetry readings exploring the meaning of ‘belonging’ with Christina McMaster (piano), Attab Haddad (oud), Antonio Romero (percussion) Toby Carr (lute, theorbo, baroque guitar), In this programme, the musicians trace the fascinating history of the relationship between oud and lute, reimagine Bach, Satie and Ligeti in diverse ways and the whole ensemble sweeps us away with jazz and improvisation. At the same time, poets from Holborn Community Association and STAR students from Birkbeck University bring us powerful and beautiful writing stimulated by the thought of ‘belonging’. Live and Online from Conway Hall 7.30pm; Tickets: £12 (£10)

EVENT TYPES:▐ MUSIC

NW Live Arts

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16 16Radio Neighbourhood - Ghost and John curated by Sandra Lam

Saturday 16 October THE WEATHER MACHINE KATE FLATT PROJECTS

THE AMIES FREEDOM CHOIR - PAN INTERCULTURAL ARTS

A playful outdoor work for young children (ages 3+) and their families, where two witty characters make magic out of dance and weather - from the pitter patter of the lightest rain shower to the awesome howl of a storm, from footsteps in the snow to a joyful celebration of sunshine. Do the Weather Mechanicals control the weather or does the weather control them?

The award-winning Amies Freedom Choir is an ensemble for female survivors of human trafficking to come together and sing. Directed by Adwoa Dickson with co-musical director Anna Samant, the choir meets weekly in Bloomsbury to sing, create, perform and make recordings. The atmosphere is joyous and is a major element for participants to rebuild their lives and embrace new futures.

THE CINNAMON SHOP - KRĒAN(T)S

Bramber Green

Holy Cross Church

Inspired by the short stories of Bruno Schulz, The Cinnamon Shop explores memory, how memories are stored, re-experienced and how their vibrance is subject to degeneration and distortion over time, using a combination of physical performance, music and text.

1.15pm & 3.15pm; FREE - Just turn up

3pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

RADIO NEIGHBOURHOOD - GHOST AND JOHN, CURATED BY SANDRA LAM

MINNIE LANSBURY AND THE POPLAR RATES REBELLION 100 YEARS ON

An outdoor dance drama for families (ages 3+) that explores people arriving in a new community and humanity’s desire for the ideal society. You will be able to enjoy the show in the gardens, from your home through windows or from the balcony with sound and music broadcast over radio.

Why, one hundred years ago, were Minnie Lansbury and so many of her fellow Poplar councillors sent to prisons?

FAMILY ART DAY AT OCTOBER GALLERY October Gallery Education runs monthly Family Art day sessions for children (ages up to 7) and their families. This extra special session for Bloomsbury Festival will respond to the current exhibition. October Gallery 10am - 11.30am FREE - Limited capacity, first-come, first-served

The Studio Theatre, RADA Studios & online 1pm; Tickets: £8 (£6)

NEW WAVE LUNCHTIME CONCERT: CHARLIE LOVELL-JONES (VIOLIN) & ARIEL LANYI (PIANO) Charlie Lovell-Jones and Ariel Lanyi perform two sonatas by Brahms and Strauss, exploring warmth, melancholy, and heroism in late 19th Century Germany.

Bramber Green 2pm; FREE - Just turn up

Presented by the George Lansbury Memorial Trust,

WILLIAM BLAKE’S VISION FOR A NEW JERUSALEM IN KINGS CROSS

The Music Room & online

Explore the hidden history of Kings Cross that was central to William Blake’s vision of a New Jerusalem with poet Aidan Andrew Dun, the current Voice of Kings Cross, in a long line of eminent poets. Prepare to be inspired.

1pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

Walk begins at Kings Cross Station

Presented by Bloomsbury Festival as part of the New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.

A talk accompanying the theatre production I, Minnie Lansbury (see pg 19). The expert panel at this seminar will explore how, why and with what consequences the Poplar Rates Rebellion came about. Studio 2, RADA Studios 3pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

2pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

EVENT TYPES:▐ TALKS, WALKS & TOURS ▐ MUSIC ▐ PERFORMANCE & FILM ▐ FAMILY

bloomsburyfestival.org.uk ● Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online & FM 3pm-9pm daily ● Call 0203 280 6905 HCA SUMMER FILM PROJECT 2021 SCREENING An event to celebrate the short narrative film produced by a group of 14-21 year olds on Holborn Community Associations’ Summer Film Project 2021 in partnership with London Transport Museum. Shot on original transport artifacts and inspired by stories of the people that have lived and travelled in the city. The event includes a screening of their behind-the-scenes film, a photography exhibition and a Q&A with the filmmakers. Holborn House 4pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

DANCING, TALKING, TABOO! - PASCAL THEATRE COMPANY Women’s stories, collected during lockdown, are told through voice and dance by Pascal Theatre Company and The Place Contemporary Dance School in these promenade performances in St Pancras Church and gardens. St Pancras Church Performance slots at 3pm, 3.30pm, 4pm & 4.30pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

(above) States of Mind - Extant and Christopher Hunter; (right) The Amies Freedom Choir - Pan Intercultural Arts (see pg 17)

Saturday 16 October

I, MINNIE LANSBURY - BACKSTORY ENSEMBLE PRODUCTIONS LTD A new one act play commissioned by The George Lansbury Memorial Trust about The Poplar Councillor’s Revolt of 1921. The Council refused to levy what they viewed as a grossly unjust rate set by London County Council and as a result were held in contempt. Thirty Councillors, including five women were jailed. Minnie Lansbury was one of them. This is the story of her imprisonment and appalling treatment in Holloway.

SOAS CONCERT SERIES PRESENT: CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BANGLADESH WITH KHIYO AND SPECIAL GUESTS British-Bengali band Khiyo will be joined on the stage by Sahana Bajpaie to perform an array of Bengali songs and eclectic music, in celebration of fifty years of the existence of Bangladesh. Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre and online 7pm; £10 (£5)

The Studio Theatre, RADA Studios & online

STATES OF MIND - EXTANT AND CHRISTOPHER HUNTER States of Mind penetrates the dark heart of Shakespeare’s sensationally successful poem, Venus and Adonis. Extant, the UK’s leading company of visually impaired artists, present a compelling exploration of erotic power in this contemporary reimagining of the poem by Christopher Hunter. The Studio Theatre, RADA Studios & online 8.30pm; £12 (£10)

5pm; £12 (£10)

EVENT TYPES:▐ MUSIC ▐ PERFORMANCE & FILM

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(centre) Arunima Kumar Dance Company by Simon Richardson

Sunday 17 October

Bangladesh 50 at the British Library A Celebration Bloomsbury Festival Production

Join us in a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Bangladesh as we throw a spotlight on Bengali culture with music, dance, street food, talks, outdoor light projections and screenings.

A programme of talks and screening will take place from 1.30pm-4.30pm and further details will be announced at bloomsburyfestival.org.uk.

On the anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh we are hosting a unique event with activities and performances for all ages and for all communities. Presented at the British Library in partnership with the Bloomsbury Festival and Camden Mela, and taking place in the outdoor piazza and indoor foyer spaces, entertainment will include Mela performers, high profile speakers, Bangladeshi food, poetry, film screenings and projections.

4.30pm - 8pm

Sunday 17 Oct FREE - Just Turn Up This event will also be live streamed

bloomsburyfestival.org.uk ● Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online & FM 3pm-9pm daily ● Call 0203 280 6905

Women Going Out for a Walk at Night (acrylic and ink on canvas, 2020), Noorain Inam

Sunday 17 October PLAY ANIMAL DETECTIVE IN BLOOMSBURY A fun and educational walk with Camden Tour Guides Association. While the kids enjoy spotting the animals hidden in the most unusual places, the grown-ups will learn about the history of this fascinating neighbourhood. Especially suitable for children from ages 4 to 10 and adults. Starts outside Russell Square Underground 11am; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

BLOOMSBURY - A MUSLIM HISTORY TOUR

HOLD/FALLING - CREATED A MONSTER Anime-inspired physical theatre piece about Kill, a young man who wakes up in Dead Yard and passes through the Nine Nights when his soul is allowed to roam and exact revenge. The Studio Theatre, RADA Studios & online 1pm; Tickets: £8 (£6)

FROM THE LAND OF THE CITY OF LIGHT: SOME BLOOMSBURY FRENCH CONNECTIONS

From prayer places to plaques. Where is the hidden gem of Britain’s oldest connection to Islam? Where did the Turkish Bath sign direct to? Join AbdulMaalik Tailor to unearth some of Bloomsbury’s many secrets.

The name Bloomsbury is of French origin, and France has had some significant influence on Bloomsbury figures. This guided walk withCamden Tour Guide Paul Guest focuses on nine famous English speakers and one institution, all connected with Bloomsbury and France.

Starts outside Holborn Underground

Starts outside Goodge Street Underground

11am; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

2pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

HOLBORN’S HEROES A unique guided walk around the south part of Bloomsbury by Camden Tour Guide, Chris Foster, who was a Bobby on the Beat in the area fifty years ago. Chris will entertain you with a mix of fascinating historical facts and amusing stories. Starts outside Russell Square Underground 11.30am; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

ALICE IN FLATLAND - BUNKUM ENSEMBLE A young girl floats on a mattress in the middle of the sea. Through this landscape, the bizarre inhabitants of ‘Flatland’ appear, bringing new light and life to the flat vastness she experiences. An absurd theatrical piece created by the Bunkum Ensemble. The Studio Theatre, RADA Studios & online 4.30pm; Tickets: £8 (£6)

THE ART OF BLOOMSBURY VIRTUAL TOUR Bloomsbury has long attracted artistic talent, and is home to the Slade, one of Britain’s greatest art schools in UCL. In this virtual tour with Richard Cohen, you will see some of the treasures housed within University College and visit the homes of the great writers, artists and intellectuals of the Bloomsbury Group. Online event 6pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

A MODERN VIEW OF ANCIENT IRELAND ROBERT FINEGAN (SAXOPHONE) & TARA VISCARDI (HARP) Journey through the history, culture and music of Ireland from early folk music to new works using modern technology. Includes a new set of three works commissioned by Robert Finegan for saxophone and electronics, based on the theme of ‘A Modern View of Ancient Ireland’. Art Workers’ Guild 7pm; Tickets: £8 (£6)

OURSELVES - GOODENOUGH THEATRE COMPANY Two friends participate in an experiment that delves deep into their memories. As they recount their subtly different versions of the past, revelations arise that lead them to see each other, and their own selves, in a new light. The Studio Theatre, RADA Studios & online 8pm; Tickets: £12 (£10)

EVENT TYPES:▐ TALKS, WALKS & TOURS ▐ MUSIC ▐ PERFORMANCE & FILM

bloomsburyfestival.org.uk ● Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online & FM 3pm-9pm daily ● Call 0203 280 6905 LIGHTHOUSE OF ILLUSIONS Ten new piano pieces by ten composers from all around the globe, performed by pianist, composer, and creative producer, Marisa Muñoz-López, and accompanied by specially created illusions by magician Markhele. Chancellor’s Hall, Senate House and online 1pm; Tickets: £5

THE ART OF BLOOMSBURY Bloomsbury has long attracted artistic talent, and is home to the Slade, one of Britain’s greatest art schools in UCL. In this guided walk with Richard Cohen, you will see some of the treasures housed within University College and visit the homes of the great writers, artists and intellectuals of the Bloomsbury Group. Starts at Tottenham Court Road Underground 2pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

WONDERFUL WOMEN OF NORTH BLOOMSBURY This walk with Camden Tour Guides Association will leave you inspired, humbled and smiling about the achievements and antics of these Bloomsbury women, from writers like Virginia Woolf to Egyptologists like Amelia Edwards, bookshop sellers like Una Dhillon to fantastically brave spies such as Noor Inayat Khan. Starts at East entrance of Tavistock Square 2pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

Kinza Portrait by Louise Gunn © Studio Lou (Light up LSHTM - see pg 31)

Wednesday 20 October ON THE TRAIL OF ALIENS IN 1930s BLOOMSBURY Join a guided tour of the sites which drew refugees from Nazi Europe to 1930s Bloomsbury, illustrated by voices and images from the exile archives of the Institute of Modern Languages Research at Senate House Library, University of London. ‘Based on work by the Research Centre for German & Austrian Studies. Starts at Senate House (cloisters) 3.30pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

OPHELIA’S RESURRECTION TAMAR GEIST In this pop-up recital on the opening night of Tamar’s exhibition Serenades on Skin (pg 9), she inhabits the iconic character of Shakespeare’s Ophelia in an immersive performance of songs by Brahms, Strauss, Heggie and Gavrillin. The music intertwines with Tamar’s ethereal paintings that use her own body as a canvas.

HOW TO ENJOY ART WITH BEN STREET

PROMISED LAND - SAKSI BISOU

Ben Street – author of How to Enjoy Art: A Guide for Everyone – debunks the idea that specialist knowledge is needed to understand and appreciate art, and shows us that anyone can encounter any work of art and find some resonance with their own experiences.

An immersive theatre experience that questions the things we have destroyed and created as a human race, and the things that grow after ruin. A night of poetry, song, story and catharsis - a contemporary ritual for our times of change.

The Art Workers’ Guild

7.30pm; Tickets: £8 (£6)

Holy Cross Church & online

7pm; Tickets: £5

ALTERNATIVE KINGS CROSS AND BLOOMSBURY - VIRTUAL TOUR Enjoy a light-hearted meander along some of the Dickensian back streets of Kings Cross & north Bloomsbury from the comfort of your own home, with Camden Tour Guide Chris Foster, who was a Bobby on the Beat in this area fifty years ago. Online event 7pm (also 2pm, Sat 23 Oct - see page 35) FREE - but pre-booking is essential

The Crypt Gallery 6pm; Tickets: £8 (£6)

A PLAY UPON WORDS

LONDON/LONDRE: INVISIBLE CITY UNDONE THEATRE

From the team that brought you I, Dido a world premier of a new play by Bloomsbury playwright Non Vaughan-O’Hagan. A comic exploration of the power of words – and how to ride a bicycle.

Following the steps of controversial Italian activist Mario Mieli, queer artist Gabriele Uboldi embarks on a digital and site-specific journey to 1970s LGBTQ+ London.

St George’s Bloomsbury 7.30pm (also 21 - 23 Oct); Tickets: £12 (£10)

Online and at Bloomsbury Radio 7pm; FREE online/radio event

EVENT TYPES:▐ TALKS, WALKS & TOURS ▐ MUSIC ▐ PERFORMANCE & FILM

bloomsburyfestival.org.uk ● Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online & FM 3pm-9pm daily ● Call 0203 280 6905

Bloomsbury Festival 2019, photograph by Stuart Keegan

Thursday 21 October MUCK AND EPIDEMICS IN THE MID-C19: THE SHINING LIGHT OF PUBLIC HEALTH REFORM

YOUNG VOICES AND THE ESSAY FILM BIRKBECK INSTITUTE FOR THE MOVING IMAGE

Brian Turner of the Camden Tour Guides Association shines a light on people and places associated with an extraordinary episode in public health reform: the wide ranging, revolutionary, response of the state and the voluntary sector to the squalor and epidemics of mid-C19 London.

With special guests, Young Voices and the Essay Film will present a selection of essay films made by young filmmakers over the course of the pandemic. The screenings will be followed by a Q&A and discussion with the young filmmakers.

Walk begins at LSHTM (Malet St entrance)

Online at Collaborate (Birkbeck Institute for the Moving Image online platform)

11am; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

5pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

NEW WAVE LUNCHTIME CONCERT: SIYU SUN (PIANO)

WALK IN THE STEPS OF VENERABLE MAGDALEN TAYLOR

Song-inspired, heartfelt, poetic piano music from the wonders of Schubert and Liszt.

A guided walk with Sr Mary Kenefick and Paul Shaw, following the steps of Venerable Magdalen Taylor, who visited the homes of the poor, helping the women to be home makers, set up evening classes for women, guilds for teenagers and addressed all social needs.

Presented by Bloomsbury Festival as part of the New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent. The Music Room & online 1pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

Walk begins at junction of Percy Street/Tottenham Court Road 5.30pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

NO. 12 GREAT ORMOND STREET: THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF DORA FABIAN AND MATHILDE WURM Online talk by Charmian Brinson of the Research Centre for German & Austrian Exile Studies, on the lives of German anti-Nazi activists, Dora Fabian and Mathilde Wurm and the circumstances surrounding their deaths at 12 Great Ormond Street in 1935. Online event 5pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

365 DAYS & MORE - SONGEUN CHOI & LEAH PARK A whole four seasons have passed with online resources being our only window to reality. This concert experience reflects on what once would have been our daily life, each piece representing the change through each season. Chancellor’s Hall, Senate House 6pm; Tickets: £5

H IS FOR HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT Over 2020-21 artist Edwin Mingard and researcher Keren Weitzberg made a collaborative artists film with a network of people who had first hand experience of the UK’s Hostile Environment policies. Join them for this cast and crew screening followed by a discussion on the issues raised and the role of art in processes of social change. Pushkin House 6.30pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

MAGIC LANTERN SHOW WITH CHLOE ARIDJIS Drawing on lantern slides held in the Swedenborg Society’s historic archive, novelist and current writer-in-residence Chloe Aridjis will weave new narratives and stories to long forgotten images and events. Swedenborg House 7pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

A PLAY UPON WORDS (See page 25) St George’s Bloomsbury and online 7.30pm (also 20, 22 & 23 Oct); Tickets £12 (£10)

AN EVENING WITH NOBODY’S JIG A varied programme of 17th and 18th century folk music from across the UK, Ireland, and central Europe, from the music of the early Irish blind harpers to the songs of the 17th century French court. Nobody’s Jig are Victoria Hodgkinson (voice), Sergio Bucheli (lute) and Tara Viscardi (harp). The Harrison Pub and online 8pm; Tickets: £12 (£10)

EVENT TYPES:▐ TALKS, WALKS & TOURS ▐ MUSIC ▐ PERFORMANCE & FILM

bloomsburyfestival.org.uk ● Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online & FM 3pm-9pm daily ● Call 0203 280 6905

(top right) Bloomsbury Festival; (bottom right) Store Street © Bedford Estates; (bottom left) Akimbo

Special Event - Friday 22 October

Store Street Feast Dance and Music on the menu of this unique street Bloomsbury Festival Production

A feast of an event on Store Street. Enjoy a long Friday lunch as this unique street of independent cafés, shops and restaurants, gets the Bloomsbury Festival feel with toetapping lunchtime entertainment.

Friday 22 Oct 12pm - 3pm FREE - Just Turn Up

Only a stones throw from the West End, Store Street is a hidden gem with a very special local flavour. For one afternoon only, Bloomsbury Festival invites you to enjoy dance and music from around the globe, discover unexpected artistic enchantments inside the independent shops along the street, and sample an array of delights as we enjoy a traffic-free afternoon of fun and food.

bloomsburyfestival.org.uk ● Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online & FM 3pm-9pm daily ● Call 0203 280 6905 FROM SOANE TO SLOANE - AN ENLIGHTENED STROLL A guided walk with Keith Turpin, exploring the concept of Enlightenment thinking in the Bloomsbury area through the lives, works and locations associated with Sir John Soane and Sir Hans Sloane (amongst others!) Walk starts at Holborn Underground 11am; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

NEW WAVE LUNCHTIME CONCERT: THE SPIRITUAL IN SONGS CLARA BARBIER SERRANO Three very different approaches to the search for spirituality in song with Debussy’s Ariettes oubliées, Schönberg’s Four songs op.2 and Barber’s Hermit Songs. Presented by Bloomsbury Festival as part of the New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent. The Music Room & online 1pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

One Paradise, One Humanity - Dr Francisco Diego

Friday 22 October WONDERFUL WOMEN OF SOUTH BLOOMSBURY

SCHUBERT’S WINTER JOURNEY REIMAGINED - TAMAR GEIST

A PLAY UPON WORDS

This walk with Camden Tour Guides Association brings us in contact with stories of many amazing women. Those that established the first College for Women, a philanthropic endeavour to support the poorer women and children of the area with their education and play and women fighting for their place in medical careers.

In this pop-up recital linked to Tamar’s exhibition Serenades on Skin (see page 9), Schubert’s most melancholic cycle Die Winterreisse is recrafted as an immersive audio-visual journey. Interweaving moving images and stop-motion animation, body art and singing, Tamar envelops the otherworldly corridors of the Crypt.

St George’s Bloomsbury

Starts at Russell Square Underground Station

The Crypt Gallery

2pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

6pm; Tickets: £8 (£6)

THE HUMAN ELEMENT OF CLIMATE

WINDOWS OF THE SOUL MEET THE TEAM SYMPOSIUM

The world of environmentalism and climate action may often be perceived to be restricted and constrained. The UCL Climate Action Society aims to shine light on the areas, not only focused on climate action, but also surrounding it. This panel discussion will be led by the founder of CAS, Aliza Ayaz with guest speakers. Discovery Hub at Senate House (see pages 32-33) 3pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

WHAT IS LIGHT: A SERIES OF LIGHTNING TALKS FROM THE KNOWLEDGE QUARTER An hour of lightning talks on the theme of ‘Light’, exploring everything from enlightenment to illumination, from scientific, cultural, and historic perspectives. These informative, inspiring and visually impactful stories will be presented by a variety of Knowledge Quarter partners.

A symposium led by the team behind the art exhibition, Windows of the Soul (see page 9). United in their goal of improving public awareness of living with sight loss, the team discuss the inspiration, sentiment and process behind their works.

(See page 25) 7.30pm (also 20, 21 & 23 Oct); Tickets: £12 (£10)

ONE PARADISE, ONE HUMANITY. A STRUGGLE BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM Dr Francisco Diego (UCL), Amata-Jo Papaj and Marek Papaj (Slav Media) use music, back projections and narration to explore the myths and science behind the origin and evolution of planet Earth, in the context of the present environmental and humanitarian crises. As the world becomes overwhelmed by technological knowledge, Humankind is in need of change, re-connecting with the wisdom of ancestral prophecies, as a way of recovering its lost humanity. Discovery Hub at Senate House (see pages 32-33) 7.30pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

Lumen URC 6pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

LIGHT UP LSHTM - HEALTH EQUITY ACTION LAB IN COLLABORATION WITH STUDIO LOU

Discovery Hub at Senate House (see pages 32-33)

As a leading global public health institution, LSHTM critically reflects on its own role to affirm its commitment towards fostering an inclusive, anti-racist, and truly diverse community. Light Up LSHTM shines light on the decolonising global public health movement.

5pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

SHADES OF LIGHT - ENSEMBLE MATTERS A concert featuring 3 major world premieres, including Amy Crankshaw’s nature-inspired chamber work, Golden Hour, Ian McNaught Davis’s short film Via Night with electroacoustic music by Owen Ho, and artist Alondra Ruiz-Hernandez’s short film inspired by Rachmaninoff’s Isle of the Dead. Conway Hall and online 7.30pm; Tickets: £12 (£10)

6.30pm; FREE - Just turn up

EVENT TYPES:▐ TALKS, WALKS & TOURS ▐ MUSIC ▐ PERFORMANCE & FILM

bloomsburyfestival.org.uk ● Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online & FM 3pm-9pm daily ● Call 0203 280 6905

Photos from Bloomsbury Festival 2018 by Stuart Keegan

Festival Hub - Friday 22 & Saturday 23 October Shining Light Discovery Hub at Senate House An opportunity for all to engage with some of Bloomsbury’s outstanding discoveries, creativity and places of learning. Browse the exhibits and learn from some of the leading Bloomsbury academics and creative talent, as we focus on light, in all its meanings, over two days. Enjoy interactive exhibitions, displays, and workshops in the beautiful, spacious and dramatic setting of the University of London’s Senate House.

Exhibitors include UCL science departments, Moorfields Eye Hospital, Central St Martins Design students, SOAS Origami Society with activities including astronomy, physics, eye science, medical imaging, design, origami, museums object handling, silk painting, craft skills and family activities for all ages 7+. For details of talks (suitable for ages 11+), see Fri/Sat event listings on pages 31, 35 & 37.

Friday 22 October School bookings until 3pm 3pm – 5pm Public opening

Saturday 23 October 10-11am Family autism friendly hour 11am – 5pm Family day FREE - Just Turn Up

bloomsburyfestival.org.uk ● Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online & FM 3pm-9pm daily ● Call 0203 280 6905

Big Eyes and Tiny Brains... - Dr Vilaiwan Fernandes

Saturday 23 October HOW AN ARTIFICIAL DUST LAYER COULD HELP FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE Dr. Peter Irvine, a lecturer in climate science at UCL, explains the science of climate intervention and how adding a reflective layer of dust to the upper atmosphere could cool the planet and reduce many climate risks. He also addresses the ethical issues that this idea raises. Discovery Hub at Senate House (see pages 32-33) 10.30am; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

IN THE FEISTY FOOTSTEPS OF HETTY FEATHER AND FRIENDS Find out more about the dreaded Foundling Hospital! What was life really like for the children who lived there? Learn about pants, gruel, Charter Pudding and javelin throwing. A walk with Camden Tour Guides Association for (accompanied) children aged 7-13. Walk begins at The Foundling Museum 11am; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

ENLIGHTENMENT PHILOSOPHY A panel of talks by Shahrar Ali, Jane O’Grady and Mark Fielding from the London School of Philosophy showcasing influential ideas and philosophical theories from the Enlightenment period - from metaphysics to political theory and ethics.

NEW WAVE LUNCHTIME CONCERT: DUO FANTAISIE - LAVINNIA RAE (CELLO) AND IAIN CLARKE (PIANO)

BIG EYES AND TINY BRAINS UNDERSTANDING MOTION DETECTION THROUGH THE EYES OF A FLY

Duo Fantaisie aim to combine the popular canonic duo works with contemporary, ground breaking new music, They will perform works by Rachmaninov, and New Zealand composer Gareth Farr.

Dr Vilaiwan Fernandes, a developmental neurobiologist from University College London, presents a lecture on motion vision, including theoretical models of motion detection and how studies in fruit flies have helped test and validate this theory.

Presented by Bloomsbury Festival as part of the New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.

Discovery Hub at Senate House (see pages 32-33) 2.30pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

The Music Room & online 1pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

ALTERNATIVE KING’S CROSS AND BLOOMSBURY A light-hearted meander along some of the lesser known Dickensian back streets of Kings Cross & north Bloomsbury with Camden Tour Guide Chris Foster, who was a Bobby on the Beat in this area fifty years ago. Walk begins at King’s Cross Station 2pm (also online, Wed 20 Oct) FREE - but pre-booking is essential

26 SHINING LIGHT LIVE

Discovery Hub at Senate House (see pages 32-33)

Writers from award-winning writers’ group 26 will be paired with a broad range of festival events. Come and hear them talk about their creative response and perform their work.

12.30pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

Conway Hall Library

JUSTICE AND ELIZA FENNING The Friends of St George’s Gardens present the story of Eliza Fenning, a cook hanged in 1815 for attempting to poison her employers and buried in St George’s Gardens. Two actors tell the story of her life, her trial, the public outcry at the verdict, the impact on her family and her legacy. St George’s Gardens 2.30pm; Tickets: £8 (£6)

SCRIABIN’S COMPLETE PIANO SONATAS Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Alexander Scriabin, one of Russia’s greatest composers, this is a unique opportunity to hear all of his piano sonatas in one afternoon, performed by a team of internationally acclaimed pianists. Written over the span of just two decades (1892-1913) Scriabin’s Sonatas represent a unique artistic journey. Pushkin House 3pm; £22 (£20)

2pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

EVENT TYPES:▐ TALKS, WALKS & TOURS ▐ MUSIC ▐ FAMILY

bloomsburyfestival.org.uk ● Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online & FM 3pm-9pm daily ● Call 0203 280 6905

Beibei Wang; photograph by Huazhen Hu

Saturday 23 October TALKING MEXICAN TEXTILES Social Anthropologist Dr Birgitta Huse illuminates the vital tradition of textiles and clothes in South Mexico and provides insights into Maya everydaylife in her illustrated talk. Discover rich Mexican heritage as well as hidden stories about creative ideas and inspiring activities of Maya women. Dr Huse is the social anthropologist in residence for the festival’s heritage project Visible People, Visible Places. Conway Hall Library

TRUE COLOURS: A QUEER CABARET TAMAR GEIST

A PLAY UPON WORDS

In this pop-up recital linked to her exhibition Serenades on Skin (see page 9), Tamar performs in both her Drag King and Queen personas, blurring gender boundaries with paint and chansons. Join her as she bitterly revenges her unattainable loves and laughs at her Jewish biological clock – all taboos are deftly deflowered.

St George’s Bloomsbury

The Crypt Gallery

A night of nostalgia and youth, featuring Chopin’s youthful Piano Concerto No.1 and music from Russia with themes of the past and remembering. With soloist Zhu Sun (Piano) and conductors Lucy Callen and Owen Ho.

6pm; Tickets: £8 (£6)

3.30pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

EVERY BODY DANCE - SAGE DANCE COMPANY & FRIENDS Sage Dance Company are joined by Street Dance company Manifest Nation, Magpie Dance, Thomas Page Dances and dancer/choreographer Fionuala Power, in this celebration of the positive power of dance during the pandemic for people of all ages and abilities. Conway Hall

SOAS CONCERT SERIES PRESENT: BEIBEI WANG AND GUESTS Genre-defying percussionist Beibei Wang is an acclaimed international virtuoso multipercussionist, composer with both Chinese and British musical education background. Beibei is joined by special guests to celebrate the 100 Year anniversary of the Chinese Ceramics Society. Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre & online 7pm; £12 (£5)

5pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

FLOW UNLOCKED THE FLOW UNLOCKED COLLECTIVE Flow Unlocked is a collaborative project exploring the importance of relationships to Autistic people. This event will share Flow Unlocked Collective’s audio visual artworks and invite the audience to respond.

(See page 25) 3pm & 7.30pm (also 20-22 Oct); £12 (£10)

NOSTALGIA AND YOUTH: GOODENSEMBLE

London House, Goodenough College 7.30pm; £12 (£10)

NEW WAVE: RADA MA THEATRE LAB GRADUATES An opportunity to see some of London’s brightest talent creating new theatre as part of their RADA New Wave theatre programme. This show will share innovative performance events from the next generation of theatre makers. Look out for further details in September at bloomsburyfestival.org.uk. The Studio Theatre, RADA Studios 7.30pm (and Sun 24 Oct, 5.30pm - see page 39)

Discovery Hub at Senate House (see pages 32-33) 5pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

EVENT TYPES:▐ TALKS, WALKS & TOURS ▐ MUSIC ▐ PERFORMANCE & FILM

bloomsburyfestival.org.uk ● Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online & FM 3pm-9pm daily ● Call 0203 280 6905

RADA Theatre Lab, Bloomsbury Festival 2020; photograph by Stuart Keegan ImageMA credit

Sunday 24 October NEW WAVE: THEATRE WRITING SHOWCASE

BLOOMSBURY WOMEN: BOLD AND BRAVE TO BRILLIANT AND BRIGHT

LONDON HANDEL FESTIVAL’S PRIZEWINNERS RECITAL

A showcase event for the writers selected for bursaries to develop theatre scripts for next year’s Bloomsbury Festival. This hosted event will present both the writers in conversation and scenes from their work.

A walk of discovery with Camden Tour Guides, starting on the border of beautiful Bloomsbury and retracing the steps of some distinct and diverse women who inspired us with possibility and potential.

Enjoy a ravishing hour-long Handel recital from two of the most talented young singers from the Baroque music world, baritone Jerome Knox (winner of the 2020 International Handel Singing Competition) and tenor Ruairi Bowen (finalist).

Presented by Bloomsbury Festival as part of the New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent, in partnership with the Macready Theatre, Rugby and its sponsor Cemex, and Rugby School Department of Theatre & Performing Arts.

Walk begins at Friends House Gardens, Euston Rd

The Foundling Museum & online

2pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

6pm; Tickets: £12 (£10)

The Studio Theatre, RADA Studios

NEW WAVE: RADA MA THEATRE LAB GRADUATES

2pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

See page 37. The Studio Theatre, RADA Studios

1980S LONDON WITH ALEC FORSHAW London underwent great change in the 1980s, which shaped the capital we know today. Based on his new book, 1980s London, Alec Forshaw will explore how London today has been shaped by many of those changes, and how some of the current post-Covid challenges are similar to those faced forty years ago. London House, Goodenough College 2pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

5.30pm (and Sat 23 Oct, 7.30pm - see page 37)

BLAST!: THE REBEL ART CENTRE IN BLOOMSBURY The story of the short-lived but influential Rebel Art Centre which opened at 38 Great Ormond Street in 1914 and was at the heart of the artistic revolution of Vorticism. Five readers re-create some of the dynamic characters at the centre of this extraordinary Bloomsbury venture. The Music Room 6pm; FREE - but pre-booking is essential

EVENT TYPES:▐ TALKS, WALKS & TOURS ▐ MUSIC ▐ PERFORMANCE & FILM

bloomsburyfestival.org.uk ● Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online & FM 3pm-9pm daily ● Call 0203 280 6905 PRINCIPAL SPONSORS

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bloomsburyfestival.org.uk ● Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online & FM 3pm-9pm daily ● Call 0203 280 6905

THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL (pages 8-11)

FRIDAY 15 OCTOBER (pages 12 - 15)

SUNDAY 17 OCTOBER (pages 20 - 23)

Lights on in Cromer Street

15 - 23 Oct

Play Animal Detective in Bloomsbury 11am - 12noon

Bengal to Camden

15 - 24 Oct

OPENING EVENT: Lights, Banners, Tigers

New Wave: Art Prize 2021

15 - 24 Oct

Windows of the Soul

15 - 23 Oct

Serenade on Skin

20 -23 Oct

SATURDAY 16 OCTOBER (pages 16 - 19)

From the Land of the City of Light... 2pm - 3.30pm

Lockdown and Before

15 - 24 Oct

Family Art Day at October Gallery 10am - 11.30am

SPECIAL EVENT: Bangladesh 50 at the British Library

Light & Shade in the Bloomsbury Gdns 15 - 24 Oct Strolling the Bloomsbury Gardens...

15 - 24 Oct

Writers from 26 in Residence

15 - 24 Oct

On Happiness The Micrarium at the Grant Museum of Zoology

15 - 24 Oct 16, 20, 21 & 23 Oct

Collectors, Curators, Connoisseurs...

15 - 23 Oct

Music and Place ‘Belonging’ - NW Live Arts

7.30pm - 8.50pm

The Cinnamon Shop Lunchtime Concert: Charlie Lovell-Jones & Ariel Lanyi

1pm - 1.50pm

Holborn’s Heroes

Alice in Flatland 1pm - 1.50pm

1pm - 2pm

4.30pm - 8pm 4.30pm - 5.15pm

The Art of Bloomsbury Virtual Tour A Modern View of Ancient Ireland

Radio Neighbourhood

Ourselves

2pm - 2.30pm

William Blake’s Vision for a New Jerusalem in Kings Cross The Aimes Freedom Choir

2pm - 4pm 3pm - 4.30pm

Fighting Talk...

15 - 24 Oct

Minnie Lansbury and the Poplar Rates Rebellion 100 Years On

3pm - 4pm

Self by Choice - Art Collaboratif

15 - 23 Oct

HCA Summer Film Project Screening

4pm - 5pm

11am - 1pm

11.30am - 1pm

The Weather Machine 1.15 - 1.45pm & 3.15 - 3.45pm

15 - 23 Oct

The Story of Swedenborg in 27 Objects 14 - 24 Oct

Bloomsbury - A Muslim History Tour

Hold/Falling

The New Man is a Process...

Refer to event listings on pages 8 - 11 for opening times of events running throughout the Festival, or visit bloomsburyfestival.org.uk for the most up to date information.

6pm - 7pm 7pm - 8pm 8pm - 9.30pm

WEDNESDAY 20 OCTOBER (pages 24 - 25) The Art of Bloomsbury

11am - 12.30pm

Lighthouse of Illusions

1pm - 2pm

Wonderful Women of North Bloomsbury 2pm - 3pm

Dancing, Talking, Taboo! 3pm, 3.30pm, 4pm & 4.30pm

On the Trail of Aliens in 1930s Bloomsbury

3.30pm - 5pm

I, Minnie Lansbury

Ophelia’s Resurrection

6pm - 7pm

5pm - 6.30pm

SOAS Concert Series present: 50 Years of Bangladesh with Khiyo & Guests 7pm - 8.30pm States of Mind

6.30pm - 8.30pm

8.30pm - 10pm

London/Londre: Invisible City

7pm - 8pm

How to Enjoy Art with Ben Street

7pm - 8pm

Alternative Kings Cross and Bloomsbury - Virtual Tour

7pm - 8pm

A Play Upon Words

7.30pm - 9.20pm

Promised Land

7.30pm - 8.10pm

See pages 4 - 5 for details of how online and live events will operate ● All events subject to change dependent on government restrictions and guidelines

Festival Diary THURSDAY 21 OCTOBER (pages 26 - 27)

SATURDAY 23 OCTOBER (pages 32 - 37)

SUNDAY 24 OCTOBER (pages 38 - 39)

Muck and Epidemics...

FESTIVAL HUB: Shining Light Discovery Hub

New Wave: Theatre Writing Showcase

11am - 12.30pm

Lunchtime Concert: Siyu Sun

1pm - 1.50pm

No 12 Great Ormond Street...

5pm - 6pm

Young Voices and the Essay Film

5pm - 6pm

Walk in the Steps of the Venerable Magdalen Taylor 5.30pm - 6.30pm 365 Days & More

6pm - 7pm

H is for Hostile Environment

6.30pm - 8pm

Magic Lantern Show with Chloe Aridjis 7pm - 9pm A Play Upon Words

7.30pm - 9.20pm

An Evening with Nobody’s Jig

8pm - 9pm

10am - 5pm

How an Artificial Dust Layer Could Help Fight Climate Change 10.30am - 11.30am In the Feisty Footsteps of Hetty Feather and Friends

11am - 12.30pm

Enlightenment Philosophy

12.30pm - 2pm

Lunchtime Concert: Duo Fantaisie Alternative Kings Cross and Bloomsbury 26 Shining Light Live

2pm - 3.30pm

2.30pm - 3.20pm

From Soane to Sloane...

11am - 12.15pm

A Play Upon Words

SPECIAL EVENT: Store Street Feast

12 noon - 3pm

Flow Unlocked

3pm - 6pm 3pm & 7.30pm

3.30pm - 4.30pm 5pm - 6pm 5pm - 6.30pm

Wonderful Women of South Bloomsbury 2pm - 3pm

True Colours: A Queer Cabaret

FESTIVAL HUB: Shining Light Discovery Hub

3pm - 5pm

SOAS Concert Series present: Beibei Wang & Guests

The Human Element of Climate

3pm - 4pm

Nostalgia & Youth: Goodensemble 7.30pm - 9pm

What is Light...

5pm - 6pm

New Wave: RADA MA Theatre Lab Graduates

Schubert’s Winter Journey Reimagined 6pm - 7pm Windows of the Soul Symposium

6.30pm - 8.30pm

A Play Upon Words

7.30pm - 9.20pm

Shades of Light

6pm - 7pm 6pm - 7.30pm

6pm - 7pm

KEY TO EVENT TYPES Special Events & Festival Hub Exhibitions Walks, Talks & Tours Performance & Film Music Family Events

7pm - 8.30pm

7.30pm - 9pm

6pm - 7pm

Light up LSHTM One Paradise, One Humanity...

5.30pm - 7pm

Blast! The Rebel Art Centre in Bloomsbury

2.30pm - 3.30pm

Scriabin’s Complete Piano Sonatas

1pm - 1.50pm

New Wave: RADA MA Theatre Lab Graduates

1pm - 1.50pm

Justice and Eliza Fenning

Every Body Dance

2pm - 3pm 2pm - 3.30pm

2pm - 3pm

FRIDAY 22 OCTOBER (pages 28 - 33)

Lunchtime Concert: The Spiritual in Songs

2pm - 3.30pm

Bloomsbury Women...

London Handel Festival’s Prizewinners Recital

Big Eyes and Tiny Brains...

Talking Mexican Textiles

1980s London with Alec Forshaw

7.30pm - 9pm 7.30pm - 8.30pm

Please visit bloomsburyfestival.org.uk for up to date information ● All event finish times are approximate

DAILY PROGRAMMES FROM BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL 2021 Radio coverage of the festival is brought to you by the Bloomsbury Institute, broadcasting from the heart of Bloomsbury each day of the festival from 3pm to 9pm, Friday 15 to Sunday 24 October 2021. Catch up on all the latest news from the festival with coverage of arts, music, talks, exhibitions and festival outdoor events, and interviews with local business partners and festival supporters. Bloomsbury Radio will work with local people and radio trainees from the area to bring you this unique festival coverage. Visit bloomsburyfestival.org.uk for full details from early October. Tune in at:

bil.ac.uk/bloomsburyradio and on FM or via bloomsburyfestival.org.uk

BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL: Senate House, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HU www.bloomsburyfestival.org.uk | info@bloomsburyfestival.org.uk Registered charity No. 1149001 | Limited Company registered in England & Wales No. 07977987 VAT Registration No. 1374928 87