Brighton Festival 2020: Guest Director Lemn Sissay by Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival

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Albert Einstein. It’s not everyday I receive a call to guest direct one of the greatest festivals in Britain. It’s not often I get the chance to work with such a dedicated team to create a cornucopia of music, theatre, literature, art and dance. It’s not often a whole city becomes my arts playground and yours. Welcome to Brighton Festival 2020, welcome to the Imagine Nation, welcome to the whole world in one celebration. The Royal Palace, The Promenade, The Community Centre, Oasis, The North Laine, The Dome, The Streets, The shops, The Pier of this great city, they all owe their presence to the imagination. Someone had to imagine them first. The most damaging mirror trick in society is to convince people they have no imagination and that they are not creative. It’s not true. One of the most creative places is the hairdressers. There you have stories, design, transformation, confession, laughter, tears, aspiration and inspiration.

I have travelled the world but never as far as imagination can take me. We live inside our heads inside the world. That’s okay. We seek digital connection to feel better. This is good. There is no such thing as virtual reality anymore. Only reality. Brighton Festival is the reality fed by imagination. Please be open. There is going to be something for you in this festival but broaden your horizons and try something different too. The moment you step into Brighton, the moment you drive into Brighton, the moment you cycle into Brighton, whichever way you choose, this festival starts in you.

Guest Director: Lemn Sissay

‘Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.’

I want you to have a great time. I want you to shake off the tribalism of ‘them’ and ‘us’ and to unite. I hope we meet through the month of May and that you will say hello if you see me. If not then email me here lemn.sissay@brightonfestival.org

Even in your home, the paintings or framed posters, the films you watch on TV all had to be imagined first. Protest marches begin with the imagination because someone had to imagine, to believe in, a better world to march for it.

Guest Director: Lemn Sissay

Meet me by the morning On the corner of night Where mist rises And hope’s in sight Lemn Sissay

Lemn Sissay

Adopt

ion

Brighton Festival Exclusive Adoption is as old as time. All cultures have been forming non-biological families as long as we’ve been making biological ones. Yet adoption can still be seen as something ‘other’. In this powerful, reflective, one-on-one experience, Lemn Sissay invites you to adopt him and tell him something about ‘family’ that you think he should know. The conversation about adoption will ripple out from Brighton across the nation; around the world. We will be adding more information about this project to our website. To find out more about how to adopt Lemn and for resources about adoption and fostering see brightonfestival.org FREE but ticketed Timed entry slots bookable in advance

Throughout the Festival

The Young Americans (USA) Co-commissioned by Brighton Festival and Rainmaker Gallery

On the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower Fe, New Mexico, a well-spring of creative sailing to the incorrectly named New World, innovation since the 1960s. Building on today’s generation of Indigenous American the legacy of groundbreaking Indigenous artists takes centre stage in this powerful artists who came before them, these artists new exhibition. Native artists from diverse are both unapologetically forward-looking tribal nations examine what it means to and self-reflecting. Educated, articulate and grow up in the contemporary United States fearless, they epitomise the exciting and with a display of fine art photography, fast-changing scene of American Indian art. printmaking and painting. Their explosive These are The Young Americans of today – visual mix of techniques, experimentation Indigenous, dynamic and indomitable. and individual perspectives shatter clichéd Sat 2–Sun 24 May perceptions of Indigenous art and life. 11am–5pm (closed Mon & Tue) Many of these artists are alumni of the Phoenix Art Space Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa ART & FILM FREE 5

Throughout the Festival Invisible Flock

The Sleeping Tree World Premiere Enter one of the last great rainforests of North This is an environmental installation that changes Sumatra, Indonesia, and follow a family of throughout the day and your experience will endangered Siamang Gibbons as they wake, be different depending on the activity in the roam across the jungle and dutifully return to their rainforest at your time of entry. sleeping tree, one of six majestic trees they have Made in collaboration with Landscape Ecology and Primatology (LEAP) based at Bournemouth University, Sumatran Orangutan Conservation used for generations. Programme (SOCP) and Leuser Conservation Forum (FKL). Made with support from Arts Council England

As mist gently falls you are surrounded by vibrant projected 3D digital images: a visual banquet of flora and fauna unfolds, accompanied by captivating and microscopically accurate sounds of the jungle, and of the primates’ distinct calls. Invisible Flock creates highly sensory installations at the intersection of art and technology, highlighting and supporting the research of conservervation issues. To create this astonishing and important piece of work, the company has worked with rangers and primatologists in Sumatra to record the landscape and soundscape of the jungle over a month. Tickets have timed entry but allow you to stay for up to 90 minutes so you can lose yourself in one of our planet’s most important rainforests. 6

Brighton Festival would like to thank Watkin Jones Group for making the Warehouse programming possible

Sat 2–Sun 24 May Timed entry between 11.30am & 8.40pm (closed Mon & Tue) Hove Warehouse (near Hove train station) £10 Advance booking only. Tickets not available at the venue Suitable for all ages Contains smoke, haze and mist This installation experience takes place in a disused warehouse. Refreshments will be available. Also at Hove Warehouse: Sollievo p7 and the free art installation Washed Up Car-Go p8

ART & FILM

Supported by

Warehouses kindly provided by

Throughout the Festival

Gabriella Salvaterra

Sollievo (Italy) UK Premiere

‘There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in’ Leonard Cohen ©Salvatore Pastore

We are made of pieces. Between each of these pieces are cracks: break-ups, loss, injuries. Some we inflict upon each other and others on ourselves. This is what makes us who we are. Spine-tingling theatre with exquisite poetic technique, Sollievo is an immersive performance and an enchanting and nurturing experience that engages your senses on a dream-like journey. Set in a disused warehouse, 23 performers invite you to travel with them through a tranquil candle-lit labyrinthine space. Listen to stories, peek into boxes, flutter through

pages of books, join the performers at a beautifully set dining table and see the details of everything that has been broken, and everything that has been repaired. Sollievo is the final chapter in a trilogy by acclaimed Italian artist Gabriella Salvaterra. Exploring the strengths and weaknesses of humanity, using the audiences’ own experiences, we can each find a meaningful connection with our own history. Produced by Gabriella Salvaterra. Co-produced by Le Channel Scene Nationale Calais.

Sat 2–Sun 24 May Wed, Thu & Fri 6pm, 8pm & 9.30pm Sat & Sun 4pm, 6pm, 8pm & 9.30pm Hove Warehouse (near Hove train station) £20 £10 Festival Standby (available on the day in person from Brighton Dome Ticket Office, Church St from 10am – see p75)

Advance booking only. Tickets not available at the venue Age 12+ | 70 mins This promenade performance takes place in a disused warehouse. Refreshments will be available. Accessible for wheelchair users. Please contact access@brightondome.org if you have any questions. Suitable for those with visual or hearing impairments. Also at Hove Warehouse: The Sleeping Tree p6 and the free art installation Washed Up Car-Go p8.

THEATRE Brighton Festival would like to thank Watkin Jones Group for making the Warehouse programming possible

Warehouses kindly provided by

Throughout the Festival

Chris Dobrowolski

Washed Up Car-go At first glance, it might seem like an ordinary car. But take a closer look and you will find it filled with the tideline of Brighton beach, with more surprises the closer you look. Artist Chris Dobrowolski's playfully thoughtprovoking Washed Up Car-go features iconic Brighton landscapes, film, music, toy sea creatures and a lot of local pebbles to ask us to think about plastic pollution, consumerism and maritime art.

‘Wittily Subversive’ Derek Horton, Corridor8 Washed Up Car-go was originally commissioned for Hull UK City of Culture 2017 in partnership with The Deep. It is produced by Artsadmin.

Toilet facilities and refreshments available. Also at Hove Warehouse: The Sleeping Tree p6 and Sollievo p7 Warehouses kindly provided by

©Patrick Mateer

Sat 2–Sun 24 May, 11.30am–10.30pm (closed Mon & Tue) Hove Warehouse (near Hove train station) FREE

ART & FILM

Brighton Festival would like to thank Watkin Jones Group for making the Warehouse programming possible

Polina Medvedeva and Andreas Kühne

The Informals II Co-commissioned by Brighton Festival

Artists Polina Medvedeva and Andreas Kühne present an interactive exhibition exploring music subcultures of Brighton, zeroing in on non-conformity and defiance of standard lifestyles in our digital age. Projections of video, text, music and dialogue tell stories of Brighton’s digital-savvy emerging talent who use musical culture to challenge stigmas and stereotypes at a time when politics is against them. The Informals II is a new commission by Lighthouse and Brighton Festival, with support from Re-Imagine Europe, co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union, and Mondriaan Fund. The Informals was originally commissioned by Sonic Acts and Inversia Festival, Murmansk.

Sat 2–Sun 24 May 11am–6pm (closed Mon & Tue) Lighthouse FREE

MUSIC ART & FILM

Performance Wed 6 May, 8.45pm, Jubilee Square, FREE

©Branislav Grebecí

A live, improvised audio-visual performance, the artists collaborate with local artists Phonetic, Bobbie Johnson, Ollie Hutchison and Marshall Mandiangu to create a collective portrait of, and give a platform to, Brighton’s extraordinary youth culture.

Throughout the Festival

Walter & Zoniel

Spectra:Cast Installation ©Victor Frankowski

A Simple Act of Wonder Exploring ideas of place and our power to re-imagine the world, acclaimed artists Walter & Zoniel invite you to travel across the city, from the centre to the suburb, in a playful new work exploring the mythologies of modern life. During May, through a series of colourful, collaborative interventions, they bring their attention and irrepressible energy to Fabrica and Moulsecoomb, asking how we connect with each other as individuals and communities. Walter & Zoniel’s surreally inventive approach will already be familiar to many. Their polychromatic beach work Spectra: Cast delighted thousands at Brighton Festival 2017, whilst projects at Liverpool Biennial, Frieze Art Fair and Lumiere saw the artists deploy their favoured strategies of joy, humour, surrealism and beauty to pose deeper questions. Sat 2 May–Sun 24 May, 1–6pm daily 'Friday Lates' 1–10pm (Fri 24 Apr & Fri 29 May) Preview Fri 17 April 6–9pm The exhibition is open Sat 18 Apr–Sun 31 May, please check fabrica.org.uk for timings Co-commission with Fabrica Co-financed by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union

Fabrica & various locations in Moulsecoomb

(visit brightonfestival.org for details of Moulsecoomb locations)

FREE ART & FILM

Throughout the Festival

Vincent Dance Theatre World Premiere

‘agonisingly visceral, and often beyond words… a piece about love as an enduring source of hope’ The Psychologist Sat 2–Sun 24 May 12pm–6pm (closed Mon & Tue) ONCA Gallery FREE Age 14+

ART & FILM

Commissioned by Oasis Project, funded by Wellcome Trust and VDT’s National Portfolio Funding, through Arts Council England.

See brightonfestival.org or onca.org.uk for a list of accompanying events

Anita Corbin 100 First Women Portraits

Katharina Wulff Media Dreams

This exhibition by acclaimed photographer Anita Corbin features iconic portraits of celebrities, unsung heroines from across the decades, and ‘ordinary’ women doing extraordinary jobs. Including seventies rocker Suzi Quatro, Olympian Boxer Nicola Adams OBE, Supreme Court judge Lady Hale and football manager Hope Powell.

Paintings from Wulff’s 25-year career are brought together for her first UK solo exhibition. Wulff’s large scale paintings of familiar scenes – a hotel lobby or a trip to the beach – have a dreamlike quality, characterised by a combination of styles and techniques from 16th Century landscapes to surrealist narratives, creating timeless images depicting the relationships between her subjects.

Sat 15 Feb–Sun 7 Jun Brighton Museum & Art Gallery FREE with Brighton Museum admission

Please visit brightoncca.art for a full list of related events

ART & FILM

Sat 21 Mar–Sat 9 May 12pm–5pm (closed Sun & Mon) ART & FILM Brighton CCA FREE

©Bosie Vincent

Art of Attachment

Combining oral testimonies and visual imagery, four women in recovery join VDT's established ensemble to create an insightful film installation. Via sound and moving image, the work explores the devastating impact of physical, sexual and emotional abuse on women’s lives, and the complex bond between substance misusing mothers and their children. Hard-hitting and deeply moving, Art of Attachment celebrates the resilience and resolve of women and children overcoming adversity, whose stories demand to be seen and heard.

Opening Weekend

Brighton Festival & Same Sky

Children’s Parade

©David Bracey

Working with Same Sky, artists have collaborated with teachers and volunteers to make magnificent sculptures, choreograph dance routines and compose parade chants in a truly inclusive event that will be live-streamed by the Brighton-based disability charity Carousel.

‘‘

This lively, expressive and dazzling display of the Earth’s natural beauties reflects upon the urgent need to protect and conserve the planet’s natural environment. Join thousands in this magnificent expression of creativity, and be part of a vibrant procession of dance, music and fun for the whole city. Sat 2 May, 10.30am Parade starts on Jubilee Street & ends on Madeira Drive FREE

OUTDOOR FAMILY

‘‘

Join fellow children, parents and teachers as we fill the city with a sea of colour and creativity! This year's theme is Nature’s Marvels, celebrating the wonders of flora and fauna from around the world.

Southern Water is proud to support the Children’s Parade for the third year running. ‘Nature’s Marvels’ is a great theme, highlighting our ambition to protect and improve the environment, and enabling us to celebrate the diversity, potential and beauty of nature with local children, families, and visitors from our communities across the South East. Ian McAulay Chief Executive Officer, Southern Water

Opening Weekend

Arrivals + Departures A public artwork about birth, death and the journey in between, created by artist duo YARA + DAVINA.

Located in the heart of Brighton, visitors and passersby can choose to contribute names via a live interaction with a guide or through arrivalsanddepartures.net.

Sat 2–Mon 11 May Mon 1–7pm, Tue–Sun 11am–7pm Friends Meeting House, garden FREE OUTDOOR

Commissioned and produced by Artsadmin with support from the Create to Impact network (Creative Europe), Without Walls, Freedom Festival (Hull) and Norfolk & Norwich Festival.

Brighton Festival is a partner in Without Walls, working with festivals and artists and bringing fantastic outdoor arts to people in towns and cities across the UK. Find out more on withoutwalls.uk.com

Ali Smith: Seasons

Characteristically experimental, Ali Smith’s seasonal quartet – a series of novels starting in autumn and proceeding chronologically to the soon-to-be released Summer – is a true document of our times. Written in as close to real time as possible, it spans Brexit, the detention of migrants, Twitter rants and, inevitably, love. Having read at Brighton Festival from the first in the quartet, Autumn, it is only fitting that Ali Smith (Brighton Festival Guest Director 2015) returns to

discuss the entire quartet. Come and be part of a conversation, chaired by author and translator, Daniel Hahn, exploring what has been lost, what was gained, what is true and what remains.

‘…artful literature that sings of both humanity's heart and heartbreaks’ NPR Sat 2 May, 6pm Brighton Girls £10

BOOKS & DEBATES

©Tom McCaughan in collaboration with the artists

Taking the recognisable form of an arrivals and departures board, the artwork displays names of people submitted by the public as a way of celebrating and commemorating a birth (an arrival) or a death (a departure).

These nostalgic display boards capture the joy and sadness of any arrivals hall or departure lounge. Integral to the work is an accompanying programme of events, talks and workshops which invites the public to engage more deeply with the themes including Death Café, guided meditation sessions and workshops around preparing for the end. Check brightonfestival.org for more details.

Opening Weekend

Hofesh Shechter Company

Double Murder: Clowns / New Creation Brighton Festival Commission | World Premiere

The much-anticipated new work from the celebrated and multi-talented choreographer (and our 2014 Guest Director) Hofesh Shechter OBE premieres right here in Brighton. Audiences have the privilege of experiencing his New Creation - still in production at the time of writing - before anyone else, as part of this thrilling double bill.

©Todd MacDonald

Double Murder – performed by ten dancers of unparalleled talent - is an evening of two halves each very different in mood. We begin with the pitch-black humour of Clowns, a macabre comedy of murder and desire which asks how far we will go in the name of entertainment. Ferociously fast, Shechter’s bold and tribal movement is matched perfectly with his own percussive and cinematic score. Providing an antidote to the dark anarchy of Clowns, the New Creation is tender and fragile, offering audiences a contrasting rawness and compassion. About this new

piece, Hofesh says: ‘I am very excited to bring a new creation to Brighton Festival. Together with the dancers I’m looking to find the spark of hope, that deep and childish, fragile human need of warmth.’ Preview: Fri 1 May, 7.30pm £10, £12.50, £17.50 Members' First Night Offer £15 Sat 2 & Sun 3 May, 7.30pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £10, £15, £18.50, £22.50

DANCE

Double Murder is produced by Hofesh Shechter Company. Commissioned by Sadler’s Wells, Théâtre de la Ville Paris / MAC - Créteil, Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival, Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg. Co-commissioned by Shanghai International Dance Center Theater (SIDCT), Hong Kong – New Vision Arts Festival, National Performing Arts Center, by Taiwan R.O.C. – National Taichung Theater, Danse Danse Montréal, Scène Nationale d’Albi, Torinodanza Festival / Teatro Stabile di Torino - Teatro Nazionale, Marche Teatro / Inteatro Festival, Opéra de Dijon and HOME Manchester. Developed in part at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Hofesh Shechter Company benefits from the support of BNP Paribas Foundation for the development of its projects and is supported using public funding through Arts Council England. Clowns premiered on 29 April 2016 at Nederlands Dans Theater 1 in The Hague, The Netherlands.

Opening Weekend

Semiconductor

HALO UK Premiere

Step into an intricate mechanical structure operated by data collected at CERN which recreates the conditions shortly after the Big Bang. HALO is a multisensory experience of matter formation in the early universe generated through projections and sound played out upon hundreds of vertical piano strings. Allowing us to look at and listen to this data gives audiences a sense of something bigger than themselves, inspiring awe and wonder at the complexity of nature, and at the elaborate systems humans create to understand the world around them. Semiconductor is Ruth Jarman and Joe Gerhardt who are known for their innovative artworks which explore the material nature of our world and how we experience it through the lenses of science

and technology, blending experimental moving image techniques, scientific research and digital technologies. There will be a series of free workshops and events accompanying HALO. Join Semiconductor in discussion with Mónica Bello, Head of Arts at CERN and University of Sussex CERN scientists, and take part in hands-on creative activities for families and young people. For the full programme and more details check brightonfestival.org or attenboroughcentre.com. HALO is an Audemars Piguet Art Commission, curated by Mónica Bello and first presented at in the context of Art Basel in Basel (2018) in collaboration with CERN. HALO at Brighton Festival is supported by Arts Council England and co-produced by Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts. HALO events programme is produced by Lighthouse and part of Re-Imagine Europe and co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union and University of Brighton as part of DRIVA Arts DRIVA (part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund).

Sat 2–Wed 6 May, 12pm–8pm Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts FREE

ART & FILM

In C by the Sea

Brighton & Hove Music & Arts and East Sussex Music To coincide with Terry Riley’s 85th birthday and Kronos Quartet's performance at Brighton Festival (see p51), young musicians from Brighton & Hove Music & Arts and East Sussex Music (now part of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival) along with members of Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, will perform their interpretation of Terry Riley’s iconic work, In C. This minimalist masterpiece for a flexible ensemble will see young musicians from across the region performing by the sea in locations including Brighton seafront.

Sat 2 May, 3pm Brighton Seafront and locations across East Sussex (see brightonfestival.org for details) FREE CLASSICAL

©Claudia Marcelloni/CERN

HALO is a large-scale immersive installation made by renowned Brighton based artist duo Semiconductor following a residency at CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics.

You Aren’t Doing It Wrong If No One Knows What You Are Doing Brighton Festival Commission | World Premiere An interactive solo performance about failure, feeling like an idiot and music.

©Hugh Fox

Rachel comes from a family of brilliant achievers, they make music…..but she can barely pull off chopsticks on the xylophone… Join her as she dives headlong into the car crash of perfectionism, imposter syndrome and feeling professionally ridiculous. Part confessional, part invocation, but mostly a funny and compelling celebration of our right to fail.

Sat 2–Tue 5 May, 8pm Brighthelm Centre £15, Under 26s £12.50 Members' First Night Offer £10 Festival Standby £10 (See p75) Relaxed performance Mon 4 May, 8pm

THEATRE

Opening Weekend

Stillpoint, featuring Rachel Blackman

Rachel is supported by a creative team who are, quite frankly, more successful and brilliant than she is: Icelandic songstress Emiliana Torrini (special guest and musical adviser); Toby Park, Spymonkey (director); Martin Noble, British Sea Power (sound designer) and fine art photographer Hugh Fox. Together we see if it is possible to find creative capacity in the face of depressing news and terrible odds. 70 mins | Age 12+

Of Our Times is a strand exploring how key issues of today and the future hinge around inequality. Come and join the conversation (see also p28, p38 & p49)

Superior: Angela Saini Selected as Book of the Year by over a dozen leading publications globally, science journalist, Angela Saini’s third book, Superior, explores the twisted historical trajectory of race science and the sinister ways in which it is being repackaged by the far-right in the 21st century. Moderated by writer and broadcaster Colin Grant, Angela will shed light on enduring myths and the political motivations for them. Sun 3 May, 3.30pm

Brighton Girls £10

BOOKS & DEBATES

Opening Weekend

I Fagiolini Purcell: 'Tis Nature’s Voice Odes, Anthems and theatre songs from England’s Orpheus Robert Hollingworth director With players from Academy of Ancient Music I Fagiolini is renowned for innovative presentations of both classic and unusual repertoire, from Renaissance to contemporary works. 'Tis Nature’s Voice explores the music of England’s Orpheus touching on flora and fauna, groves and grottoes – all depicted in Purcell’s famously naturalistic style. Enjoy the ‘voice of the turtle’ and the ‘green fig’ (from ‘My beloved spake’), marvel at 'The sparrow and the gentle dove', and tremble at a thundering bass' environmental apocalypse. Finally in the sublime aria Tis Nature’s Voice from ‘Hail Bright Cecilia’, we hear the voice of Nature itself, which turns out to be… Music.

‘This is serious musicianship that never takes itself too seriously — the Holy Grail of concert-going.’ The Spectator

‘Skilful and imaginative’ Financial Times Sun 3 May, 3pm

(Glyndebourne Gardens and Mildmay open for teas at 1pm)

Glyndebourne £22.50, £27.50, £32.50 Standing £10 Festival Standby £10 (See p75) 120 mins approx

CLASSICAL

Time Shifts Irenosen Okojie & Yara Rodrigues Fowler ‘Sometimes the words freeze and you have to melt it to hear the talk’ Sam Selvon A human existence is all motion – some in distance, some in time. What is the key that slides us from one world into the next? Is it the shape a body takes, or a wound? Do we move in space or time?

Sun 3 May, 6.30pm Brighton Girls £10

BOOKS & DEBATES

Two immensely inventive debut novels – Butterfly Fish by Irenosen Okojie and Stubborn Archivist by Yara Rodrigues Fowler – draw us into worlds that blur the line between time and distance, embracing disparate continents in their linguistically rich narratives. Join us and experience new slants on migrations: continental and time shifts. Moderated by world traveller and social commentator Naana Orleans-Amissah.

(Ethiopia)

Week One

Mulatu Astatke

Few musicians can claim to have kickstarted a whole genre, but Mulatu Astatke can rightly be called the father of Ethio-jazz, a fusion of traditional Ethiopian sounds with funk, soul and Latin rhythms. The vibes player and arranger forged his style in late '60s Addis Ababa, though Astatke's music was later suppressed by his nation's Derg military junta. Since the '90s, Ethio-jazz has undergone a process of rediscovery, with Astatke recording new music, collaborating with other artists (most recently in 2019 with Patti Smith and Soundwalk Collective) and continuing to delight with his improvised live shows.

Mon 4 May, 8pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £18.50, £22.50 Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

Baby Bushka

The magic and music of Kate Bush is brought to you by this 8-women ensemble. Following their sold-out debut tour, Baby Bushka perform a ‘wonderfully bewitching’ operatic pop night of exhilarating music bursting with wit, creativity and humour. This powerhouse troupe delivers ‘other-worldly versions’ of your favourite Bush songs ‘from the ethereal to the bombastic and back again’, filled with four-part harmonies and epic choreographed dancing. Baby Bushka captures the wonder of Baroque Pop, the beauty of '80s glam and musical creativity that you have to experience to believe. Mon 4 & Tue 5 May, 8pm

Komedia £12

MUSIC

Gina Moxley and Abbey Theatre, Dublin

The Patient Gloria (Ireland) A wild and experimental extravaganza, this mash-up of re-enactment, real footage, lived experience and a punk gig was a must-see hit at last year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe, winning the Herald Angel Award and Scotsman Fringe First Award. In 1965, Gloria, a 30-year-old American woman, allowed herself to be filmed while engaged in therapy sessions with three separate therapists to illustrate their different approaches. Intended as a teaching aid, the results - The Gloria Films - were screened publicly without her consent.

'Moments of true hilarity and brilliance' (Irish Independent) play out from the start in one of ‘the bawdiest performances of the year’ (Exeunt). Irish writer/ performer Gina Moxley grabs psychotherapy by the balls.

êêêê The Guardian

'Extraordinary… wicked and witty’ The Scotsman 'Stuffed with sheer theatrical originality' Irish Independent Produced in Association with Pan Pan Supported by the Arts Council of Ireland and Culture Ireland

Tue 5–Sat 9 May, 7.30pm Theatre Royal Brighton £10, £15, £18.50, £22.50 £15 Members' First Night Offer Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

THEATRE

Age 16+ (contains scenes of sexual nature, strong language and adult themes) | 80 mins BSL interpreted performance Fri 8 May, 7.30pm

©Lara Cappelli

This is the basis for a provocative, playful and upfront analysis of the way female desire is often minimised and stigmatised, and the nature of the patient-therapist relationship.

The Patient Gloria is 'very funny, very explicit, and very sobering' (Sunday Independent). And therapeutic. It’s very therapeutic.

Roberto Fonseca Trio (Cuba)

©Carles Roig

One of Cuba's most gifted pianists continues to explore his homeland's music, while building bridges between Afro Cuban roots and genres from further afield. Last year, Roberto Fonseca released his ninth album, Yesun, a record that combined everything from jazz and classical music to rap and reggaeton. Having already established himself as a talented solo artist, in 2001 Fonseca found global fame with Buena Vista Social Club™. For his current album, the pianist honed its eclectic style at a jazz residency in his native Havana – now his trio are ready to bring Yesun to the world.

Tue 5 May, 8pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £16, £19.50 Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

Jeremiah 'SugarJ' Brown Likkle Rum with Grandma ‘When I came here I cried for nearly two years… every day.’

Fusing poetry, performance and a Jamaican grandmother’s voice from a generation that’s rapidly being forgotten, a generation the British government tried to Windrush into oblivion, Likkle Rum with Grandma is a solo show that explores migration, displacement, loneliness and the importance of intergenerational discourse. Using verbatim audio and verse to deliver an emotionally satisfying experience, poet 'SugarJ' Brown's theatrical debut comes to Brighton after sold out shows at the Roundhouse and Albany in London. Come catch a vibe, get to know Grandma, and feel the warmth of rum in the belly. Presented by BORN::FREE

Wed 6 May, 8pm Brighthelm Centre £10 Age 12+

SPOKEN WORD

Week One

My Name Is Why Lemn Sissay in conversation with Hannah Azieb Pool Guest Director Lemn Sissay reflects on a childhood in foster care, self-expression and Britishness as he discusses his memoir My Name Is Why with Hannah Azieb Pool. Sissay's memoir is infused with all the lyricism and power you would expect from one of the nation’s best-loved poets, and explores the institutional care system, race, family and the meaning of home. This moving, frank and timely book is the result of a life spent asking questions, and a celebration of the redemptive power of creativity. Lemn Sissay is a poet, playwright and broadcaster. He has read poetry all over the world and was awarded an MBE for

services to literature. He is the Chancellor of the University of Manchester and was the first poet commissioned to write for the London Olympics. He is a regular contributor to radio and TV and a prolific speaker, inspiring audiences on a daily basis across the globe. Eritrean born Hannah Azieb Pool is Artistic Director and CEO of the Bernie Grant Arts Centre. She has written for many international publications including The Guardian, The Times, Stylist and Vogue Magazine UK, and is the author of Fashion Cities Africa and My Fathers’ Daughter. Wed 6 May, 7.30pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £10 BSL Interpreted

Week One

Brighton Festival Youth Choir Directed by Juliette Pochin Sam Barton Piano Earth, Wind and Fire is a collection of choral works and songs reflecting on nature and the natural world. Works include the celebrated Finnish choral composer, Mia Makaroff, Spes (Hope) and Butterfly through to Blackbird by Lennon & McCartney and The Seal Lullaby by Eric Whitacre. The concert will also celebrate some of the wonderful heritage of folk songs from the British Isles including Blow the Wind Southerly and The Last Rose of Summer.

Wed 6 May, 6pm All Saints Church £10, £6 Under 26s 75 mins approx, Relaxed Performance

CLASSICAL

Chineke! Chamber Ensemble Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE

Schubert

Adagio and Rondo Concertante in F for Piano Quartet D487

Coleridge-Taylor Piano Quintet in G minor Op 1 Schubert

Piano Quintet in A D667, ‘Trout’

Chineke! Orchestra has redefined the classical music experience in the UK. Championing both the finest young BME musical talent and the work of neglected BME composers, it is noted for the brilliance of its performances of the standard repertoire alongside rarities ripe for rediscovery. Chineke!’s chamber ensemble performs two masterworks by Schubert: the Adagio and Rondo

Concertante brims with light and lyricism, while in the beloved ‘Trout’ quintet, gossamer textures and infectious tunes conjure a summer idyll. The remarkable composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor wrote his dynamic Piano Quintet in 1893, aged just 18. It displays all the richness and melody that would establish him as one of the most eloquent voices in English music. Thu 7 May, 7.30pm All Saints Church £20, Under 26s £15, Festival Standby £10 (See p75) CLASSICAL 120 mins approx (including 20 min interval)

Week One

Ray Lee

Points of Departure World Premiere Against the backdrop of night, take a walk through the atmospheric industrial landscape of Shoreham Port and be dazzled by otherworldly sound and light installations. Wondrous machines emerge from the darkness to a strange but haunting effect - monumental kinetic sculptures that seemingly defy gravity as they spin and whirl in an endless dynamic dance.

‘An amazing spectacle’

In this one-of-a-kind event you are treated to a viewing of Ray Lee's spectacular sculptures, brought together for the first time. Towering metal tripods sing out a hypnotic siren call, while red lights whirl in mesmerising orbits of colour. A series of giant towers holding suspended speaker cones gradually swing higher and higher until each arm soars up over the heads of the audience - ringing with electronic tones that create a transfixing harmony of pulsing drones.

Thu 7–Sun 10 & Wed 13–Sun 17 May Entry slots every 10 minutes from 8.20pm until late Shoreham Port (meeting point revealed on booking) £12.50, £10 Under 26s £10 Festival Standby (available on the day in person from

The structures sing an alien song, a sci-fi symphony that points to a future departure to other worlds and another universe.

The Daily Telegraph on Ray Lee's work

‘Hums with beauty’ Metro Daily, Auckland on Ray Lee's work

‘Mesmerizing’ New Yorker Online on Ray Lee's work

Brighton Dome Ticket Office, Church St from 10am - see p75)

Age 7+ (with adult supervision) | Allow an hour for the full trail Advance Booking Only It is recommended to travel by public transport which is possible for all slots except Sundays' and Bank Holiday Friday after 10pm Please dress for the weather and wear suitable footwear for rough terrain No dogs permitted except guide dogs See brightonfestival.org for important accessibility information

ART & FILM

OUTDOOR

Supported by 101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space, Oxford Brookes University and OCM

Out of Chaos (Australia)

‘Imaginative, expressionistic, thrilling and aesthetically refined.’

Week One

Gravity & Other Myths

Artshub

Birth, death and primordial physics collide with hard-edged, explosive acrobatics and intimate confessions. By exposing the inner workings of the world-class acrobat (complete with sweaty armpits), Gravity & Other Myths unveils the magic that is their most precious commodity; genuine human connection between each other and their audience. Following the success of the sensational Backbone at last year’s Brighton Festival, Australian circus company Gravity & Other Myths return with their boldest and most ambitious performance yet. A mesmerising story of how things come together, moving between chaos and order.

©Kate Pardey & Lachlan Binns

‘Circus with a big, pounding heart and an honest, earthy soul.’ InDaily Assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, administered by Australia Council for the Arts, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., commissioned by Adelaide Festival, Ten Days on the Island Festival, Galway International Arts Festival, La Strada Graz Festival & La Bréche Pôle National Cirque de Normandie. GOM is supported by Arts South Australia.

Fri 8 May, 7.30pm Sat 9 May, 2pm & 7.30pm Sun 10 May, 2pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £10, £15, £18.50, £23.50 Under 16s half price (top two ticket prices) £15 Members' First Night Offer Festival Standby £10 (See p75) Age 4+, 70 mins (no interval)

CIRCUS

Week One

Vintage Poets In the midst of poetry’s much-trumpeted renaissance, Vintage, through its imprints Chatto & Windus and Cape, has been building a formidable list of poets who are pushing the envelope and engaging new readers. Beyond audiences, there has been remarkable critical success as well, with two of the last five T.S. Eliot Prize and of the last five Forward Prize winners coming from the Vintage stable – their names, Ocean Vuong, Sarah Howe, Fiona Benson and Danez Smith slipping into conversations across the country. Working in partnership with Brighton Festival for the first time, Vintage presents some of its new stars of the future including Romalyn Ante (pictured) and Seán Hewitt. Fri 8 May, 7.30pm Brighthelm Centre £10

BOOKS & DEBATES

John Newling

Dear Nature World Premiere Sally Beamish composer Lisa Heute composer Martina Balanas cello Eighty-one letters written over 81 consecutive days. Letters that confront our ongoing relationship with nature; letters that question, confess and address. Socially engaged artist John Newling’s letters to nature form a poetic manifesto for our relationship with the natural world. Part impassioned plea, part exercise in truth and reconciliation, they are written frankly and intimately as if to a loved one, attempting to forge a closer, more fruitful relationship.

Fri 8 May, 8.30pm All Saints Church £18, Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

For further information about John Newlings work at Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft see p66

A co-commission with Brighton Festival, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft and Ars et Terra Festival supported by Sacem

©John Newling

75 mins approx

Now, in this thought-provoking co-commission, composers Sally Beamish and Lisa Heute have linked a selection of these letters using a series of pieces for solo cello, the increasing length and complexity of which reflect the growth and flourishing of a seed. The letters will be read by representatives from the local community—school children, a woodsman, a climate activist, a carpenter—as an appeal for a new state of mind for the future, rooted in hope, balance and respect.

Week One

Rhum and Clay Theatre Company

The War of the Worlds Written with Isley Lynn

'a whirling, multi-rolling ensemble…just juicy' êêêê WhatOnStage When Orson Welles adapted H.G. Wells’ novel The War of the Worlds in 1938, he wanted to create a thrilling radio drama that would ‘feel’ real. In fact, it felt so real that it caused public hysteria as listeners believed that Martians had landed in New Jersey, and the water tower was an alien war machine. Fast forward to 2019, and the internet has replaced the radio as the medium through which we make sense of the world. And we remain just as trusting. Inspired by Wells’ novel and the famous radio play, this legendary science fiction thriller is playfully reimagined for our era of Fake News and ‘alternative facts’.

'deft and ingenious...a fast and clever show' êêêê The Guardian Originally Commissioned by New Diorama Co-produced by Brighton Festival, HOME Manchester, New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth and Nuffield Southampton Theatres.Supported using public funding by Arts Council England. Supported by China Plate, Corn Exchange Newbury, The New Wolsey Theatre and Redbridge Drama Centre Presented as part of Brighton Festival's partnership with Worthing Theatres & Museum.

Fri 8 & Sat 9 May 7.30pm Sat 9 May 2.30pm, Sun 10 May 2pm Connaught Theatre, Worthing £17.50, £19.50, £23 Concessions £16.50, £18.50, £22 Age 12+ (contains strong language and sensitive content) 110 mins approx (including interval) Sun 10 May 2pm BSL Interpreted and Relaxed Performance

THEATRE

See p67 for info about Joseph Toonga, also at Connaught Theatre, Worthing

Week One Groove Baby

Groove Into the Woods Follow a collection of funky characters into a fairytale forest for a jazz and funk-fuelled family adventure.

'They will get your kids up and dance them so hard they fall asleep straight after!’

Groove Into the Woods is a meeting point between a children’s show and a ‘grown-up’ concert. Get ready to join your child on the dance floor as the Groove Baby Organ Trio bring to life the great Blue Note '60s era of soul jazz, boogaloo, funk and hard bop.

Audience member

Step into the deep, dark woods for a fast-paced mix of storytelling, interactive music-making and solid groove, specially designed for children aged 3–7 years and their families.

A Place in Time

Evie Wyld & Niven Govinden

'We lived in the blank white spaces at the edges of print.’ Margaret Atwood, A Handmaid’s Tale

Sat 9 May, 11am (Relaxed Perfomance) & 12.30pm Brighthelm Centre £8 adults, £6 kids Age 3–7, 50mins Please note this event is standing with limited seating. Contact access@brightonfestival.org if you have any concerns.

MUSIC

FAMILY

City Hall in the heart of New York or a storied house at the edge of the Scottish mainland, a story’s location evokes feelings in a reader before the plot even unfolds. Is it because we recognise that the anonymity that cities offer, for example, can give birth to the kinds of stories that small towns can’t? But what stories emerge when place and time intersect? In Evie Wyld’s The Bass Rock, three women’s lives are explored over centuries, while Niven Govinden’s This Brutal House looks at two generations of marginalised denizens of a most vibrant city. Two writers at the height of their powers addressing injustice over time. Sat 9 May, 4pm Brighthelm Centre £10 BOOKS & DEBATES

Week One

A Weekend Without Walls Spend an afternoon discovering exhilarating FREE and new pop-up performances from some of the UK’s most innovative outdoor companies. From hiphop to circus, come and enjoy these playful and uplifting shows for all the family. Sat 9 May, 12–6.30pm Queens Square, Crawley FREE Sun 10 May, 12–6.30pm Beach level at British Airways i360 FREE OUTDOOR

Supported by

Brighton Festival is pleased to deliver work right across the Greater Brighton region including this year in a new collaboration with Crawley Borough Council The Rascally Diner is supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Just So Festival. There Should Be Unicorns is supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Brighton Festival; Salisbury International Arts Festival, part of Wiltshire Creative; Hat Fair and Freedom Festival Arts Trust. Further commissioning, funding and support from Wykeland Beal, Arts Council England, Absolutely Cultured, Hull City Council, Goodwin Development Trust. Roll Play is supported by Without Walls and Brighton Festival; Norfolk and Norwich Festival; Salisbury International Arts Festival, part of Wiltshire Creative, and Hat Fair. Further commissioning, funding and support from Arts Council England, 101 Outdoor Arts and Stratford Circus Arts Centre.

Simple Cypher Roll Play Prepare to be amazed by Simple Cypher’s latest outdoor creation Roll Play, which breathlessly fuses hiphop and circus. Featuring Cyr wheel, group juggling, feel-good choreography and exceptional beats, three performers use intricate moves and agility to create a captivating, cheeky and effortlessly cool show challenging identity, status and societal roles. (Pictured)

Middle Child There Should Be Unicorns Award-winning company Middle Child presents Luke Barnes’s There Should Be Unicorns, a family show about a young girl who sets out to change the world. Hip-hop, dance and theatre collide in this uplifting outdoor production, which asks: how can we be good when we’re caught up in what’s bad?

LAStheatre The Rascally Diner Join Rufus Skumskins O’Parsley, a chef renowned for some of the world’s most disgusting dishes, for a TV special celebrating his restaurant’s tenth birthday. Inspired by the award-winning children’s book The Rascally Cake, LAStheatre’s family show for audiences aged five and above is full of fun, food and silly songs.

Week One

Of Our Times is a strand exploring how key issues of today and the future hinge around inequality. Come and join the conversation (see also p15, p38 & p49)

Tribes: David Lammy

Sat 9 May, 7.30pm (BSL Interpreted) Brighthelm Centre £10

Member of Parliament, Spurs fan and a tireless campaigner for social justice, David Lammy’s new book, Tribes, explores how our human need to belong manifests in positive as well as negative ways. In an increasingly global and digital world, how can we leverage this inherent quality for more benign results? David will be in conversation with journalist, political activist and fellow Spurs fan Ash Sarkar. BOOKS & DEBATES

One Two Three Four: The Beatles In Time

Craig Brown

It's 50 years since Sir Paul McCartney announced the break-up of the Beatles. Craig Brown’s hilarious, kaleidoscopic new book – part biography, part memoir, part anthropology – is a fascinating examination of The Beatles phenomenon. Presented by Craig Brown, the only person ever to have won three different Press Awards in the same year (best humourist, columnist and critic), in his unique style. This event shares some of the sublimely strange findings from this new biography – the intriguing minutiae of The Beatles’ day-to-day lives with broader questions about their effect. A must for any Beatles fan.

Brighton Youth Orchestra Concert with Laura van der Heijden

Sun 10 May, 5pm CLASSICAL All Saints Church £12 Adults, £9 Concessions, £5 Under 16s

‘Consistently hilarious and eye-opening’ Tim Adams, Observer BOOKS & DEBATES Sat 9 May, 8pm Brighton Unitarian Church £10

Soloist Laura van der Heijden Conductor Andrew Sherwood Cellist Laura van der Heijden, winner of the 2012 BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition, joins Brighton Youth Orchestra to play the rarely performed Concerto Elegiaco by Frank Bridge, one of Brighton’s most notable composers. This concert marks the orchestra’s 70th anniversary as both one of Europe’s oldest youth orchestras and Brighton & Hove Music & Arts’ flagship ensemble. The best of young local talent will play a programme celebrating youth, featuring Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasia and Bernstein’s West Side Story. Members of Brighton Youth Orchestra will also be joined by younger players from our training orchestras, Brighton & Hove Youth Philharmonia and Junior Youth Orchestra, for part of the performance.

A Family Outing – 20 Years On Twenty years ago Ursula Martinez sat with her parents on a sofa for an hour and argued. Audiences and the media loved it! Since the ‘truly hilarious’ original, Martinez has turned 50, her father Arthur has passed away and her mother Mila can no longer remember her lines. This bracingly funny recreation blurs the lines of reality whilst grappling with who we are and what happens as we age.

Lyn Gardner Directed by Mark Whitelaw Co-produced with Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, Commissioned by Perth Festival, Barbican and SICK!

Sat 9–Sun 10 May, 8pm

Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts £15, Under 26s £12.50 Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

70 mins | Age 12+ Post show panel discussion Sat 9 May Captioned performance Sun 10 May

©Hugo Glendinning

Wryly honest and frank conversation between mother and daughter who cajole and encourage each other through this endearingly ad hoc, entertaining and uplifting performance.

‘This is beautiful, delicate work.’

Week One

Ursula Martinez

Week One

Paul Lewis ‘…arguably the finest Schubert interpreter of his generation.’ Gramophone Schubert Sonata for Piano No 18 in G major D894 Beethoven 33 Variations in C on a Waltz by Diabelli Op 120 One of the world’s greatest pianists performs works by two masters of the keyboard in the glorious setting of Glyndebourne. Paul Lewis is synonymous with the works of Schubert, whose Sonata No 18 is a luminous work characterised by a serenity that belies the more turbulent emotions churning beneath the surface. In the year that marks the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, Lewis pays tribute with a performance of the Diabelli Variations, a dazzling sequence of miniatures that adds up to a work of monumental scope and inventiveness, spiked with humour, that has been hailed as the greatest piano music ever written. Overflowing with lyricism, emotion and profound insight, these works are a sublime showcase for Lewis’s astonishing artistry. Sun 10 May, 3pm (Glyndebourne Gardens and Mildmay open for teas at 1pm)

Glyndebourne £22.50, £27.50, £32.50 £10 Standing Approx 2hrs 15mins Festival Standby £10 (see page 75)

‘Lewis brought his customary intelligence and intensity… with endless shifts in colour and weight. The fearsome technical demands…were met with unshowy dexterity.’ The Guardian

Travelling Traditions

George Szirtes, Preti Taneja, Olivia Sudjic & Romesh Gunesekera ‘All water has a perfect memory and is forever trying to get back to where it was.’ Toni Morrison

Sun 10 May, 8pm Brighton Girls £10

BOOKS & DEBATES

Romesh Gunesekera ©Marzena Porgorzaly

After a hugely successful début last year, we continue our Travelling Traditions events exploring the enduring DNA of storytelling. This year the regions of focus are Central Europe and South Asia and we are lucky to welcome four of the most compelling writers of our times. Come and experience their rich and textured work.

caravan is a biennial showcase presenting a curated programme of new performances made in England to an audience of international commissioners, programmers and collaborators. caravan is delivered by Farnham Maltings in partnership with Brighton Festival and supported by Arts Council England and British Council.

caravan

Andy Field & Beckie Darlington News News News News News News is a television news show made by children for adults, recorded in front of a studio audience and broadcast live on the internet. Children from Benfield Primary school in Portslade present bulletins from the city, offering a distinctive look at what’s going on right here, right now and at the nature of news itself. Presented in association with LOOKOUT. Commissioned by Cambridge Junction and Norfolk & Norwich Festival. Supported by Arts Council England.

Sun 10 May, 2pm Brighthelm Centre £8, Under 16 £6 60 mins

THEATRE

Theatre-Rites & 20 Stories High

BIG UP!

What happens when a beatboxer, a singer and a puppeteer arrive on stage but nothing is ready? No set, no instruments, no puppets. No rules. Come and watch as Theatre-Rites & 20 Stories High create a world full of joy and chaos, where objects come to life and everything is possible. BIG UP! is perfect for little people who want to be big, and big people who just might have forgotten how to play.

Sun 10 May, 5pm Theatre Royal Brighton £8, Under 16s £6

THEATRE

Age 3+, 50 mins, Relaxed Performance

FAMILY

Pecho Mama

©Penelope Gwen

Medea Electronica Pecho Mama’s bold and genre-defying debut, Medea Electronica is a powerful and deeply moving retelling of an ancient Greek tragedy set in the technological turbulence of '80s rural England. Staged amidst a searing live electronica and progressive rock gig, this is the heart-stopping story of a family caught in the brutal throes of a marriage unravelling. Sun 10 May, 8pm Brighthelm Centre £10

MUSIC 65 mins

THEATRE

caravan

Verity Standen Projects

Undersong

In the critically-acclaimed Undersong live singers build vibrant a capella music and movement as they bring to life a series of brand new compositions. Voices weave amongst the audience, from a whispered duet to a screaming mob, moving between tender and expansive. Verity Standen has established a reputation around the UK and internationally for her innovative approach to music-making, creating unique sound worlds and exploring playful and profound ways for audiences to experience the human voice. Produced by Verity Standen Projects in association with MAYK. Commissioned by MAYK, Bristol Old Vic and Ovalhouse. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England. Previous development supported by Complicite, Bristol Old Vic Ferment, Shoreditch Town Hall and The Point Eastleigh.

Mon 11 May, 2pm & 3.30pm Brighton Unitarian Church £10

45 mins

Lucy McCormick

Life: LIVE!

Life: LIVE! is a subversive, immersive, pop concert spectacular imagined by nupop sensation Lucy McCormick, and her electrotrash Girl Squad. Featuring shonkyspectacular, stadium-chic live visuals created with artist Morven Mulgrew, and an album of original music, Life: LIVE! straddles stardom, self care and redemption in a hilarious, crumbling, musical extravaganza. Co-Commissioned by Fierce, Teatro do Bairro Alto and Cambridge Junction with support from Alkantara, Tramway, Civic House Glasgow & Battersea Arts Centre & funding from Arts Council England.

Mon 11 May, 9.30pm Concorde 2 £12.50, Under 26s £10 | Standing only Age 16+

MUSIC

THEATRE

‘a balls-to-the-wall skewering of the misogyny and exploitation that underpin popular culture’ êêêêê The Guardian

Jamal Gerald

©The Other Richard

Idol

A daring and unapologetic examination of religion, pop culture and Black representation. Who would you rather pray to? Beyoncé or white Jesus? Jamal grew up Catholic in a Caribbean household, but would rather light a candle and worship celebrities than white saints. Combining African diasporic ritual, music and storytelling, Idol is a spiritual journey that asks what happens when you don't see yourself represented. Featuring a host of celebrity appearances. A Jamal Gerald, Transform and Theatre in the Mill Co-Production. Seed commissioned by hÅb, STUN and Contact for Works Ahead. Supported by Leeds Inspired, part of Leeds City Council and using public funding from National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Age 16+ (Contains strong language, sexual references and full nudity) | 70 mins

THEATRE

©Holly Revell

Mon 11 May, 8pm Brighthelm Centre £10

©Alex Brenner

A day in the life of a woman following a tragic event. An experiment in theatrical realism and contemporary dance. Jaz Woodcock-Stewart from award-winning company Antler collaborates with choreographer Morgann Runacre-Temple. From the creator behind critically acclaimed Lands, Civilisation is a sideways look at the untheatrical reality of loss. Music by ABBA and Bach. Supported by: New Diorama Theatre, HOME Manchester and Battersea Arts Centre

Tue 12 May, 4.30pm The Old Market £10

75 mins

caravan

Jaz Woodcock-Stewart with Morgann Runacre-Temple Civilisation

THEATRE

Nouveau Riche

Queens of Sheba

The music and the misogyny. The dancing and the (white) men. Loosely based on the DSTRKT nightspot incident of 2015, Queens of Sheba tells the hilarious, moving and uplifting stories of four Black women battling everyday misogynoir – where sexism meets racism. Written by Jessica L. Hagan and adapted for stage by Ryan Calais Cameron, Nouveau Riche is

an exciting and diverse creative movement that won a 2018 Untapped Award and The Stage Edinburgh Award 2018. Tue 12 May, 8pm Brighthelm Centre £10 60 mins

THEATRE

Bert & Nasi

The End

In this new piece created in collaboration with Laura Dannequin, Bert & Nasi dance the end of their relationship, imagining how a future without each other might look. Projected onto a screen above the stage, two parallel narratives run alongside each other: the end of the Earth and of their collaboration. A poignant, sad and funny account of the ongoing ecological crisis. This is both a reminder and a celebration of our own mortality, and that of everything around us. Commissioned by The Place and Warwick Arts Centre. Supported by Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.

Tue 12 May, 1pm The Old Market £10

50 mins

THEATRE

Week Two Amy Bell

The Forecast ‘Sharp, laugh-out-loud funny, and astutely political, The Forecast is a brave and personal solo that stays in your mind.’ Emma Gladstone, Dance Umbrella Mon 11 & Tue 12 May, 8pm Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts £12.50, Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

DANCE

Commissioned by The Place, supported by Arts Council England, Tanzhaus Zurich and Yorkshire Dance. Part of British Council Edinburgh Showcase 2019, winner of Total Theatre Judge’s Discretionary Award 2019

Amy Bell is a dance artist who unwraps conversations around queerness and slippages of meaning across language and movement. Her performance work is borne of binary-busting fervour. She aims to explode ‘them-and-us’ thinking – politically rigorous whilst uniquely accessible, her work offers nuance, warmth and humour to celebrate particularity and create connection. Age 14+ (contains nudity) | 60 mins (no interval)

©Hetain Patel

Co-produced with Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts

As the only dyke in the dance class, Amy finds new moves for a more radical notion of femininity. On a witty journey of transformation and becoming, she rides the blustery winds sweeping across the gendered body. Blending animations by Hetain Patel and a live digital soundscape by Jamie McCarthy with text and dance, prepare for a high chance of virtuosity, introspection and humour.

Josie Long: Tender Three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and hard-to-pin-down-indie-underdog-nightmare Josie Long returns, a new mum with a brand new show. In Tender, Josie examines the intensity of motherhood, exploring the challenge of bringing someone into a world that everyone tells you is ending. Mostly, though, Josie’s performance focuses on kindness, gentleness and joy - making it possibly the edgiest thing you see this year. Josie's aim is for you to leave feeling optimistic about the future. And if that is a big ask, at least there will be some really silly voices.

‘Full of love and defiant joy’ The Guardian

COMEDY

©Giles Smith

Tue 12 May, 7.30pm Theatre Royal Brighton £17.50, Festival standby £10 (see p75)

Eliza & Martin Carthy: East Brighton Festival Exclusive

East is a specially crafted evening of musical and poetic works inspired by mesmerising myths, legends, poems and ballads from England’s Eastern seaboard. Compiled and curated by Eliza Carthy and her father Martin Carthy, one of folk music’s greatest and best-loved innovators, the stage will also be brought to life with original artwork by Marry Waterson (pictured).

‘…another parent/ child musical dynasty who have quietly revolutionised traditional English music.’ The Guardian

Week Two

Curated by Eliza Carthy

Eliza Carthy is undoubtedly one of the most impressive and engaging performers of her generation. Twice nominated for the Mercury Prize and multiple-award winner at the BBC Radio Two Folk Awards, Eliza has performed and recorded with a diverse array of artists including, Paul Weller, Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Patrick Wolf and Bob Neuwirth. More than most, Eliza Carthy has revitalised folk music and captured the most hardened of dissenters with intelligent, charismatic and boundary-crossing performance.

©Marry Waterson

Originally commissioned by Norfolk and Norwich Festival, Eliza is curating an exciting line up of guest appearances especially for Brighton Festival. With collaborators Duotone, Sheema Mukherjee (Imagined Village, Transglobal Underground) and choreographer Ewan Wardop (Matthew Bourne, Shakespeare’s Globe), East will take audiences on an alluring journey between land and coast, exploring the great stories and traditions of the East.

Mon 11 May, 8pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £15, £20, £25 £10 Festival Standby (See p75) MUSIC

Week Two

Mercy Mercy (cert 15) A Portrait of a True Adoption

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, there are adoption agencies everywhere as western couples look to adopt local children. However, the fact that a child’s well-being isn’t always top priority becomes painfully clear in Mercy Mercy, a film about Masho and her little brother Roba. Their sick parents gave them up for adoption, hoping they would have a better life. They moved to Denmark with new parents, but are they better off? For four years, director Katrine Kjaer followed both sets of parents to make this thought-provoking documentary. Wed 13 May, 6pm Depot, Lewes £8, Under 25s £4 94 mins | English and Oromo, Amharic with English Subtitles Followed by Q&A with Katrine Kjaer

ART & FILM

Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita with special guests Vishtèn This multi-award winning duo, comprising Welsh harpist Catrin Finch and Sengalese kora maestro, Seckou Keita, first came together in 2013. Last year, their musical journey took them to Prince Edward Island on Canada's east coast, to work with local trio Vishtèn, global flag-bearers for their fiddlebased Acadian musical tradition. Now this collaboration comes to the UK for a oneoff tour featuring special guests Vishtèn, formed by twin sisters Emmanuelle and Pastelle LeBlanc and

Quebec's Pascal Miousse. Tight harmonies, layered foot percussion and a compelling trademark blend of fiddle, guitar, accordion, whistles, piano, bodhrán and jaw harp create an expansive sound that triumphantly delivers a stunning exhibition of world-class musicianship. Wed 13 May, 7.30pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £18.50, £21.50 Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

©PixbyLorne

Week Two

Take 5

Hibaq Osman, Laurie Ogden, Amina Jama, Debris Stevenson & Zena Edwards

In the world of music and theatre, take five is universally understood to mean take a break: pause, reflect, reset, breathe... Given the theatre of our fraught times, with airwaves full of the bombast of xenophobia, misogyny and environmental abuse packaged as common sense, we’ve decided to take a cue from music and pause. Take 5 is simply five of the most compelling poets working right

‘A triumphant show…dripping with uninhibited desire.’ êêêê The Guardian

now, on stage to redirect the conversation in their own unique way. Five voices brought together on one night to give us a break from the news, a break from the broken promises – to sing us a new song. Co-produced with Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts

Wed 13 May, 8pm Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts £10

SPOKEN WORD

Rachel Mars

Your Sexts Are Shit: Older Better Letters Rachel Mars is on a mission – she’s unearthing the hot-as-hell letters from history that make sexts blush. Before tech, there were hand-written letters. And loads of them were proper filthy. Come! Take pleasure in James Joyce’s passion for arse, find out who sneaked her gay lover into the White House and bear witness to the best/worst sexts ever sent. This gloriously intimate, very funny and surprisingly moving new show is an erotic archive shot through with Rachel’s personal ventures in contemporary Queer kink.

©Alex Beckett / UandnonU

Originally developed at The Yard. Supported by Arts Council England.

Wed 13 & Thu 14 May, 7.30pm Brighthelm Centre £12.50, Festival Standby £10 (See p75) Age 16+ (sexually explicit language) | 60 mins (no interval) Wed 13 May Post Show Talk Thu 14 May BSL Interpreted (Sue MacLaine)

THEATRE

Week Two

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Brighton Festival Chorus

Beethoven’s intense Third Piano Concerto veers from delight to despair in music of supreme melodic inspiration, and is a glorious showcase for the sparkling young pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason. Vaughan Williams’s mighty Sea Symphony, a work of immense scale and stunning power, requires formidable vocal forces — in this case, those of Katherine Broderick, James Rutherford and BFC.

Isata Kanneh-Mason piano Katherine Broderick soprano James Rutherford bass-baritone Michael Seal conductor Beethoven Piano Concerto No 3 in C minor Op 37 Vaughan Williams A Sea Symphony Thu 14 May, 7.30pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £10, £18.50, £22.50, £27.50, £30 Festival Standby £10 (See p75) 2hr 15 mins approx This concert is dedicated to Laszlo Heltay (1930–2019) who founded Brighton Festival Chorus in 1967 and was Music Director for the next 27 years.

Of Our Times is a strand exploring how key issues of today and the future hinge around inequality. Come and join the conversation (see also p15, p28 & p49)

After a decade dominated by inward-looking rhetoric and panic-led austerity, the UK ended the decade on the path to an unclear Brexit, with thousands reliant on food banks for everyday sustenance.

The Lost Decade: Polly Toynbee

Thu 14 May, 7.30pm Brighton Girls £10

BOOKS & DEBATES

In conversation with long-time collaborator David Walker, The Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee dissects the dark decade that was. From Grenfell through the property crisis to the Windrush scandal, this has been one of the most tumultuous of periods in British history. Is there hope on the horizon?

©Robin Clewley

Two great ensembles are reunited for a concert brimming with brio and majesty. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Brighton Festival Chorus first joined forces for BFC’s inaugural concert, the 50th anniversary of which they celebrated with a memorable concert at the 2018 Festival. Now this partnership is renewed as the Orchestra and Chorus are joined by a trio of internationally acclaimed soloists for two contrasting masterworks.

Week Two

Hot Brown Honey (Australia) Quiet Riot

The award-winning firecracker of a show that’s taken the world by storm is coming to Brighton Festival. Hot Brown Honey turns up the heat with lashings of sass and a hot pinch of empowerment. Steeped in the Word of The Mother and packing a punch of hip-hop politics, this genre-defying mix of cabaret, music and dance will make you laugh until you cry, clap until your hands bleed and shake every part of what your mama gave you. The Honeys defiantly smash stereotypes as they celebrate our similarities and differences in an unforgettable explosion of colour and culture.

Thu 14 & Fri 15 May, 8pm Sat 16 May, 6pm & 9pm Theatre Royal Brighton £10, £15, £18.50, £22.50 £15 Members' First Night Offer Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

THEATRE

Groups discounts (see p75) Age 15+ (contains strong language and partial nudity) 75mins | Contains haze, strobe lighting and loud music

‘It’s phenomenal – sexy, foot-stomping fun and radical consciousnessraising all at the same time.’ êêêêê The Scotsman

©Dylan Evans

Fighting the power never tasted so sweet.

Week Two

Lime Time

Valerie Bloom, John Agard, Grace Nichols & Roger Robinson

©Naomi Woddis

In 2019, when the media raved about how many more people were buying poetry books after years of decline, several sources neglected to mention the one area of poetry where audiences have been growing steadily since the turn of the century – live spoken word poetry. Many of the precursors of this art form as entertainment were Caribbean poets, carrying influences from calypso and dub, and as adept on paper as they were on stage. Many of them went on to win major prizes. This year we honour these poets in a one-off lime, bringing together major prize winners Valerie Bloom, John Agard and Grace Nichols – as well as recent T.S. Eliot Prize winner (for his collection A Portable Paradise) Roger Robinson. Co-produced with Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts

Thu 14 May, 8pm Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts £10

BOOKS & DEBATES

The Time Has Now Come: New Habesha Visionaries Maaza Mengiste, Hannah Azieb Pool & Aida Edemariam 'It is not merely a question of the settlement of Italian aggression. It is collective security: it is the very existence of the League of Nations.' Soon after his country had been subjected to a biological attack by the Italian army in 1935, Haile Selassie I made an impassioned appeal before the League of Nations in Geneva, where he posed the prophetic question ‘are States going to set up the terrible precedent of bowing before force?’. The years that followed bore out his concern: WWII was long and bloody and Italy was firmly in the camp of the fascists. However in his VE day speech Selassie I states that his people speak

‘without bitterness’ as the time had now come for the Axis alliance. What would the world look like now if the League of Nations had heeded Selassie I’s warnings? Today, 75 years after that speech, we spend an evening with some of Ethiopia and Eritrea’s new visionaries. What are the subjects that interest them today? What does the world’s oldest civilisation have to say to the future?

Fri 15 May, 7.30pm Brighthelm Centre £10

BOOKS & DEBATES

©Jen O'Brien

Brighton’s most amusing night out returns for a special Brighton Festival edition, bringing together a stellar line up of the nation’s best loved comedians, all under one iconic roof. To coincide with Modern Toss’ exhibition at the Whistleblower Gallery, the evening will be opened by Jam Tarts Choir singing their infamous Periodic Table of Swearing. Cheeky comedian Rosie Jones (pictured) also joins the lineup, and with more acts to be announced this promises to be a night of pure entertainment.

Fri 15 May, 7.30pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £20, Concession £15 Festival Standby £10 (see p75) | Captioned

Ivan Coyote (Canada)

‘One of Canada’s great humourists, although often the stories are the laughing-throughtears variety.’ Jade Colbert, Globe and Mail Canada

©Emily Cooper

Week Two

Live at Brighton Dome

COMEDY Supported by

Gifted storyteller, spoken word performer and writer Ivan Coyote performs at Brighton Festival for the first time. Revered by our Guest Director, Lemn Sissay, as one of the best storytellers anywhere, Ivan has an extraordinary ability to weave engaging and immersive tales that feel personal and warm but somehow leave you wanting to change the world. Ivan Coyote has won huge acclaim for taking on the personal and the political in beguiling and revealing stories about what it means to be trans and non-binary today. Having spent 25 years on the road, Ivan has been winning fans across the world by talking about gender identity, family, class and queer liberation with compassion, heart and a quick wit. Co-produced with Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, Ivan Coyote and Fascinator Management with support from the Canada Council for the Arts. With support from The High Commission of Canada in the UK

Sat 16 May, 4pm & 8pm, Sun 17 May, 8pm Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts £12.50, Under 26s £10 £10 Members' First Night Offer Festival Standby £10 (See p75) 75mins | Age 12+ BSL Interpeted Sat 16 May, 8pm

SPOKEN WORD

Week Two

Our Place 2020

A FREE Community Celebration of Creativity For the fourth year running we are thrilled to be working in partnership with the community steering groups: the Hangleton and Knoll Project, Hangleton Community Centre, the Manor Gym, Serendipity and Due East to enable local residents to make their vision for the festival come to life. Come and enjoy FREE afternoons of theatre, dance, music, crafts, games and creativity from both local and national artists. Visit for an hour or bring a picnic and stay for the whole afternoon. The day will finish with a family

party compered by the wonderful Aida H Dee, featuring awesome music vibes, pop-up performances, dancing and food! Full line-up to be announced promising an exciting programme with something for all ages to enjoy. For a schedule of events please check the brightonfestival.org from the start of May or join our Facebook event pages: Our Place - Hangleton Our Place East Brighton Sat 16 May The Manor Gym FREE Sat 23 May Hangleton Community Centre FREE FAMILY Top illustration by David Toth age 6 (East Brighton) Left illustration is Finlay Gregory age 11 (Hangleton) Supported by

Proud supporter of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival, where courage and creativity go hand in hand

In March 1977, Comrade President Marien Ngouabi is brutally murdered in Brazzaville and young Michel’s life will never be the same. From this historic starting point, Congolese writer Alain Mabanckou weaves an emotive portrait of an ordinary family and how world events impact the mundane. Is Comrade President’s murder an isolated event – or is it linked to colonialism, decolonisation and the commerce-led evisceration of the African continent? Are the events of our time really ever only of our time?

Sat 16 May, 7.30pm Brighton Girls £10 Supported by L’Institut français du Royaume-Uni

Week Two

Alain Mabanckou The Death of Comrade President

With humour, linguistic adroitness and cutting wit, Alain Mabanckou steers these questions into a compelling human story. In the eye of this vast narrative, Michel learns how much must change for everything to stay the same.

New Writing South Statement Kit de Waal The New Writing South Statement provides a platform for an eminent writer to share ideas, articulate passions, and initiate debate on aspects of the power and position of literature in the world. The series returns to Brighton Festival and we are delighted to welcome writer, activist and Common People editor Kit De Waal to deliver the New Writing South 2020 Statement on democracy and the literary landscape. Born in Birmingham to an Irish mother and Caribbean father, Kit worked in criminal and family law before turning to a career in writing.

She is the award-winning author of My Name is Leon, The Trick to Time and the recent YA novel Becoming Dinah.

Mark Watson: How You Can Almost Win

In 2017, Mark Watson appeared on reality TV survival show Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls. On the face of it, not a great decision for a guy prone to anxiety, with multiple phobias and poor self-esteem.

Commissioned by New Writing South for Brighton Festival

Sun 17 May, 5.30pm Brighton Girls £10

©Patrick Balls

It really wasn’t for the shambolic comedian and novelist at all because his favourite things include safety, comfort, food and not being scared and miserable. Yet Watson believes the experience changed him for the better and shares what it's taught him, but with jokes. This event is a witty, insightful and somewhat motivational talk about the highs and numerous lows of Watson’s most life-changing experience. Sun 17 May, 7.30pm Theatre Royal Brighton £17.50 Festival standby £10 (see p75)

COMEDY

Week Three

Time Capsules Courttia Newland & Lisa Blower The short story can be seen as a time capsule that speaks of a universe greater than its contents. The leaps of imagination and twists of language that enable the form to carry such heft, elicit some of the finest writing in any language – from Kafka to Munro to Octavio Paz. We invite you to experience the joys of the short story with two of its finer practitioners in the UK – Courttia Newland and Lisa Blower – together

SLIME A squishy, squelchy show for the very young

‘A howling delight’ The Guardian

Being a slug is hard. Everyone thinks you’re disgusting. Slug and Caterpillar are starving and the only leaf left in the garden is just out of reach. Slug thinks they should work together. Get the leaf, eat the leaf, play, be friends. Caterpillar disagrees – slugs are gross and covered in slime. Things get sticky. Enter the undergrowth to SQUISH, SQUELCH and PLAY your way through this hilarious, surreal show for 2–5 year-olds and their families, told with a handful of words and a whole lot of SLIME. Including a stay and play with slug’s 'slime' in the giant garden. Mon 18–Fri 22 May Mon 12pm & 2pm | Tues–Fri 10am & 12pm Brighthelm Centre £8 adults, £6 kids £5 schools and nurseries All performances are relaxed and have integrated BSL Age 2–5, 60 mins (including stay and play)

FAMILY

on stage for the first time, chaired by writer and primary school teacher Luan Goldie. Sun 17 May, 8pm Brighton Girls £10

La Nuova Musica Iestyn Davies countertenor David Bates conductor Arias and instrumental music from Teseo, Rinaldo, Amadigi, Rodrigo, Orlando, Giulio Cesare, Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno and Ariodante.

Week Three

Handel’s Unsung Heroes

La Nuova Musica is joined by superstar countertenor Iestyn Davies to explore set-piece arias from Handel’s operas. Under the baton of David Bates, Davies and three virtuoso soloists from La Nuova Musica — the violinist Thomas Gould, the oboist Leo Duarte and the bassoonist Inga Maria Klauke — perform a selection of obbligato arias written for voice and just two or three accompanying instruments. Such arias depict moments of introspection, either profound or joyous. This irresistible display of vocal virtuosity is interspersed with overtures and Handel’s Concerto Grosso in B flat Op 3 No 2 for what promises to be a showcase for sublime musicianship and operatic bravura.

‘Davies was the epitome of effortless meticulousness… Bates, La Nuova Musica and… Davies shone shafts of light which pierced the darkness’ Opera Today

Mon 18 May, 7.30pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £10, £18.50, £22.50, £27.50 Festival Standby £10 (See p75) 120 mins (including interval)

CLASSICAL

Week Three

Travis Alabanza

Burgerz

Presented by Hackney Showroom Directed by Sam Curtis Lindsay Hurled words. Thrown objects. Dodged burgers. After someone threw a burger at them and shouted a transphobic slur, performance artist Travis Alabanza (Before I Step Outside (You Love Me), Brighton Festival 2018) became obsessed with burgers. How they’re made, how they feel and smell. How they travel through the air. How the mayonnaise feels on your skin.

‘Humane and heartrending…Alabanza is sassy and witty, feeding off the audience like a seasoned cabaret star'’ The Guardian

   

Lyn Gardner, EdFestMag The Reviews Hub The Guardian The Stage

This show is the climax of their obsession – exploring how trans bodies survive and how, by them reclaiming an act of violence, we can address our own complicity. Carving out a place for themselves as one of the UK’s prominent trans voices, Alabanza presents a performance that is timely, unsettling and powerful. In association with Ovalhouse & Marlborough Theatre, Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund & Bishopsgate Institute

Tue 19–Fri 22 May, 7.30pm The Old Market £15, Under 26s £12.50 Member's First Night Offer £10 Festival Standby £10 (See p75) Age 12+ (strong language, emotive content and real meat used on stage) | 60 mins Contains haze and loud noises Post show talk Thu 21 May BSL interpreted (Jackie Beckford) and Relaxed Performance Fri 22 May

THEATRE

©Elise Rose

Bromance

Following its international tour, the award-winning smash-hit Bromance lands at Brighton Festival. A five-star circus performance that focuses on camaraderie and affection, Bromance is a fusion of high-energy physical heroics and breathtaking form. Three performers entrance audiences with this audacious, touching and exhilarating show. Experience their journey of friendship and growth where handshakes become handstands and backslaps become backflips.

Amongst the UK’s hottest circus companies, Barely Methodical Troupe are at the forefront of a new kind of physical performance, creating highly entertaining shows that mix the acrobatics of circus with the emotional punch of theatre.

Week Three

Barely Methodical Troupe

Winners of 2013 Circus Maximus Award; 2014 Total Theatre & Jackson’s Lane Award for Circus.

‘Jaw-droppingly magnificent’ êêêêê The Stage

‘Astonishing’ êêêê Time Out

‘A touching, thoughtful show about being male.’ êêêê The Financial Times

‘A wonder to behold’ êêêê The Metro

Tue 19–Sat 23 May, 7.30pm Sat 23 May, 2.30pm Theatre Royal Brighton £10, £15, £17.50, £20 Under 26s £15 Under 16s half price (on top two ticket prices)

£15 Members' First Night Offer

©Chris Nash

Festival Standby £10 (See p75) RP CIRCUS

Age 8+ | 60 mins Relaxed performance Sat 23 May, 2.30pm

Week Three Le Gateau Chocolat

Pandora

With Manchester Camerata Presented by Something To Aim For Le Gateau Chocolat has been brewing something daring, something delicious, something dark. There is a box. You couldn't possibly know what it might contain and whether or not you want to, the only certainty is that it will open. Part song cycle, part theatrical pageantLe Gateau Chocolat, star of the Edinburgh Fringe, performs classical music textures, original compositions and pop hits. Joined on stage by the Manchester Camerata, this dazzling show will face us with all the curious and cursed facets of life. Once the box is opened do we have agency, in who (or what) we are forced to become?

MUSIC

THEATRE

75 mins | Age 12+ Commissioned by The Lowry for WEEK 53 and the Lawrence Batley Theatre. Supported by Arts Council England.

Tue 19 May, 8pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £17.50, £20, Under 26s £15 Festival Standby £10 (see p75)

(Mali / USA)

Mali's musical ambassadors have joined forces with the legends of US gospel in this sensational double-bill. Since they formed in the '80s, Amadou & Mariam have released a succession of well-received albums, working with the likes of Manu Chao and Blur's Damon Albarn.

led to this world tour. The US quartet has won multiple Grammy Awards with their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel to contemporary spiritual material by songwriters such as Eric Clapton, Prince and Tom Waits.

The couple, who both lost their sight while young, first met Blind Boys of Alabama on a festival bill, forging a firm friendship that has

MUSIC Thu 21 May, 8pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £20, £25, £30, Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

Week Three

Amadou & Mariam with Blind Boys of Alabama

Of Our Times is a strand exploring how key issues of today and the future hinge around inequality. Come and join the conversation (see also p15, p28 & p38)

How To Be Autistic: Charlotte Amelia Poe Sharing their journey through school to adulthood, we see self-taught artist Charlotte Amelia Poe navigate life as they knew it. In conversation with social commentator Naana Orleans-Amissah, they challenge neurotypical narratives of autism as something that needs 'fixing'. Thu 21 May, 7.30pm Brighton Girls £10

BOOKS & DEBATES

Week Three

Ontroerend Goed

Are we not drawn onward to new erA (Belgium)

‘technically dazzling, emotionally devastating show about humanity's point of no return'  Time Out

This serious but joyfully powerful piece of theatre plays out the future of our species and calls to question: are our actions irreversible or can we undo them? One of the biggest hits of the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe with rave reviews from The Guardian, Telegraph, Scotsman and Financial Times, Are we not drawn onward to new erA stunned audiences and critics with its extraordinary virtuosity and won the coveted Scotsman Fringe First Award. Belgian performance group Ontroerend Goed’s groundbreaking works have blazed a trail around the world, continuously thrilling audiences and winning numerous awards. 50

Produced by Ontroerend Goed, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Kunstencentrum Vooruit, and Richard Jordan Productions. Developed with support from Adelaide Festival. Co-produced with Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts

Thu 21–Sat 23 May, 8pm Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts £15, Under 26s £12.50 Members' First Night Offer £10 Festival Standby £10 (See p75) 75 mins (no interval), Age 12+

THEATRE

©Mirjam Devriendt

Like its title, this performance is a palindrome. You can see it forwards and backwards, because some believe humanity moves forward; others, the opposite. Some say the world’s coming to an end, others call them doomsayers. No matter who's right, our quest for progress has dramatically changed the world we live in.

Terry Riley Sun Rings

With Brighton Festival Chorus

©Wojciech Wandzel

Few ensembles have pushed musical boundaries like Kronos Quartet, and in this extraordinary multimedia presentation it pushes them further than ever before: into outer space. Sun Rings incorporates music sounds harvested from space as NASA’s Voyager probes hurtled past Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Composer Terry Riley wove the chatterings, howlings and chirrupings into a truly groundbreaking work in which his own hypnotic, multi-layered and brightly

Week Three

Kronos Quartet (USA)

orchestrated soundworld takes on new dimensions and unearthly resonance. In this multimedia production, Kronos Quartet is joined by the Brighton Festival Chorus and immersive visuals by English designer Willie Williams (Treatment Studio) to create a sensational sonic and visual experience that is quite literally out of this world. Fri 22 May, 8pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £10, £18.50, £22.50, £27.50 Festival Standby £10 (See p75) 75 mins approx

Week Three

Laima With roots in São Paulo's art scene, UK-based Laima Leyton’s musical credentials have been firmly established as one-half of 'rocktronica' project Mixhell, alongside her husband Iggor Cavalera. Now the DJ, activist, artist, mother and teacher has united her multifaceted talents in a solo electronic pop project, with conceptual debut album Home arriving at the end of 2019. Home is full of sharp, precise electronic pop bringing us the inventive and thoughtful. Inspired partly by domestic life as a mother while her husband worked abroad, Laima’s work draws on familial love and synths in an intimate synth-pop study of the domestic vs the creative. Fri 22 May, 8pm All Saints Church £14 Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

MUSIC

Mika Johnson

Pink Lemonade ‘Falling for Simmi was so sweet like sugar, until the taste turned bitter. And then there’s Token Toni who loves a bitta bashment and ONLY dates Black/ Brown womxn – she ain’t much better.’ Theatre-maker Mika Johnson’s acclaimed solo show Pink Lemonade combines poetry and original beats in a story about accepting yourself and saying goodbye to love turned sour. Produced by The Queer House

A vital piece of theatre… an artist to watch’ êêêêê The Queer Review ‘Dynamic, witty and moving’ êêêê The Scotsman

Sun 24 May BSL Interpreted

(18 best shows of Edinburgh Fringe 2019)

THEATRE

Age 14+ (contains strong language, sexual content and reference to hard drug use) | 50 mins (no interval)

University of Brighton is delighted to sponsor Pink Lemonade as part of our commitment to universal equality of opportunity

©Bronwen Sharp

Sat 23–24 May, 8pm The Old Market £12.50, Under 26s £10 Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

‘Life frequently gave them lemons but goddam Johnson’s got the juice’ êêêê The Stage

(Ethiopia)

Young Ethiopian pianist and composer Samuel Yirga comes to take Brighton by storm with his thought-provoking exploration of Ethiopian music fused with forward-thinking jazz and soul. Expect a celebration of contemporary and classical jazz, songs influenced by the golden era of Ethiopian music, traditional African rhythms and deeply felt classical piano undertones.

Week Three

Samuel Yirga

©York Tillyer

Signed with Peter Gabriel’s renowned label Real World Records, his album Guzo involved collaborations with more than 40 international musicians and was a huge success. Samuel also plays with the Addis funk band Nubian Arc and is a member of the UK/Ethiopian collective Dub Colossus.

Sat 23 May, 1.30pm All Saints Church £14, Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

MUSIC

'...sits somewhere in that fertile ground where jazz mingles with R&B; and funk to create soulful beauty' Los Angeles Times on Yirga's Guzo

Damir Imamović

Sevdah has been played in the Balkans in one form or another since at least the 15th century - its melancholy and lyrical style, and preoccupations with love, longing and loss, provide us with a bridge to other European roots traditions, such as fado. Trailblazing musician Damir Imamović lays down a challenge to the genre’s conventions and, more recently, orthodoxies that would make of sevdah into a straightforward reflection of national character. Imamović’s deeply considered art takes the music beyond its birthplace and shows it to the world.

Hear his acclaimed original material and music from his new album Singer of Tales alongside sevdah classics, as he performs with a new quartet compromising: legendary acoustic bassist Greg Cohen (Masada, Tom Waits, Ornette Coleman); Derya Türkan, one of Turkey’s leading kemenche players; and one of the most prominent soloists in contemporary sevdah, violinist Ivana Ðurić. Sat 23 May, 7.30pm All Saints Church £16, Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

MUSIC

Week Three ©Ranald Mackechnie

London Symphony Orchestra Ádám Fischer conductor Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider violin Haydn Symphony No 88 in G major H:1/88 Mozart Violin Concerto No 2 in D major K211 Dvořák Symphony No 9 Op 95 ‘From the New World’

Brighton Festival welcomes the return of one of the world’s great orchestras. The London Symphony Orchestra joins forces with star conductor Ádám Fischer and the superlative violinist Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider for a programme defined by grace and grandeur, merriment and melody. Haydn, always good-humoured, displays his characteristic wit and cheerfulness in his Symphony No 88; Mozart’s Violin Concerto K211

©Lars Gunderson

is similarly charming, its delicate orchestration providing the soloist with passages of luminous virtuosity. In contrast, Dvořák’s everpopular New World Symphony is on a more imposing scale, drawing on African-American and Native American music to encapsulate the vastness and excitement of the USA.

Sat 23 May, 7.30pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall

CLASSICAL

£12.50, £18.50, £22.50, £27.50, £32.50 Festival Standby £10 (See p75) 2hrs 15mins (including 20 min interval)

Spend an afternoon discovering exhilarating FREE and new pop-up performances from some of the UK’s most innovative outdoor companies. From an interactive augmented reality trail to inspiring dance there will be something to appeal to all. Sat 23 & Sun 24 May 12pm–6pm (IRMÃ Sun 24 May only) OUTDOOR The Level FREE

Christopher Green FeelPlay FeelPlay is an immersive experience for adults only, but it’s not rude! It’s simply an invitation to connect with your child-like behaviours in a playground especially made for grown-ups. Brought to you by award-winning theatre maker Christopher Green, this satire on the wellness industry questions a specific kind of mental-health provision whilst delivering a genuinely feel-good and empowering experience. We Play, Do you Play?

Week Three

A Weekend Without Walls

‘Part politician, part shaman, part sociologist, part healer’

Supported by

The Guardian on Green

The Cultural Assembly Up My Street Step into augmented reality in this street art and performance trail. In Up My Street, use adapted phones (pick up from The Open Market) to interact with graffiti by artist Scott Irvine and Brave Arts. Create your own virtual art using your phone like a spray can. Lose yourself to the beats of a silent disco.

Gravity and Levity Why? Two people face a wall. Waiting. Accepting. Surrendering. Aerial dance company Gravity & Levity have excitingly re-imagined their 2004 debut show, which returns to Brighton Festival for the first time since 2005. Why? is a vertical dance duet, exploring grief and how we move forwards, performed on a free-standing wall. (Pictured)

Damae Dance IRMÃ What does it take to become close to someone? And, ultimately, what does it mean? Manchesterbased Damae Dance company’s IRMÃ is a mesmerising outdoor piece which uses dance to exhilaratingly explore the challenges of female relationships and their representation on stage. Two women journey through conflict, tenderness, anger, support and understanding.

FeelPlay is supported by Without Walls and commissioned by FESTIVAL.ORG. Further commissioning, funding and support from Alexandra Palace, The Albany, 101 Creation Space and R&D investment from Without Walls Blueprint. Why? is supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Norfolk and Norwich Festival. Re-created with generous support from Arts Council England, The Point, Fidget Feet and the Irish Aerial Creation Centre. IRMÃ is supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Hat Fair and Stockton International Riverside Festival. Up My Street is supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Brighton Festival. Further commissioning, funding and support from One Chelmsford, Chelmsford City Council and R&D investment from Without Walls Blueprint.

Week Three

A Poet’s Music Kayo Chingonyi & Nathalie Handal

Sat 23 May, 8pm (doors 7.30pm) Unitarian Church £12.50, Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

BOOKS & DEBATES

The Turning Wheel: An Afternoon with Ozwald Boateng For a quarter of a century, Ozwald Boateng has been a trailblazer and innovator in global fashion. He opened an eponymous store off Savile Row in 1995 was appointed the first exclusive Creative Director of Givenchy Homme in 2003, creating its first ever readyto-wear line before opening the largest shop on Savile Row in 2007. A lover of the moving image, Ozwald Boateng’s career is distinguished further from his peers by the iconic films he makes to accompany his work. He has also maintained an interest in philanthropy and advocacy, particularly on the African continent. Using a combination of discussion, film and archive photography, Ozwald Boateng makes a compelling argument for the relevance of fashion - how it intersects with our everyday lives, its roots in history and heritage – and how it helps shape our vision of the future. Sun 24 May, 12pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £12.50 Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

BOOKS & DEBATES

©Nathalie HandelRachel Eliza Griffiths

If we think of meter as kin to the metronome, the line-ending suitor to a singer’s signature phrasing, it becomes clear that poetry has always danced with music. A Poet’s Music celebrates this relationship unashamedly, bringing together two of the world’s finest contemporary poets – Lannan Foundation Fellow, Nathalie Handal and Dylan Thomas Prizewinner, Kayo Chingonyi – to share their work and have a conversation around music and what it means to them and their poetry. The event will open with music chosen by the writers, played as the door is opened to the audience. Arrive early to catch it all.

Week Three

Sofie Hagen: The Bumswing 'Superior hour of stand-up that shifts constantly and satisfyingly beneath your feet' The Telegraph

©Philippa Barr

Sun 24 May, 7.30pm Theatre Royal Brighton £16.50, Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

Winner of the Edinburgh Best Newcomer Award, podcaster and author of part-memoir, part-social commentary Happy Fat, one of British comedy's fastest rising talents (although she is Danish) lands with her current show that took last year's Edinburgh Fringe by storm. Inspired by a dirty weekend in Wales, Sofie Hagen's Bumswing is about things you forget, things you remember and things you wish you could forget; but it is also about swings - for bums.

COMEDY

Drag Queen Story Hour UK Following Aida's huge success at Brighton Dome last autumn, she returns with Drag Queen Story Hour UK for Brighton Festival 2020. With a burst of energy and a fabulous look, Aida has been delighting children across the country with her high energy, high fashion and wonderful approach to making your favourite stories come alive. Reading and singing songs has never been so FABULOUS! Aida wants to show the world that being different is not a bad thing, and by teaching love, fun, and acceptance we can change the UK - one page at a time. Dress up, dress down or come as you are for this animated, fun story time.

Sun 24 May

FAMILY

11am, age 1–3 £10 family ticket (1 adult, 1 child. Extra single tickets available on request)

2pm, age 3–7 £8 adults, £6 kids BSL interpreted (Flynn Burge)

4pm, age 7–11 £8 adults, £6 kids (includes an opportunity to meet the artist after the show)

Brighthelm Centre 60 mins approx | All performances are Relaxed Performances

Week Three

Laura Marling Since the release of her debut album in 2008, Laura Marling has effortlessly become one of our most acclaimed and gifted musicians of the last decade. A prolific songwriter, Laura’s six albums have that rare ability of being immediately recognisable whilst sounding unlike any of her records that have come before. Each album is a wholly rewarding, melody-rich listen, slowly revealing a new phase of this fine musician’s story. Embarking on a world solo tour, Laura has been busy in the studio working on her next chapter, and the anticipated seventh album.

‘a voice that’s pensive, consoling, poised and wise beyond her years.’ New York Times

Sun 24 May, 8pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £19.50, £22.50, £25 Festival Standby £10 (See p75)

MUSIC

In Translation Rodaan al Galidi & Alia Trabucco Zerán In collaboration with English PEN and New Dutch Writing

From Mariama Bâ to Garcia Marquez, some of our most treasured stories have come to us in translation and, since 2012, English PEN has supported hundreds of translations into English, introducing us to award-winners such as Alain Mabanckou and José Eduardo Agualusa. In Translation presents two moving writers: Rodaan al Galidi, author of Two Blankets, Three Sheets, a quietly powerful story set in The Netherlands and narrated by Karim, who endures the limbo of eight years in an asylum centre; and Alia Trabucco Zerán, whose The Remainder, shortlisted for the 2019 Man Booker International Prize, dissects the repercussions of a brutal dictatorship on a new generation. Chaired by Jonathan Reeder. Sun 24 May, 5.30pm Brighton Girls £10 90 mins

BOOKS & DEBATES

Get lost in a world of books. From big pictures to dangerous adventures, join us in exploring the wonderful world of Children’s and Young Adult literature.

Looking for Clues – Why we love Mystery Books With Robin Stevens, Sharna Jackson and Elly Griffiths Meet the authors of the hottest whodunnits around! Robin Stevens, author of the best-selling Murder Most Unladylike series, and Sharna Jackson, creator of irresistible duo Nik and Norva in her debut High Rise Mystery, will be chatting to Elly Griffiths about murder, mystery and what makes

a great detective. Elly Griffiths, best known for her grown-up Ruth Galloway crime novels, has written her first children’s mystery, A Girl Called Justice.

Young Readers

Sun 10 May, 3pm Brighton Girls £7 Age 9–12

Children Who Changed the World

With Marcia Williams It’s time to celebrate all the incredible children who’ve changed the world! Join master storyteller and illustrator, Marcia Williams for this fun and interactive event and be inspired by heroes like Malala Yousafzai.

With fascinating facts about your rights, quizzes and the chance to pick up some comicstrip drawing skills. Sat 16 May, 11am Brighthelm Centre £7 Age 7+

The Longest Night of Charlie Noon

Christopher Edge

Christopher Edge’s critically acclaimed books blend awesome stories with science. Following The Many Worlds of Albie Bright, his new book about time proves that science can be thrilling. Join him for an interactive

Kieran Larwood Uki and the Outcasts Kieran Larwood, bestselling author and winner of the Blue Peter Best Story Book Award, will be at Brighton Festival to introduce his brand new fantasy

event packed with mind-bending facts and sensational science as he introduces The Longest Night of Charlie Noon. Sat 16 May, 1.30pm Brighthelm Centre £7 Age 8–13

adventure, with rabbits! Uki and the Outcasts, set in the world of Podkin One-Ear, sees Uki and his companions attempt to save rabbit kind from destruction. Sat 16 May, 4pm Brighthelm Centre £7 Age 8+

Young Readers

Guess How Much I Love You! Join professional storyteller Liz Fost for a very special event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the beloved tale Guess How Much I Love You. With an exciting appearance from Little

Nutbrown and Big Nutbrown Hare as well - this is the perfect event for young families looking for a heart-warming storytime! Sun 17 May, 11am Brighthelm Centre £7 Age 3+

Ditch the Label Fearless! with Liam Hackett Fearless! is a young person’s go-to guide to being your best self, filled with great activities and invaluable advice that teaches you that ANYONE can be FEARLESS!

about his book in this interactive and thought-provoking event centred around learning to value yourself. Liam will be exploring topics around stereotypes, labels and finding confidence within.

Liam Hackett, CEO and founder of leading anti-bullying charity Ditch the Label, will be talking

Sun 17 May, 1.30pm Brighthelm Centre £7 Age 10+

Cressida Cowell

The Magic of Writing Join Waterstones Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell as she talks about the inspiration behind her hit series How to Train Your Dragon (also DreamWorks films) and The Wizards of Once (winner of a Blue Peter Book Award). The superstar writer will be sharing her tips on writing and illustrating, as well as signing books. Unmissable!

‘‘

Sun 17 May, 2pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £10 Age 7+ BSL Interpreted

Brighton College is delighted to be supporting children’s author Cressida Cowell’s event, as part of the Young Readers programme at Brighton Festival 2020. As the country’s top co-educational school, situation in the heart of Brighton, we are thrilled that a love of literature and the arts is once again being wonderfully celebrated in our local community, inspiring children and young people across the city.

‘‘

Steve Marshall-Taylor Head of Senior School Brighton College

Join much-loved Dame Jacqueline Wilson and discover how she started her writing career, how she created some of her bestloved characters and hear about her brand-new book aimed at readers of 10+, Love Frankie.

up quickly, no thanks to Sally and her gang of bullies at school. When Sally turns out to be not-somean after all, Frankie wonders whether the feelings she has for Sally are stronger than her other friendships. Might she be in love?

Frankie is nearly fourteen and life certainly comes with ups and downs. Her mum is ill, and Frankie can feel herself growing

Sun 17 May, 4.30pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall £10 Age 10+ BSL Interpreted (Sue MacLaine)

Vashti Hardy Explore the fantasy worlds of Brightstorm, Wildspark and the latest adventure, Darkwhispers, with author Vashti Hardy. Vashti will give fans a look at her writing process, discovering the excitement of asking ‘what

There will be no book signing after this event but printed bookplates with Jacqueline’s signature on will be available.

Young Readers

Jacqueline Wilson

if?’ when creating a story. She will share her tales of thoughtprovoking explorers from the past and takes us on a vivid journey through her world of bold characters, and reveal how maps can spark our imagination. Sun 17 May, 4pm Brighthelm Centre £7

Age 8+

Young City Reads 2020 The annual BIG READ for Sussex schools is back! This year’s book choice is the ‘I’m thrilled to participate in Young sensational seaside mystery, by City Reads 2020 as it seems Thomas Taylor - Malamander. Set so appropriate to have children in Eerie-on-Sea, a town where who live and go to school near strange stories seem to wash up the coast read my book. I hope on the shore. Root for daring duo it captures their imagination to Herbert Lemon and Violet Parma, create their own stories and as they team up to solve the mystery encourages a life-long love of of a legendary sea-monster. reading.’ Thomas Taylor Join Thomas Taylor and an audience of young readers from across Sussex to celebrate this wonderful book at a special live and interactive schools event.

Produced by Collected Works CIC

Thu 21 May, 10.30am Brighton Dome Concert Hall £3 Age 7+

M.G. Leonard The Tale of a Toothbrush Ever wondered where plastic goes when you throw it out? Find out with eco-warrior and awardwinning author M.G. Leonard. Join our plastic-fighting crew and learn tips on how to help

Teachers can sign up their class for free and receive weekly emails and resources to accompany the book by visiting youngcityreads.co.uk

make our planet a happy one. There are lots of facts about children, who are just like you, doing incredible things for their planet. Come along and get inspired! Sat 23 May, 1pm Brighton Dome Founders Room £7 Age 5+

Young Readers

Look Up! With Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola Join author and illustrator Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola for an out-of-this-world event about their debut picture book Look Up! Find out all about Rocket, a science-mad chatterbox who is going to be the greatest astronaut,

star-catcher, space-traveller that has ever lived… she just needs to get everyone around her to look up from their phones and up at the stars! So, get ready to look up from your screens and enjoy a lively event full of storytelling, fun facts and top drawing tips from this exciting debut duo. Sat 23 May, 11am Brighton Dome Founders Room £7, Age 5+

Poetry Workshop with Sophia Thakur Join performance poet Sophia Thakur for an intimate workshop centred around her powerful debut poetry collection, Somebody Give This Heart a Pen. Listen to her stunning performance and learn about how you can start writing and developing poetry based on your experiences.

Sophia wrote this collection to help people ‘grow through what they go through’, and her sincere narrative voice will resonate with all people, whatever their background. 'One of the most brilliant and necessary voices from the UK’ Angie Thomas.

The Nothing to See Here Hotel Steven Butler and Steven Lenton Check in to The Nothing to See Here Hotel, full of magical creatures, where weird is normal for Frankie Bannister’s family.

Clem and Crab with Fiona Lumbers Author and illustrator Fiona Lumbers brings the exciting adventures of Clem and Crab to life. Clem is an explorer, a collector, a protector of the seas. Treasure hunting on her beloved beach, she stumbles across Crab, his claw stuck in a plastic bag. Crab will be much safer and

Sat 23 May, 3.30pm Brighton Dome Founders Room £10 Age 13+ Discover this fabulously funny series of books with their awardwinning author Steven Butler and illustrator Steven Lenton who will sketch the characters right in front of your eyes. This is an unmissable event for budding authors, illustrators and younger readers. Sun 24 May, 11am Brighton Girls £7 Age 7+ happier at Clem’s house, but doesn’t he belong on the beach? A timely story that reinforces an important message from the acclaimed illustrator of Luna Loves Library Day. Fiona shares her uplifting tale of adventure and friendship and shows us her beautiful illustrations - perfect for little ones. Sun 24 May, 11am Brighton Dome Founders Room £7 Age 4+

Little Green Pig AMPLIFIED

Sun 24 May, 2pm (BSL Intepreted) Brighton Girls £7 Age 11+

Adopt an Author

Produced by Collected Works CIC.

Breakin’ Convention Festival Extra

10-year-old who is on a mission to use less plastic, and get those around her to stop too!

Children’s book author Josh Lacey brings to life the exciting world of Hope in Hope Jones Saves the World.

Written in a blog format, this is an inspirational story perfect for younger readers, proving you’re never too young to make a big difference.

This new series from the author of The Dragonsitter introduces readers to Hope, an ambitious

Sun 24 May, 1pm Brighton Dome Founders Room £7 Age 8–12

AMPLIFIED, presented by Little Green Pig, is a personal expression of creativity and confidence from young people in the local area.

Come join us for this very special event that celebrates the power of storytelling and the importance of being heard.

Following intensive workshops and mentoring with writers, eight young people from diverse backgrounds in Brighton & Hove will take to the stage to share their own unique and deeply personal story.

An exciting schools initiative which links classes with authors to promote reading for pleasure, build selfconfidence and inspire creativity. Classes spend an enjoyable 8 weeks speaking with their author over email, giving them a chance to ask questions, develop ideas and learn from each other. The project culminates in a 'Meet Your Author' party during the Festival, The ground-breaking festival of hip hop dance theatre is back with a fresh new line up! Expect jaw-dropping and inspiring performances from internationally celebrated poppers, lockers, b-boys and b-girls, including Jinjo Crew (South Korea), Géométrie Variable (France) and Spoken Movement (UK), showcasing local talent and global sensations. Hosted and curated by UK hip hop theatre legend and Breakin’

Young Readers

Josh Lacey Hope Jones Saves the World

'It was absolutely wonderful. I can’t believe how brave they all were - a total inspiration!' Audience member, AMPLIFIED 2019.

University of Brighton is delighted to sponsor AMPLIFIED as part of our commitment to universal equality of opportunity

where the young people spend some time with their author at a creative celebration. This year schools: Carden, Patcham Juniors, Peter Gladwin, and BHASVIC are adopting authors Vashti Hardy, Stewart Foster, Ross Montgomery and Bethan Roberts. You will be able to read a fascinating selection of their emails on the official blog: adoptanauthor.wordpress.com If your school would like to take part in 2021 please contact: sarah@collectedworks.co.uk Supported by Mrs A Lacy-Tate Trust and The Lynn Foundation

Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, the festival also features DJs, graffiti artists and freestyle sessions taking place all over the building. DANCE Wed 27 May 2.30pm & 7.30pm Brighton Dome Concert Hall

£10, £12.50, £15, £20, Under 26s £10 Under 16s half price Breakin' Convention is an integral part of Sadler’s Wells’ artistic programme.

Lunchtimes

Lunchtimes Our series of hour-long concerts featuring classical stars of the future

Béatrice Martin Les âges de la vie Bach Prelude in G major Couperin Les petits âges Bach Prelude in F minor Couperin Le Réveil-matin Bach Prelude in D minor Froberger Méditation sur ma mort future Bach Prelude in F major Duphly La Forqueray Médée

The French harpsichordist Béatrice Martin has been acclaimed as one of the leading instrumentalists

in her field since winning the Harpsichord Competition at the Musica Antiqua Bruges festival. This exquisite programme comprises a diverse selection of Baroque music, ranging from preludes from Bach’s Das Wohltemperierte Klavier to lessfamiliar works by Froberger and Duphly. Mon 4 May, 1pm St Nicholas Church £10

Behn Quartet Fanny Mendelssohn String Quartet in E flat major Beethoven String Quartet in C Minor Op 18 No 4

Founded in 2015, the Behn Quartet is currently Associate Ensemble at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and has already established itself as a potent presence throughout Europe. In this exquisite concert,

Florian Mitrea Mozart Sonata No 7 in C major K309 Mozart Sonata in D minor K397 Schubert Fantasie in C major Op 15, 'Wanderer Fantasy'

In 2018 the British–Romanian pianist Florian Mitrea won the prestigious Royal Over-Seas League Piano Competition and was a major prizewinner

Benson Wilson Lucy Colquhoun piano Last year the New Zealand-born Samoan baritone Benson Wilson won the coveted Kathleen Ferrier Award, catapulting him to the forefront of the ranks of young singers. For his Festival debut with

the ensemble contrasts the tenderness and emotion of Fanny Mendelssohn’s exquisite String Quartet with the impetuosity and inventiveness of the fourth of Beethoven’s Op. 18 Quartets. at the New York International Piano Festival, adding lustre to his burgeoning career. He performs two of Mozart’s most delightful piano works alongside Schubert’s ‘Wanderer Fantasy’, so demanding that the composer himself was unable to play it properly.

Wed 6 May, 1pm All Saints Church £10 In association with the Worshipful Company of Musicians

Thu 7 May, 1pm All Saints Church £10 In association with Kirckman Concert Society

accompanist Lucy Colquhoun he performs songs and lieder by Butterworth and Schubert in a concert that promises plangent melody, tender emotion and thrilling artistry. Fri 8 May, 1pm All Saints Church £10

Ferrier Award Winners Recital

Sten Heinoja piano Debussy (arr. Craig White) Préludes: Bruyères La Puerta del Vino Canope Debussy Sonata for Violin and Piano Beethoven Violin Sonata No 9 in A major Op 47, ‘Kreutzer’

Mon 11 May, 1pm Theatre Royal Brighton £10

From the deft musical impressionism of Debussy to the immense scope and emotional depths of Beethoven’s ‘Kreutzer’ sonata, the British violinist Roberto Ruisi and the Estonian pianist Sten Heinoja chart the unique expressiveness of the violin–piano duo in music that is tender and titanic by turns.

Lunchtimes

Roberto Ruisi

In association with the Tillett Trust

Roman Kosyakov Scarlatti Sonata in C minor K11 Sonata in D minor L108 Haydn Sonata in E minor Hob.XVI/34 Tchaikovsky Romance Op 5 in F minor Medtner Sonata Romantica Op 51 No 1

Tue 12 May, 1pm Theatre Royal Brighton £10 In Association with Worshipful Company of Musicians

Consone Quartet Haydn String Quartet in D minor Op 9 No 4, Hob III:22 Mendelssohn String Quartet in E flat major Op 44 No 3

The Consone Quartet’s mission to recreate the sound world of the classical and early-Romantic eras using authentic instruments has made it one of the most exciting

Glyndebourne’s Jerwood Young Artists This special concert presents members of Glyndebourne’s Jerwood Young Artists scheme performing operatic excerpts from every corner of the repertory.

Winner of the 2018 Hastings International Piano Competition, the brilliant young Russian pianist Roman Kosyakov is fast gaining international recognition. He charts a journey through the musical epochs as he performs a programme that ranges from the Baroque intricacy of Scarlatti to Medtner's 20th-century introspection, via Haydn’s poised classicism and the multi-layered Romanticism of Tchaikovsky.

chamber ensembles to have emerged in recent years. Coming from the Emerging European Ensembles Scheme associated with the Ambronay Festival, France, the Quartet performs Haydn and Mendelssohn for its Festival debut. Thu 21 May, 1pm All Saints Church £10

Glyndebourne works with the Jerwood Charitable Foundation to support the development of young singers; this is a unique opportunity to hear great voices of tomorrow — today. Fri 22 May ,1pm All Saints Church £10

Sat 2–Sun 10 May, 10am–6pm

museumofordinarypeople.com

A row of terraced houses used to stand where Brighton’s Phoenix Gallery is now. In the 60s, they were demolished to build office space. Apart from one. Harriet Silvester refused to move out of her home. An immersive exhibition taking place at the Phoenix Gallery in the space where her house once stood, HOME presents fascinating, heartbreaking and uplifting stories of ordinary people. FREE

Artists Open Houses weekends Sat 2–Mon 25 May, weekends

aoh.org.uk

Through-out May local artists open their homes and studios in this unmissable part of the festival season. Thousands of artists will be exhibiting in 200 venues across the city, out to Rottingdean, Newhaven, Ditchling, and beyond. Explore work in various mediums; from painting, photography and sculpture to ceramics, textiles and jewellery. A very special weekend treat, with homemade tea and cake on offer too.

Alongside Brighton Festival

The Museum Of Ordinary People (MOOP) X MNEMOSCENE

tillage: John Newling in Ditchling Sat 25 Apr–Sun 18 Oct

ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk

John Newling’s exhibition tillage opens to the public on 25th April 2020 at Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft. The exhibition creates a dynamic interaction between Newling’s works and the local Ditchling environment, speaking to the artist’s enduring interest in notions of place. Also see Dear Nature (p24)

Charleston Festival The Charleston Festival of books, ideas and creativity celebrates the curiosity, radicalism and openness of Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and the artists, writers and thinkers of the Bloomsbury group who all gathered at Charleston to imagine life differently. Over 10 days and 40 events, a line-up of speakers from the worlds of publishing, politics, science, art and theatre will come together for lively discussions, debates and performances.

15–25 May charleston.org.uk/festival

Shirley Collins | Brian Catling | Matthew Shaw Legendary folk singer Shirley Collins makes a pilgrimage to the heart of the Sussex landscape that fuels her work, in a unique collaboration with artist and writer Brian Catling and acclaimed sound artist Matthew Shaw. CROWLINK is an immersive sound installation, with traditional song and original poetry interwoven with field recordings, culminates with performances from Catling and Shirley Collins and the Lodestar Band. In partnership with Melting Vinyl and Brighton Festival.

Sat 2 & Sun 3 May

brightonfringe.org

Dive into England’s largest arts festival, a month-long extravaganza of more than 4,000 cabaret, theatre, circus, music, dance, comedy, exhibitions, performances and events. Explore Fringe City, our free outdoor festival on New Road, showcasing hundreds of acts every weekend of the festival, and discover innovative work in the International Seasons, an accessible programme of events in the Freedom Season, and many award-winning shows.

Fri 1–Sun 31 May

Secret Garden Kemp Town: In Nature Sat 2–Sun 31 May

secretgardenkemptown.co.uk

Hidden in a serene walled garden is a sculpture exhibition on the theme of trees and seed forms. It features major sculptures including the magnificent large-scale Richmond Oak by Kenneth Armitage; Elpida Hadzi-Vasileva’s gilded elm; two striking red tree forms by Julian Wild; and a selection of Wendy Taylor’s acclaimed seed series: Sycamore, Fir Cones, Poppy Seed, Acorn and Cob Nut.

Alongside Brighton Festival

Brighton Fringe

Joseph Toonga–Born To Manifest Wed 20 May, 7.30pm

wtam.uk

Born To Manifest by choreographer Joseph Toonga illuminates the experiences of young black British men. A responsive piece that simultaneously champions cultural identity and challenges racial stigmas. Set to an original score from Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante, this dynamic new dance work explores the power and privilege that still oppress and dictate. Produced in partnership with Brighton Festival. Also see War of the Worlds (page 25).

The Regency Wardrobe Until Sun 24 May

rth.org.uk

This unique collection explores themes of homelessness, conflict and Europe in the Regency period through the medium of embroidered paper with applied decoration and projected digitised media. Wander among eleven life-sized outfits that pivot around a central Regency Ball Gown, drawn together with research notes and imagery. Artist Stephanie Smart will share the inspiration behind Regency Wardrobe through public talks and workshops.

SEAS – A Seat at the Table seasbrighton.com

In early 2020, a conversation between ten artists from migrant or refugee background was recorded through text, objects, photography and sound. The result is this provoking installation (by Maria Amidu and Gil Mualem-Doron) which transcends mediums in a beautiful collaboration to explore the experience of migration, the artist’s artwork, and recordings of the conversation which sparked it all.

Sat 2–Sun 24 May

Support Us

Join & support As a registered charity we rely on the generous support of our Members & Patrons to produce and present over 600 events each year, and to continue with a number of community projects in our city.

Become a Member

Join the Patrons Circle

Becoming a Member is a great way to support our work and stay involved with us all year-round.

Our Patrons Circle is a growing and vibrant network of people who share a passion for exploring and supporting the arts. In return for their support they receive a range of benefits. Membership starts at £1,000 per year with a ‘dip your toe’ in option at £500.

Membership starts from £35 a year and comes with priority booking on all Brighton Festival events, selected Brighton Dome events, 20% discount at the café-bar and no perorder fees on ticket bookings. We even offer our Members backstage access to the work we present, with invitations to behind-thescenes rehearsals.

sarah.shepherd@brightonfestival.org 01273 260818

Look out for Members’ offers on top price tickets throughout these pages, available on first night performances whenever you see this icon.

©SummerDean

Join today: brightonfestival.org/membership 01273 260827 Visit our ticket office

If you would like further information or to meet for an informal chat, please contact Sarah Shepherd:

Support Us

©Carlotta Luke

Help Build Brighton Dome The restoration and redevelopment work on our historical Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre continues.

You can donate in several ways: Drop cash in our Donations Boxes in the ticket office

When fully re open, the venues will offer new public spaces and vastly improve the visitor experience. We continue to fundraise in order to create a revived dynamic and sustainable centre for the arts in Brighton & Hove and welcome donations of all amounts towards our community appeal. Every £1 donated unlocks a further £1 thanks to support from The Roddick Foundation. brightonfestival.org/support_us

Round Up when ordering drinks at our bar

Top Up donation when you buy tickets

Name a seat in our newly refurbished venues

Brighton Dome & Festival Ltd is a registered charity no: 249748

Become a Corporate Sponsor Raise your business profile and support your community through a partnership with Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival. With bespoke packages, our corporate sponsors enjoy an array of benefits whilst fulfilling their marketing objectives and corporate social responsibilities. susie.tempest@brightondome.org

‘‘

All of us at Selective Asia are delighted to support our hometown’s vibrant arts festival for a second year. Our work takes us across Asia, but our Brighton roots run deep. It gives us great pleasure to be involved in such an inspiring part of the city’s culture, especially with The Sleeping Tree (see p6) — a project that shines a much-needed light on the plight of one of Asia’s most endangered creatures. Nick Pulley Founder and Managing Director Selective Asia

Booking Information

Pay It Forward Join In: putting you at the heart of Brighton Festival brightonfestival.org/pif

Join the celebrated Pay It Forward movement and help more people experience Brighton Festival. Pay an extra £5 when you book your tickets, or donate online, and we’ll put this towards giving a free ticket to someone who might not otherwise be able to attend. Vouchers will be distributed at Our Place, local schools, charities and partner organisations.

Local Discounts Take advantage of these special offers from our friends in the city, for Brighton Festival ticket holders and Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival Members.

Bill's Brighton Enjoy a complimentary drink with your main course for Brighton Festival ticket holders and Members. Choice of: Bottle of Peroni, any cocktail or soft drink, any tea or coffee or a 175ml glass of house wine. Not valid on set menus. bills-website.co.uk | 01273 692 894 100 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YE

Moshimo Pre-show 25% discount on all eat-in food for Brighton Festival ticket holders and Members. Moshimo.co.uk | 01273 719195 Bartholomew Square, Brighton, BN1 1JS

Terre à Terre 10% off food only from the a la carte menu for Brighton Festival ticket holders and Members. Terreaterre.co.uk | 01273 729051 71 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HQ

The Flint House (pictured above) 15% off your bill, seven days a week between 6pm and 7pm for Brighton Festival ticket holders and Members. Flinthousebrighton.com | 01273 916333 13 Hanningtons Lane, Brighton, BN1 1GS

Best of Brighton Holiday Lettings Best of Brighton Holiday Lettings are offering Brighton Festival ticket holders and Members 10% off all holidays taken in 2020 using the promo code: BBDOME20 online or over the phone. bestofbrighton.co.uk | 01273 308779 3 Kensington Place, BN1 4EJ

British Sign Language Interpreted

Live at Brighton Dome

Please confirm when booking so that we can reserve you an appropriate seat.

Relaxed Performance

Halo (p14) Sat 2–Wed 6 May, 12–8pm

Fri 15 May, 7.30pm (p41)

The Patient Gloria (p15) Fri 8 May, 7.30pm

Open to everyone, these performances welcome audiences with an Autistic Spectrum Condition or a learning disability.

Tribes: David Lammy (p28) Sat 9 May, 7.30pm

You Aren't Doing It Wrong Mon 4 May, 8pm (p15)

War of the Worlds (p25) Sun 10 May, 2pm

Brighton Festival Youth Choir Mon 6 May, 6pm (p21)

Your Sexts Are Shit (p37) Thu 14 May, 7.30pm

Groove into the Woods (p26) Sat 9 May, 11am

Ivan Coyote (p41) Sat 16 May, 8pm

War of the Worlds (p25) Sun 10 May, 2pm

Cressida Cowell (p60) Sun 17 May, 2pm

BIG UP! Sun 10 May, 5pm (p31)

Jaqueline Wilson (p61) Sun 17 May, 4pm

Slime (p44) Mon 18–Fri 22 May

Burgerz (p46) Fri 22 May, 8pm

Bromance (p47) Sat 23 May, 2.30pm

Little Green Pig AMPLIFIED Sun 24 May, 2pm, (p63)

Drag Queen Story Hour UK Sun 24 May, 11am, 2pm & 4pm (p57)

My Name is Why Wed 6 May, 7.30pm (p20)

Drag Queen Story Hour UK Sun 24 May, 2pm (p57) Pink Lemonade (p52) Sun 24 May, 8pm

Captioned Please confirm when booking so that we can reserve you an appropriate seat. A Family Outing – 20 Years On Sun 10 May, 8pm (p29)

Highly Visual Performances The following events have few or no words. Also look out for Dance and Art & Film events. The Sleeping Tree (p6) Sat 2–Sun 24 May Sollievo (p7) Sat 2–Sun 24 May

Hofesh Shechter (p13) Fri 1–Sun 3 May, 7.30pm Out of Chaos (p23) Fri 8–Sun 10 May, 7.30pm Sat 9 & Sun 10 May, 2pm Without Walls – Role Play Sat 9 & Sun 10 May (p27) Amy Bell: The Forecast (p34) Mon 11 & Tue 12 May, 8pm

Booking Information

Assisted Performances & Events

Without Walls – Why? (p55) Sat 23 & Sun 24 May

Suitable for Blind and Visually Impaired We have highlighted performances in this brochure that have high audio content with this symbol. Also look out for Music and Books & Debates events. Please check brightonfestival.org/access for a full list of assisted performances as we continue to add more events.

Get In Touch Book tickets 01273 709709/ tickets@brightondome.org Access info 01273 261541/525/ access@brightonfestival.org For more information: brightonfestival.org/access For more information about our Access Scheme, see page 75.

Large print and audio brochure available to download online, hardcopies available on request.

At a Glance

At a glance p5–10

THROUGHOUT Lemn Sissay: Adopt a Nation p4 ART & FILM

Anita Corbin: 100 First Women Portraits Sat 15 Feb–Sun 7 Jun, p10

Katharina Wulff Sat 21 Mar–Sat 9 May, p10

The Sleeping Tree Sat 2–Sun 24 May, p6

A Simple Act of Wonder Sat 2–Sun 24 May, p9

Washed Up Car-Go Sat 2–Sun 24 May, p8

The Young Americans Sat 2–Sun 24 May, p5

The Informals II Sat 2–Sun 24 May, p8

Vincent Dance Theatre: Art of Attachment Sat 2–Sun 24 May, p10 THEATRE

Sollievo Sat 2–Sun 24 May, p7

OPENING WEEKEND SAT 2 & SUN 3 MAY ART & FILM

Semi Conductor: HALO Sat 2–Wed 6 May, p14 Arrivals + Departures Sat 2–Mon 11 May, p12 BOOKS & DEBATES

Ali Smith: Seasons Sat 2 May, p12

Superior: Angela Saini Sun 3 May, p15 Time Shifts Sun 3 May, p16 CLASSICAL

In C by the Sea Sat 2 May, p14

p11–16 I Fagiolini Purcell: 'Tis Nature’s Voice Sun 3 May, p16 DANCE

Hofesh Shechter Company: Double Murder Fri 1 May (preview), Sat 2 & Sun 3 May, p13

FAMILY

Children's Parade Sat 2 May, p11 THEATRE

Stillpoint: You Aren’t Doing It Wrong If No One Knows What You Are Doing Sat 2–Tue 5 May, p15

p17–31

WEEK 1 MON 4–SUN 10 MAY ART & FILM

LUNCHTIMES

Semi Conductor: HALO Sat 2–Wed 6 May, p14

Brighton Festival Youth Choir Wed 6 May, p21

Béatrice Martin Mon 4 May, p64

Arrivals + Departures Sat 2–Mon 11 May, p12

Chineke! Chamber Ensemble Thu 7 May, p21

Behn Quartet Wed 6 May, p64

BOOKS & DEBATES

Likkle Rum with Grandma Wed 6 May, p19 Lemn Sissay: My Name is Why Wed 6 May, p20 Vintage Poets Fri 8 May, p24

Dear Nature Fri 8 May | P24 Paul Lewis Sun 10 May, p30 Brighton Youth Orchestra Sun 10 May, p28 MUSIC

A Place in Time Sat 9 May, p26

Mulatu Astatke Mon 4 May, p17

Tribes: David Lammy Sat 9 May, p28

Baby Bushka Mon 4 & Tue 5 May, p17

One Two Three Four: The Beatles In Time Sat 9 May, p28

Roberto Fonseca Trio Tue 5 May, p19

Travelling Traditions Sun 10 May, p30 CIRCUS

Gravity & Other Myths: Out of Chaos Fri 8–Sun 10 May, p23

CLASSICAL

The Informals - Performance Wed 6 May, p8 FAMILY

Groove Baby: Groove into the Woods Sat 9 May, p26 caravan - BIG UP! Sun 10 May, p31

Florian Mitrea Thu 7 May, p64 Benson Wilson Fri 8 May, p64 OUTDOOR

Ray Lee: Points of Departure Thu 7–Sun 10 May, Wed 13–Sun 17 May, p22 A Weekend Without Walls (Crawley) Sat 9 May, p27 A Weekend Without Walls (Brighton) Sun 10 May, p27 THEATRE

Stillpoint: You Aren’t Doing It Wrong If No One Knows What You Are Doing Sat 2–Tue 5 May, p15 Gina Moxley & Abbey Theatre: The Patient Gloria Tue 5–Sat 9 May, p18

Rhum & Clay Theatre Co: The War of the Worlds Fri 8–Sun 10 May, p25 Ursula Martinez: A Family Outing – 20 Years On Sat 9–Sun 10 May, p29 caravan - Andy Field: News News News Sun 10 May, p31 caravan - Medea Electronica Sun 10 May, p31 YOUNG READERS

Looking for Clues – Why we love Mystery Books with Robin Stevens, Sharna Jackson and Elly Griffiths Sun 10 May, p59

ART & FILM

Arrivals + Departures Sat 2–Mon 11 May, p12 Mercy Mercy Wed 13 May, p36 BOOKS & DEBATES

CLASSICAL

RPO & BFC Thu 14 May, p38 COMEDY

Josie Long: Tender Tue 12 May, p34

Take 5 Wed 13 May, p37

Live at Brighton Dome Fri 15 May, p41

The Lost Decade: Polly Toynbee Thu 14 May, p38

Mark Watson Sun 17 May, p43

Lime Time Thu 14 May, p40 New Habesha Visionaries Fri 15 May, p40 Alain Mabanckou Sat 16 May, p43 New Writing South Statement: Kit de Waal Sun 17 May, p43 Time Capsules: Courttia Newland & Lisa Blower Sun 17 May, p44

MUSIC

Eliza & Martin Carthy: East Mon 11 May, p35 Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita Wed 13 May, p36 DANCE

Amy Bell: The Forecast Mon 11 & Tue 12 May, p34 FAMILY

Our Place East Brighton Sat 16 May, p42 LUNCHTIMES

Roberto Ruisi Mon 11 May, p65

p32–43 Roman Kosyakov Tue 12 May, p65 OUTDOOR

Ray Lee: Points of Departure Thu 7–Sun 10 May Wed 13–Sun 17 May, p22 THEATRE

caravan - Verity Standen Projects: Undersong Mon 11 May, p32 caravan - Jamal Gerald: Idol Mon 11 May, p32 caravan - Lucy McCormick Life: LIVE! Mon 11 May, p32 caravan - Antler: Civilisation Tue 12 May, p33 caravan - Nouveau Riche: Queens of Sheba Tue 12 May, p33 caravan - Bert & Nasi: The End Tue 12 May, p33 Rachel Mars Your Sexts are Shit: Older Better Letters Wed 13 & Thu 14 May, p37

Hot Brown Honey Thu 14–Sat 16 May, p39 Ivan Coyote Sat 16 & Sun 17 May, p41 YOUNG READERS

Children Who Changed the World with Marcia Williams Sat 16 May, p59 The Longest Night of Charlie Noon: Christopher Edge Sat 16 May, p59 Kieran Larwood: Uki and the Outcasts Sat 16 May, p59 Guess How Much I Love You! Sun 17 May, p60 Jacqueline Wilson Sun 17 May, p61 Fearless! with Liam Hackett Sun 17 May, p60 Cressida Cowell: The Magic of Writing Sun 17 May, p60 Vashti Hardy Sun 17 May, p61

WEEK 3 MON 18–SUN 24 MAY BOOKS & DEBATES

How To Be Autistic: Charlotte Amelia Poe Thu 21 May, p49 A Poet's Music: Kayo Chingonyi & Nathalie Handal Sat 23 May, p56 An Afternoon with Ozwald Boateng Sun 24 May, p56 In Translation: Rodaan al Galidi & Alia Trabucco Zerán Sun 24 May, p58 CIRCUS

Bromance Tue 19–Sat 23 May, p47 CLASSICAL

Handel’s Unsung Heroes Mon 18 May, p45 Kronos Quartet Fri 22 May, p51 LSO Sat 23 May, p54

COMEDY

Sofie Hagen: The Bumswing Sun 24 May, p57 MUSIC

p44–58 Our Place Hangelton Sat 23 May, p42 Drag Queen Story Hour UK Sun 24 May, p57 LUNCHTIMES

Le Gateau Chocolat – Pandora Tue 19 May, p48

Consone Quartet Thu 21 May, p65

Amadou & Mariam with Blind Boys of Alabama Thu 21 May, p49

Glyndebourne’s Jerwood Young Artists Fri 22 May, p65

Laima Fri 22 May, p52 Samuel Yirga Sat 23 May, p53 Damir Imamovic Sat 23 May, p53 Laura Marling Sun 24 May, p58 DANCE

Breakin' Convention Wed 27 May, p63 FAMILY

At a Glance

WEEK 2 MON 11–SUN 17 MAY

OUTDOOR

A Weekend Without Walls (Brighton) Sat 23 & Sun 24 May, p55 THEATRE

Travis Alabanza: Burgerz Tue 19–Fri 22 May, p46 Ontroerend Goed: Are we not drawn onward to new erA Thu 21–Sat 23 May, p50 Mika Johnson:Pink Lemonade Sat 23 & Sun 24 May, p52

YOUNG READERS

Young City Reads Thu 21 May, p61 Look Up! With Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola Sat 23 May, p62 M.G. Leonard: The Tale of a Toothbrush Sat 23 May, p61 Poetry Workshop with Sophia Thakur Sat 23 May, p62 The Nothing to See Here Hotel: Steven Butler and Steven Lenton Sun 24 May, p62 Clem and Crab with Fiona Lumbers Sun 24 May, p62 Josh Lacey: Hope Jones Saves the World Sun 24 May, p63 Little Green Pig: AMPLIFIED Sun 24 May, p63

Slime Mon 18–Fri 22 May, p44

Venues

Venues Brighton Dome Concert Hall Founders Room

Church Street, BN1 1UE Access info: 01273 261525 / 261541 brightondome.org

Komedia Gardner St, BN1 1UN Glyndebourne Near Lewes, BN8 5UU

Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts University of Sussex Falmer, BN1 9RA

St Nicholas Church Church St, BN1 3LJ Brighton Unitarian Church New Rd, Brighton BN1 1UF

Brighthelm Centre North Rd, BN1 1YD The Old Market Upper Market Street Hove, BN3 1AS Lighthouse 28 Kensington St, BN1 4AJ Beach level at British Airways i360 Lower Kings Rd Brighton BN1, 2LN Brighton Museum and Art Gallery Pavilion Parade Brighton, BN1 1EE

Fabrica Gallery 40 Duke St, Brighton, BN1 1AG Phoenix Art Space 10-14 Waterloo Place Brighton, BN2 9NB All Saints Hove The Drive, Hove BN3 3QE

Programming partners

Brighton Quakers Friends Meeting House

Brighton CCA 58–67 Grand Parade, Brighton, BN2 0JY The Level Union Rd, Brighton, BN1 4ZN Hove Warehouse Units 1 & 2 Ellen Street (junction with Ethel Street) Hove

Brighton Girls (formerly Brighton & Hove High School) Montpelier Rd, BN1 3A The Manor Gym Manor Rd, BN2 5EA Hangleton Community Centre Harmsworth Crescent, BN3 8BW Queens Square Crawley Queens Sq, Crawley RH10 1DY

Connaught Theatre, Worthing Union Place Worthing, BN11 1LG

Friends Meeting House Ship St, Brighton, BN1 1AF

Theatre Royal Brighton New Road, Brighton BN1 1SD

Concorde 2 286A Madeira Dr, Brighton, BN2 1EN

Depot Pinwell Road, Lewes, BN7 2JS For further access info, email access@brightonfestival.org or call 01273 261525/261 ONCA 14 St George’s Pl Brighton, BN1 4GB

brightonfestival.org 01273 709709 Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival Ticket Office, East Gate, Church Street, Brighton BN1 1UE Mon–Sat, 10am–5pm (6pm on performance days at Brighton Dome until Sat 2 May) Mon–Sun, 10am–7pm (Sat 2–Sun 24 May) Public booking opens: Wed 19 Feb, 9am

Free and £10 or Less Don’t miss our range of 21 free events and 117 performances with tickets for £10 or less to help you see more of this year's Brighton Festival programme.

Festival Volunteers Help make the festival happen and join our invaluable team of volunteers. To find out how you can be part of this year’s Brighton Festival email volunteers@brightonfestival.org

£10 Festival Standby

Multi-buy offers Buy tickets for six different Brighton Festival events and we’ll give you the cheapest free. Buy tickets for six different Brighton Festival events and we’ll give you the cheapest free. Terms & conditions: One transaction, through the Ticket Office only. Not available online. Only tickets for different events are valid (i.e. not six tickets for the same event). The number of free sixth tickets tallies with the equivalent number of paid tickets in your transaction (i.e. you get two free if two tickets are bought for each of the other five events). Also groups of 10+ save 10% and groups of 20+ save 20% on most events.

Charges There is a £2.50 per order charge for all phone and online bookings (not applicable to Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival members). Plus: 60p standard post, £1.75 Signed For mail. If collecting tickets, please bring the same card (or its replacement) used to purchase online or by phone. For standing events, tickets can only be posted out by Signed For mail.

Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival Access Scheme

Book best available seats in person from the venue just before the show on many events. Festival Standby tickets are only available to under 26s, over 60s, JSA/ ESA or Universal Credit, registered disabled/DLA or PIP, Equity/BECTU/SDUK, Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival Members, Brighton Festival artists and those with Pay-It-Forward vouchers. Festival Standby tickets can only be booked in person. Subject to availability

Our Access Scheme helps us provide you with the best possible service ensuring you have an easy and enjoyable visit every time you book a ticket and attend a Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival event. If you require a wheelchair position or have any other access requirements please register for the scheme.

Brochure correct at time of going to press. Brighton Festival reserves the right to alter the programme without prior notice if necessary.

Brighton Festival Chief Executive Andrew Comben

Sally Scott Nii Ayikwei Parkes Tanya Peters

Festival Executive Producer Beth Burgess

Brochure concept/ cover Johnson Banks johnsonbanks.co.uk

Full terms and conditions available at brightonfestival.org Brighton Festival would like to thank all the artists, partners, venues, sponsors and individual supporters, and the entire team of staff and volunteers at Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival.

Brighton Festival is produced and promoted by Brighton Dome and Festival Ltd. Registered Charity number 249748. 12a Pavilion Buildings, Castle Square, Brighton BN1 1EE

Find out more: brightondome.org/AccessScheme

Brighton Festival Producers Philippa Barr Tim Brown Danni Colgan Hilary Cooke Sally Cowling Rosie Crane Slavka Jovanovic Gill Kay Lucy Monkman

Brochure design Jordan Uwins David Bracey Brochure editor Deena Shobaki

This publication is printed on paper from managed, sustainable forests and uses print technology that accords to the ISO14001 environmental standard.

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