Your complete guide to London’s FREE outdoor arts festival festival.org/gdif @GDIFestival
CELEBRATING TOGETHERNESS 28 August — 12 September
WELCOME TO GDIF – LONDON’S FREE, OUTDOOR ARTS FESTIVAL 2
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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CELEBRATING TOGETHERNESS AT GDIF 2020 This year’s 25th anniversary Festival takes place in unprecedented times. The recent hard months have shown in sharp relief our need for equality and community, whilst reminding us of the resilience that comes from looking after each other. As a free outdoor festival, GDIF has always tried to play an active role in local civic life, and as we start to reimagine the future, this year’s Festival, the country’s first since lockdown, has been designed with artists, partners and participants to offer an inclusive moment to reflect on the importance of togetherness, whilst hopefully providing something we all need more than ever – a time to celebrate and smile. Bradley Hemmings MBE Artistic Director
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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CELEBRATING TOGETHERNESS AT GDIF HELPING TO KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE
HERE TO HELP
GDIF 2020 will be a different experience from previous years. Following detailed advice from leading safety consultants Blue Yonder Events and months of behind the scenes creative and production work to prioritise the safety of everyone at the Festival, we now need you to play your part by:
GDIF’s friendly volunteers are on hand at every event to help with information and directions. You can’t miss them in their bright pink t-shirts!
• Booking a ticket • Following social distancing guidelines • Wearing a face covering (unless you are exempt). Mask exemption stickers will be available from our volunteers
EXPERIENCE GDIF AT HOME As part of our commitment to widening accessibility to the Festival, some of the events will be filmed and available to view on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/GDIFestival
PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING
• Staying local as much as possible
We have photographers and film makers at events to capture footage to share online and for use in future. If you don’t want to be featured, please wear a ‘No Photography’ sticker, available from our volunteers. Got some great snaps you want to share? Tag us @GDIFestival and use #GDIF2020.
• Respecting accessible viewing areas and keeping them clear for those with access needs
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
• Making a donation using contactless payment at events
We want to hear from you about your experience of the festival, and how we can make it even better next year. You can fill out a feedback form online. We’d love to hear what you think: bit.ly/GDIF2020survey
• Washing your hands or using hand sanitation facilities regularly • Being prepared to queue for events at safe distance
• Ensuring that children are accompanied at all times For more information, please visit festival.org/gdif-safety
LOVE THE FESTIVAL?
Please help us to keep the Festival free by donating today. Over the past 25 years we know that GDIF has left many audience members with spectacular memories that live on. By supporting the Festival, you can help to make sure that we can continue to celebrate together in future years. You can support us by: • Celebrating 25 years of GDIF by donating £25 at bit.ly/supportGDIF • Texting LOVEGDIF 10 to 70085 to donate £10, LOVEGDIF 5 to 70085 to donate £5, or LOVEGDIF 2 to 70085 to donate £2 - texts cost the value of your donation plus one standard rate message • Donating at each event – just look out for our new contactless touch points on site
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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ACCESS AT GDIF GDIF welcomes all and endeavours to be accessible for everyone! Our friendly team of staff and volunteers are available for assistance and have been trained in Disability Equality. All shows and sites are relaxed and we invite audiences to feel at home in our company. Access on site All shows are wheelchair accessible and we welcome Assistance Dogs. Viewing areas with chairs will be available if needed. Accessible toilet and blue badge parking information is available on our website. Accessible shows Most events with speech will provide BSL interpretation, captions or induction loops. We use The Difference Engine App for our captions which you can download via your App Store.
Attitude Is Everything GDIF is committed to Attitude is Everything’s Charter of Best Practice for access and has been awarded Gold Award for its commitment to access for D/deaf and disabled people. Find out more festival.org/access Contact alex@festival.org +44 (0)7899 893 953
ACCESS KEY BSL interpreted Captioned performance Audio described Assisted route Wheelchair accessible
Assistance dogs welcome Audio Description has been created for most events. Supported by Without Digital access available Walls Audience Development Funding. Accessible brochures Easy Read, large print, audio described, captioned, digital and BSL interpreted brochures can be found online. Travel routes are available for each site.
WHAT TO EXPECT Make some noise Join In Family friendly Sensory spectacle Speech free
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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TICKETING INFORMATION TICKETING FOR 2020
HOW CAN I SUPPORT GDIF?
GDIF is an entirely FREE festival, but this year we’ve had to put ticketing arrangements in place across the Festival to ensure that audience members can enjoy the events whilst social distancing.
This has been the most challenging festival we’ve ever had to put together. Devising new approaches and adapting our programme to embed extra safety measures has required additional resources and we need your support more than ever.
All tickets can be booked via our website. If a show is ticketed, you must register for a ticket for all members of your group planning to attend. Capacities at this year’s Festival will be much lower than in previous years and so to ensure that as many people as possible can access the Festival, please note that: • You can book for up to four people for each event • We are encouraging group bookings (up to 4 people) where possible to aid with social distancing plans • Tickets for many events will be booked by the bench, which can accommodate up to four people from the same household. In these instances, one ticket will secure one bench • You can book for a maximum of three events across the Festival • A limited number of on-the-day tickets will be available on a first-come first-served basis for all shows boxoffice@festival.org +44 (0) 7432 197 543
Make a donation We would be enormously grateful if you would consider donating to GDIF in the midst of these challenging times. You can do this by visiting bit.ly/supportGDIF. If you’re a UK Taxpayer, we can reclaim Gift Aid that will add 25% to the value of your donation, at no extra cost to you. You can also donate via text message. Text LOVEGDIF 10 to 70085 to donate £10, LOVEGDIF 5 to 70085 to donate £5, or LOVEGDIF 2 to 70085 to donate £2 - texts cost the value of your donation plus one standard rate message. Anything you can give will help us to continue to bring free, spectacular, accessible, inclusive outdoor arts to public spaces across Greenwich and East London. Become a Patron Our Patrons help people to attend the arts for the first time through an annual donation towards the work we do at GDIF. We develop close ties with our Patrons, individuals who share a passion for the Festival, the arts more broadly, or the London boroughs in which we work. To find out more about becoming a GDIF Patron please visit bit.ly/supportGDIF
If you have questions about our access provision please contact Alex Covell: alex@festival.org +44 (0) 20 8305 5021
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
Scan this QR code to go to our ticket booking page
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WHAT’S ON OVERVIEW IN MEMORIAM 28 – 31 AUGUST WOOLWICH COMMON
FIRE GARDEN 11 – 12 SEPTEMBER THAMES BARRIER PARK, ROYAL DOCKS
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THE WEAVERS OF WOOLWICH 28 AUGUST GENERAL GORDON SQUARE, WOOLWICH
RING OUT 11 – 12 SEPTEMBER SILVERTOWN SQUARE, ROYAL DOCKS
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GAIA 28 AUGUST – 6 SEPTEMBER OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE, GREENWICH
WEAVING TOGETHER 29 – 30 AUGUST VARIOUS VENUES ACROSS WOOLWICH
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BLACK VICTORIANS 29 – 30 AUGUST ST GEORGE’S GARRISON CHURCH, WOOLWICH
ON YOUR DOORSTEP 29 AUGUST – 12 SEPTEMBER ACROSS THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH
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CHORUS 28 – 31 AUGUST OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE, GREENWICH
DANCING CITY 5 SEPTEMBER CANARY WHARF Page 32
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CLOUDSCAPES 5 – 6 SEPTEMBER OXLEAS MEADOWS
846 LIVE 12 SEPTEMBER NORTH WOOLWICH, ROYAL DOCKS
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THE OPEN AIR DRAWING ROOM 5 – 6 SEPTEMBER OXLEAS MEADOWS Page 15
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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IN MEMORIAM LUKE JERRAM FRIDAY 28 & MONDAY 31 AUGUST 3PM–8PM SATURDAY 29 & SUNDAY 30 AUGUST 10.30AM–8PM WOOLWICH COMMON UK PREMIERE FREE BUT CAPACITY WILL BE MANAGED Commissioned by Culture Weston and University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust. Supported by Without Walls and FESTIVAL.ORG. Informed by the Wellcome Trust-funded ‘Weather Lives’ project, led by Dr Cassie Phoenix at Durham University.
Luke Jerram’s ceremonial art installation has been created as a memorial to those we have lost in the COVID-19 pandemic. The artwork has also been made in tribute to the NHS staff and volunteers who have worked so tirelessly to care for so many. Created from bed sheets, In Memoriam is intended to be an evocative symbol of local, national and international solidarity, presented a short distance from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as a space for reflection, remembrance, and recognition. As a thank you to NHS workers, GDIF will be presenting two ceremonial events for staff of Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. These events will also be available on GDIF’s YouTube channel and will include performances from Greenwich Dance as well as readings, reflections and performances. Audience members are requested to respect the fact that this installation is a memorial for quiet reflection. Please note that children must be accompanied at all times. Please visit festival.org/whats-on/ gdif-in-Memoriam
The UK premiere of In Memoriam at GDIF is supported by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Royal Greenwich Festivals, Without Walls and Arts Council England. With thanks to the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.
Featured in three GDIF events this year, Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Living in the UK but working internationally since 1997, Jerram has created a number of extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the globe.
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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THE WEAVERS OF WOOLWICH BERNARDINE EVARISTO FRIDAY 28 AUGUST 6.30PM–9.30PM GENERAL GORDON SQUARE, WOOLWICH FREE BUT CAPACITY WILL BE MANAGED
This specially written piece of prose/poetry from Booker Prize Winner Bernardine Evaristo will be revealed for the first time in a collaboration with Gijs van Bon. Words written in photoluminescent chalk will appear glowing across General Gordon Square, accompanied by an inspiring soundscape by Roma Yagnik. Conceived as a people’s history, The Weavers of Woolwich celebrates the spirit and resilience of the diverse communities who have made Woolwich their home. Bernardine Evaristo grew up in Woolwich and was particularly inspired by her experiences at Greenwich Young People’s Theatre (now Tramshed) as a young woman. Recalling this, the soundtrack will feature readings recorded by local young people from Tramshed. Please visit festival.org/whats-on/ gdif-weavers-of-woolwich/
We are the weavers of Woolwich building on the past as we work towards a fairer future for everyone we have come so far already, we will keep our dreams alive as we move into the future
British writer Bernardine Evaristo is the awardwinning author of eight books, and was the first ever Woolwich Laureate as part of Woolwich Cultural Destinations. Bernardine’s novel Girl, Woman, Other won the Booker Prize 2019, and in 2020, the British Book Award’s Author of the Year Fiction Book of the Year, and the Indie Book Award for Fiction.
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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GAIA LUKE JERRAM FRIDAY 28 AUGUST – SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 10AM–5PM & 6PM–10PM OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE, GREENWICH FREE BUT TICKETED
Taking inspiration from the mythological mother of all life on earth, and scientific discoveries in the age of space travel, Gaia will renew your appreciation of the planet we call home. Luke Jerram’s illuminated 3D installation with surround sound from award winning composer Dan Jones, offers a vision of our world floating in space with detailed NASA imagery of the earth’s surface, offering a unique contemplation on the interconnection and fragility of life on earth. To book visit festival.org/whats-on/gdif-gaia Gaia is supported by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Royal Greenwich Festivals, and Arts Council England. With thanks to Old Royal Naval College.
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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BLACK VICTORIANS JEANEFER JEAN-CHARLES
Black Victorians is supported by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Royal Greenwich Festivals, Arts Council England, Historic Royal Palaces and R&D investment through Without Walls Blueprint. With thanks to the St George’s Garrison Church Trust.
SATURDAY 29 – SUNDAY 30 AUGUST 2PM, 3.30PM, 5PM ST GEORGE’S GARRISON CHURCH, WOOLWICH FREE BUT TICKETED This dance performance by Artistic Director and Choreographer Jeanefer Jean-Charles is inspired by nineteenth century studio photographs of black men, women and children. Exploring a complex, but often forgotten black presence in pre-Windrush Britain, this performance calls attention to previously ‘hidden figures’ and challenges historical and contemporary perceptions.
Jeanefer Jean-Charles, choreographer and Artistic Director of Jeanefer Jean-Charles and Associates. Jeanefer was the movement director for ‘Spirit of Woolwich’ at the opening ceremony of GDIF 2019.
Image: Unidentified sitter, Glasgow, date unknown. By T.W. Steven. Courtesy of Autograph, London.Reproduced from Black Chronicles – Exhibition In A Box (2016) by Autograph, London
Presented in the ruined Victorian St George’s Garrison Church, this is an opportunity to experience history as told through choreography. 20 mins
To book please visit festival.org/whats-on/ gdif-BlackVictorians festival.org
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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CHORUS RAY LEE FRIDAY 28 – MONDAY 31 AUGUST 7.30PM, 8.30PM, 9.30PM OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE, GREENWICH
This impressive installation of towering sound and light sculptures creates a captivating and immersive experience. Giant metal tripods support rotating arms with red LED lights generating whirling orbits of colour combined with a chorus of spinning speakers to deliver an uplifting and transfixing sonic spectacle.
FREE BUT TICKETED
Following the success of ‘Pasture with Cows’ at the Old Royal Naval College in 2019, this spectacular installation offers another chance to see Sir Christopher Wren’s historic riverside masterpiece transformed with a large scale contemporary art installation. 27 mins To book please visit festival.org/whats-on/ gdif-chorus Chorus is supported by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Royal Greenwich Festivals, and Arts Council England. With thanks to the Old Royal Naval College.
Award-winning sound artist and composer Ray Lee creates ‘music that moves’. His immersive and mesmerising works such as the large-scale Ring Out, also featured at the festival this year, and his monumental outdoor work Chorus, aim to make contemporary music accessible and engaging for a wide audience.
CLOUDSCAPES GOBBLEDEGOOK THEATRE SATURDAY 5 – SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2PM, 3.30PM, 5PM OXLEAS MEADOWS FREE BUT TICKETED Lie back and relax as cloud enthusiast Lorna Rees invites you to contemplate the troposphere. Her dreamy commentary on the passing skies will allow you to appreciate the temporary ‘galleries’ created by clouds. Visit the Cloud Museum afterwards to learn more about cloud-gazing and climate change. To book please visit festival.org/whats-on/ gdif-cloudscapes Performances BSL interpreted on request at booking. Cloudscapes is supported by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Royal Greenwich Festivals, and Arts Council England. Gobbledegook are Associate Artists for Inside Out Dorset and Lighthouse Poole.
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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THE OPEN AIR DRAWING ROOM ERIC MACLENNAN SATURDAY 5 – SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 1PM, 2.30PM, 4PM OXLEAS MEADOWS FREE BUT TICKETED BOOK A TICKET FOR BOTH As Cloudscapes and The Open Air Drawing Room take place in the same location, why not book a ticket for both? festival.org
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Everyone’s an artist in this thought-provoking performance inspired by the great 19th century painter of light and seascapes, JMW Turner and the 31 sea areas of the Shipping Forecast. You’re invited to stop, reflect and see the bigger picture in this joyful celebration of our collective creativity, joining multiple artists working to paint a giant piece of art. 30 minutes To book please visit festival.org/whats-on/ gdif-OpenAirDrawingRoom Performances BSL interpreted on request at booking. The Open Air Drawing Room is supported by Turner Contemporary, Applause Rural Touring, the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Royal Greenwich Festivals, and Arts Council England.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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FIRE GARDEN WALK THE PLANK FRIDAY 11 – SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 8PM–10PM (LAST ADMISSION 9.15PM) THAMES BARRIER PARK, ROYAL DOCKS FREE BUT TICKETED As dusk turns to darkness join us on a trail through a magically transformed riverside park landscape in Silvertown, a place with many historic connections with fire. In this atmospheric and enchanting experience there are echoes of local stories, whilst trees glow with fire and flowers blossom into life with flames. This immersive experience provides the perfect antidote to a summer of isolation, evoking the warmth and generosity of togetherness and renewal. 40 minutes To book please visit festival.org/whats-on/ gdif-Fire Garden Fire Garden is supported by the Royal Docks Team. With additional funding from Newham Council. Oral histories provided by digital:works.
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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RING OUT RAY LEE FRIDAY 11 – SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2PM, 3PM, 4PM, 5PM SILVERTOWN SQUARE, ROYAL DOCKS FREE BUT TICKETED This installation from Ray Lee takes the form of a series of giant towers which hold suspended bell-like speaker cones. A team of volunteer bell-ringers start to operate the industrial machinery and make the pendulum arms swing higher and higher until each arm soars up over the heads of the audience ringing forth with a peal of electronic tones. 20 minutes To book please visit festival.org/gdif-RingOut Ring Out is supported by the Royal Docks Team. With additional funding from Newham Council.
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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Gratte Ciel’s Weaving Workshop
WEAVING TOGETHER GDIF DURING LOCKDOWN SATURDAY 29 – SUNDAY 30 AUGUST THERE WILL BE A SELECTION OF AUDIO DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INSTALLATIONS ON OUR WEBSITE Back in March, GDIF set up a series of participatory arts activities and commissions to engage with and support local residents during lockdown. Artists imagined ‘at home’ creative workshops which were delivered in food packages to people who were shielding, through a partnership with Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA) and online. Some wrote poetry, wove African baskets, wove strands of fabric symbolising diversity or assembled beautiful creations using upcycled everyday objects. GDIF’s original plans for its Opening Night this year (now postponed to 2021) would have featured a spectacular dreamcatcher created by the French company Gratte Ciel suspended over General Gordon Square. During lockdown, Gratte Ciel created an online weaving workshop which has provided the inspiration for a number of community-based projects, the results of which have been integrated into this year’s ‘On Your Doorstep’ programme (see pages 24-31). Weaving Together is supported by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Royal Greenwich Festivals, and Arts Council England. 20
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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SPOKEN WORD: THE WEB RASHEEDA PAGE-MUIR SATURDAY 29 AUGUST 1.50PM–2PM & 4.20PM–4.30PM WOOLWICH COMMON ESTATE MULTI-USE GAMES AREA SEE PAGE 24 (ON YOUR DOORSTEP: WOOLWICH COMMON ESTATE) Rasheeda Page-Muir is a spoken word poet and community organiser, born and raised in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. She was inspired to write her poem The Web by a day spent volunteering at Woolwich Common Community Centre, as part of our Weaving Together lockdown project. She will be performing in ‘On Your Doorstep: Woolwich Common Estate’.
A WALK OF PEACE AND NEW LIFE LUCY ISAIAH SATURDAY 29 AUGUST 1PM–6PM WOOLWICH COMMON ESTATE MULTI-USE GAMES AREA SEE PAGE 24 (ON YOUR DOORSTEP: WOOLWICH COMMON ESTATE) Led by Lucy Isaiah and the Woolwich-based African Women Weavers, set up by Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich, a raffia woven archway, expressing the values of togetherness forms the entrance to the Woolwich Common Estate MUGA performances. Walk through and feel the strength of community spirit. festival.org
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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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WEAVING TOGETHER
SOCIABLE WEAVER
FAITH, LOVE & HOPE
NATANYA MARK AND ROSEBUD CENTRE FOR GIRLS
CARIBBEAN SOCIAL FORUM
SUNDAY 30 AUGUST, 1PM–5PM DIAL ARCH SQUARE, ROYAL ARSENAL WOOLWICH SEE PAGE 26 (ON YOUR DOORSTEP: ROYAL ARSENAL) This collaborative installation has found creativity in plastic bags and food boxes collected during lockdown. Designed and woven by the Rosebud Centre for Girls and Natanya Mark, look out for these beautiful upcycled nests in the trees of Dial Arch Square.
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SUNDAY 30 AUGUST, 1PM–5PM DIAL ARCH SQUARE, ROYAL ARSENAL WOOLWICH SEE PAGE 26 (ON YOUR DOORSTEP: ROYAL ARSENAL) ‘A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.’ Ecc 4: 11-13 The strength of compassion has shone through in this challenging time for the Caribbean Social Forum. Inspired by Gratte Ciel’s strands of togetherness, this installation has been created by the members to share their identity, skills, creativity and to have a time for reflection and relaxation.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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PROUD
NESTING
METRO CHARITY WITH AL HILL
EMERGENCY EXIT ARTS WITH STEPHEN STOCKBRIDGE
SUNDAY 30 AUGUST, 1PM–5PM DIAL ARCH SQUARE, ROYAL ARSENAL WOOLWICH SEE PAGE 26 (ON YOUR DOORSTEP: ROYAL ARSENAL) Inspired by Gratte Ciel’s vision of togetherness, colourful plaits have been created by the charity’s LGBTQ+ service users and supporters. Woven together in a community installation as an expression of identity and interconnectedness.
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SUNDAY 30 AUGUST, 1PM–5PM DIAL ARCH SQUARE, ROYAL ARSENAL WOOLWICH SEE PAGE 26 (ON YOUR DOORSTEP: ROYAL ARSENAL) Join Stephen Stockbridge and EEA in weaving and reflecting on lockdown as part of this nest-like installation. Socially distanced workshops for families and friends offer space to contribute messages and weaving skills to an evolving artwork.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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ON YOUR DOORSTEP GDIF COMES TO YOU! SATURDAY 29 AUGUST – SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER This year, to keep everyone safe, we’re creating a series of pop up events which will bring the Festival to your doorstep (or within a short walking or cycling distance). We’ve put together a whole array of travelling events which will enable you to enjoy live performance and street arts in your local neighbourhood across the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Many of these mini-festivals will include specially commissioned installations from our Weaving Together project, further contributing to GDIF’s traditional spirit of free, fun and inclusive outdoor arts. On Your Doorstep is supported by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Royal Greenwich Festivals, Arts Council England, Greenwich Peninsula, Peabody and Without Walls.
AUDIO TOUR There will be an audio tour of St Alfege Park, Greenwich. Please contact alex@festival.org to find out more and book your place.
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On Your Doorstep events will take place at:
WOOLWICH COMMON ESTATE SATURDAY 29 AUGUST 1PM–2.45PM & 3.30PM–5.15PM WOOLWICH DOCKYARD ESTATE SATURDAY 29 AUGUST 1PM–2PM & 4PM–5PM CHARLTON HOUSE SUNDAY 30 AUGUST 1PM–2PM & 4PM–5PM ROYAL ARSENAL WOOLWICH SUNDAY 30 AUGUST 1PM–2.45PM & 3.15PM–5PM THE MOORINGS, THAMESMEAD SUNDAY 30 AUGUST 1PM–2.30PM & 3.30PM–5PM ST ALFEGE PARK, GREENWICH MONDAY 31 AUGUST 1PM–3PM & 4PM–6PM THE TIDE, GREENWICH PENINSULA SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2PM–3.15PM & 4PM–5.15PM PLUMSTEAD (VARIOUS LOCATIONS) FRIDAY 11 & SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 7.30PM–8.30PM WELL HALL PLEASAUNCE, MOAT ISLAND, ELTHAM SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 1PM–3PM & 4PM–6PM
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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Get Happy
Roll Play
Smashed2
ROLL PLAY
GET HAPPY
SMASHED2
WOOLWICH COMMON ESTATE 29 AUGUST, 2.10PM & 4.40PM THE MOORINGS, THAMESMEAD 30 AUGUST, 2PM & 4.30PM MOAT ISLAND, WELL HALL PLEASAUNCE, ELTHAM 12 SEPTEMBER, 2.25PM & 5.25PM
WOOLWICH COMMON ESTATE 29 AUGUST, 1PM & 3.30PM THE MOORINGS, THAMESMEAD 30 AUGUST, 1PM & 3.30PM MOAT ISLAND, WELL HALL PLEASAUNCE, ELTHAM 12 SEPTEMBER, 1PM & 4PM
ROYAL ARSENAL WOOLWICH 30 AUGUST, 1PM & 3.15PM ST ALFEGE PARK, GREENWICH 31 AUGUST, 1PM & 4PM
Prepare to be amazed by the explosive tricks and artful dexterity of Simple Cypher as three performers blur the boundaries between hip hop and circus through a series of playful interactions challenging identity, status and societal roles.
DOWNLOAD THE AUDIO INTRODUCTION ON OUR WEBSITE
SIMPLE CYPHER
TOLD BY AN IDIOT
30 minutes 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 funding and support from Arts Council England, 101 Outdoor Arts and Stratford Circus Arts Centre. festival.org
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A perfect antidote to lockdown, one of the UK’s leading innovative theatre companies has reinvented one of its best-loved family shows for the outdoors. Featuring hiphop, (socially distanced) physical comedy, live music, acrobatics, silly dancing and audience interaction, this quirky show is an invitation to smile and follow the instructions on the tin. 40 minutes
GANDINI JUGGLING
In this virtuosic performance from internationally recognised circus ensemble, Gandini, the dexterous manipulation of ‘forbidden fruit’ helps skewer our assumptions about the relations between men and women. This reinvention of a street theatre classic will reverse the original male and female roles, whilst confounding expectations of traditional juggling and circus. 30 minutes
The original production of Get Happy was commissioned by the Barbican Centre, London.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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ON YOUR DOORSTEP STELI XL
TOAST
WHY?
ROYAL ARSENAL WOOLWICH 30 AUGUST, 2PM & 4.15PM
WOOLWICH DOCKYARD ESTATE 29 AUGUST, 1PM & 4PM CHARLTON HOUSE 30 AUGUST, 1PM & 4PM
ST ALFEGE PARK, GREENWICH 31 AUGUST, 2.15PM & 5.15PM
STALKER TEATRO
In a new socially-distanced and expanded version of a performance last seen at GDIF in 2017, you can play your part in creating a huge structure made out of wooden rainbow coloured sticks. A bridge between contemporary art and performance, Steli XL is a joyously interactive and highly colourful experience for all the family. 40 minutes
PIF-PAF
Coming to your doorstep, this beautiful, communal celebration of food, song, stories, dance and fire features storytelling musicians working from a roaming kitchen. Responding to tales and recipes picked up along the way, residents will be invited to offer their own stories into the mix. Expect flying pancakes, singing, dancing, shared laughter and new friends.
GRAVITY & LEVITY
This aerial duet from critically acclaimed aerial company Gravity & Levity is a re-imagining of their 2004 debut show, exploring grief, the passing of time and how we move forwards. Performed on a free-standing vertical wall and featuring the original cast with new sound and music, this achingly beautiful performance harnesses 16 years of experience in a gravity-defying tour de force. (Why? will also be presented as part of Dancing City on 5 September). 22 minutes
60 minutes Toast is supported by Arts Council England, Without Walls and Wild Rumpus.
Steli XL
Toast 26
Why? Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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My Heart, My Heart: Live Poetry Jukebox
FeelPlay
Rainbow Ballet
MY HEART, MY HEART: FEELPLAY LIVE POETRY JUKEBOX CHRISTOPHER GREEN ADIE MUELLER & TRUI MALTEN
ST ALFEGE PARK, GREENWICH 31 AUGUST, 1PM–2.30PM & 4PM–5.30PM AGES 16+
ST ALFEGE PARK, GREENWICH 31 AUGUST, 1PM & 4PM Step into the Live Poetry Jukebox for an intimate and magical experience of poetry, visual art and performance. This interactive installation features a magical ‘library’ of jars, each containing a miniature artwork that expresses a feeling or idea inspired by a poem. Select the one you feel most drawn to and then listen to a mesmerising live performance of a poem which relates to your chosen jar. A jukebox with a difference, offering moments of calm contemplation and reassurance.
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BSL AND AUDIO DESCRIPTION TIME SLOTS AVAILABLE ONLINE ON REQUEST “Welcome to FeelPlay! We play – do you play? FeelPlay is an exciting new innovation in playing your way to great mental health! It’s for adults only. Sorry kids! Sometimes play is just too serious to leave to the little ones. We’ve got an award-winning APP designed specially to help adults remember how to play”. 25 minutes
RAINBOW BALLET DULCE COMPANIA
THE TIDE, GREENWICH PENINSULA 6 SEPTEMBER , 2PM & 4PM This technicolour performance takes inspiration from the Bauhaus movement and the Triadic Ballets of the 1920’s, which imagined movement as geometry. In this rainbow reinvention, costume, colour, stilts and formation choreography come together as two trios of dancers conduct a public space takeover. (Rainbow Ballet will also be presented at Dancing City on 5 September). 30 minutes
FeelPlay is supported by Without Walls and commissioned by FESTIVAL.ORG for Greenwich+Docklands International Festival. Further commissioning, funding and support from Alexandra Palace, The Albany and 101 Creation Space.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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ON YOUR DOORSTEP L’UOMO
TO UNTOUCH
LULLABY
THE TIDE, GREENWICH PENINSULA 6 SEPTEMBER, 2.45PM & 4.45PM
MOAT ISLAND, WELL HALL PLEASAUNCE, ELTHAM 12 SEPTEMBER, 2PM & 5PM
PLUMSTEAD 11 & 12 SEPTEMBER, 7.30PM–8.30PM
LO-GIUDICE DANCE
This intimate and touching performance explores the impact of small gestures between two men. Caught between a place where delicate exchanges of affection and moments driven by heart-felt emotion become entangled with the discomforts of prejudice, L’Uomo examines and highlights the concerns same-sex couples can still face when holding hands or showing affection in public. (L’Uomo will also be presented at Dancing City on 5 September). 20 minutes
MIMBRE
LUKE JERRAM
This new socially distanced show has been created in direct opposition to Mimbre’s usual ways of working; instead of exploring what happens when one body is carried by another, these virtuosic acrobats are now examining what happens when they are not so reliant on physical contact, instead mimicking the very idea of ‘touch’ whilst remaining untouched. 15 minutes
FIND BSL AND AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON OUR WEBSITE A parade of twinkling lights will transform bedtime into a magical, shared moment in this illuminated artwork created by Luke Jerram. Soothing musical refrains in a new score commissioned from Dan Jones and Guy Hughes using locally recorded lullabies, will accompany LED-lit bicycles on their twilight journey through the streets. Lullaby is a gift to Plumstead, created in collaboration with Rockcliffe Manor Primary School and local residents, delivered at dusk on their doorsteps. 60 minutes
L’Uomo
To Untouch 28
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
festival.org
@GDIFestival
Lullaby festival.org
@GDIFestival
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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ON YOUR DOORSTEP Location
1pm
1.15pm
1.30pm
1.45pm
2pm
2.15pm
2.30pm
2.45pm
3pm
SATURDAY 29 AUGUST WOOLWICH COMMON ESTATE MUGA GET HAPPY WOOLWICH DOCKYARD ESTATE
ROLL PLAY
TOAST
SUNDAY 30 AUGUST CHARLTON HOUSE
TOAST
DELTA TERRACE
SMASHED2 STELI XL
ROYAL ARTILLERY SQUARE THE MOORINGS, THAMESMEAD
GET HAPPY
ROLL PLAY
MONDAY 31 AUGUST MY HEART, MY HEART: LIVE POETRY JUKEBOX
ST ALFEGE PARK
FEELPLAY SMASHED2
WHY?
SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER THE TIDE, GREENWICH PENINSULA
RAINBOW BALLET
L’UOMO
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER MOAT ISLAND, WELL HALL PLEASAUNCE GET HAPPY
TO UNTOUCH
ROLL PLAY
Rainbow Ballet 30
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
festival.org
@GDIFestival
3.15pm
3.30pm
3.45pm
4pm
4.15pm
4.30pm
GET HAPPY
4.45pm
5pm
5.15pm
5.30pm
5.45pm
ROLL PLAY TOAST
TOAST SMASHED2
6PM FINISH
STELI XL GET HAPPY
ROLL PLAY
MY HEART, MY HEART: LIVE POETRY JUKEBOX FEELPLAY SMASHED2
RAINBOW BALLET
WHY?
L’UOMO
GET HAPPY
FeelPlay festival.org
TO UNTOUCH
ROLL PLAY
Smashed2 @GDIFestival
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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Location
1pm
1.15pm
1.30pm
1.45pm
2pm
2.15pm
2.30pm
2.45pm
3pm
3.15pm
SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER BANK STREET PARK
RAINBOW BALLET
COLUMBUS COURTYARD UPPER LEVEL RIVERSIDE
SPHERA
IRMÃ-SISTER
RAINBOW ...
CATCH ME
L’UOMO
WHY?
MONTGOMERY SQUARE AMARANTHINE
DANDYISM L’UOMO
DANCING CITY SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 1PM–5PM CANARY WHARF This year, GDIF’s annual outdoor dance programme has been reinvented to enable you to experience more intimate performances whilst observing social distancing. Offering more limited audience capacities than in past years, whilst still making the most of Canary Wharf’s fantastic alfresco piazzas and landscapes, this year’s Dancing City, sets out to prove that small can be beautiful. Please be aware that if capacity has been reached, no further audience members will be allowed into each site. We have designed six alternative routes for you to choose from to enable as many people as possible to experience this year’s performances. For further details, please visit festival.org/whats-on/ gdif-Dancing-City canarywharf.com 4pm
4.15pm
SPHERA
IRMÃ-SISTER
WHY? AMARANTHINE
Dancing City is supported by Canary Wharf Arts+Events, Arts Council England and Without Walls.
4.30pm 4.45pm
DANDYISM
5PM FINISH
3.30pm 3.45pm
CATCH ME Greenwich+Docklands International Festival
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DANCING CITY AMARANTHINE
COMPANY CHAMELEON COLUMBUS COURTYARD, 1PM & 3.30PM This risk taking, fast paced duet tells the story of two people who are simultaneously deeply in love, and conflict. The dancers strive towards resolution and acceptance whilst battling emotional and physical discord in this magnetic rich mix of dance styles, from contemporary to b-boying and capoeira. Intricate partner work and a mesmerising soundtrack promises to exhilarate and engage. 14 minutes Amaranthine is supported by Arts Council England and Manchester City Council.
DANDYISM
PATRICK ZIZA DANCE COLUMBUS COURTYARD, 2.15PM & 4.20PM Famed for their reinvention of fashion, to create a style uniquely their own, the ‘Sapeurs’ of Brazzaville and Kinshasa, provide the inspiration for this dance celebration of African style and cool. Speaking of empowerment, identity and resilience, Dandisym is a timely, flamboyant and defiantly joyous new work from Patrick Ziza Dance. 30 minutes Dandyism is supported by Dance City, Arts Council England, and The National Lottery. 34
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
festival.org
@GDIFestival
CATCH ME UPSWING
UPPER LEVEL RIVERSIDE, 2.30PM & 4.45PM Catch Me is a duet - at a distance - between an older woman and younger man. A surprising take on age, race and gender, two bodies discover unexpected connections whilst never quite reaching each other. Both performance and installation, Catch Me asks how we see each other and who we value. 15 minutes Catch Me is supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Norfolk & Norwich Festival. Additional funding and support from Arts Council England, and Festival of Creative Ageing.
IRMÃ-SISTER DAMAEDANCE
BANK STREET PARK, 2.30PM & 4.35PM What does it take to become close to someone? And, ultimately, what does it mean? This mesmerising new piece in 360 degrees, uses dance to exhilaratingly explore the challenges of female relationships and their representation. Two women journey through conflict, tenderness, anger, support and understanding. 25 minutes IRMÃ-sister is supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Hat Fair and Stockton International Riverside Festival. Damae Dance has been supported by Company Chameleon, who offered mentorship and in-kind support for the development of IRMÃ-sister.
festival.org
@GDIFestival
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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DANCING CITY L’UOMO
LO-GIUDICE UPPER LEVEL RIVERSIDE, 1.30PM & 3.15PM This intimate and touching performance, sited in an everyday location beneath a series of clocks, explores the impact of small gestures between two men. Caught between a place where delicate exchanges of affection and moments of heart-felt emotion become entangled with the discomforts of prejudice, L’Uomo examines and highlights the concerns same-sex couples can still face when holding hands or showing affection in public. 20 minutes
RAINBOW BALLET DULCE COMPANIA
BANK STREET PARK, 1PM & 3.15PM This ingenious and spectacular performance takes inspiration from the Bauhaus movement and the Triadic Ballets of the 1920’s, which imagined movement as geometry. In this rainbow reinvention, costume, colour, stilts and formation choreography come together as two trios of dancers conduct a public space takeover. 30 minutes
36
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
festival.org
@GDIFestival
SPHERA
HUMANHOOD BANK STREET PARK, 1.45PM & 4PM This exploration of astronomy through dance, considers the relationship between the visible, bright side of the Moon and humankind. Echoing the rising and falling of the tides, two liquid bodies change and morph under the influence of the Earth’s orbiting sphere: the Moon. 20 minutes Sphera is supported by Arts Council England.
WHY?
GRAVITY & LEVITY MONTGOMERY SQUARE, 1.30PM & 3.30PM Gravity & Levity’s re-imagining of their 2004 debut show explores grief, the passing of time and how we move forwards. Performed on a free-standing vertical wall and featuring the original cast with new sound and music, this achingly beautiful performance harnesses 16 years of experience in a gravity-defying tour de force. 22 minutes Why? is supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Norfolk and Norwich Festival. Why? was re-created with generous support from Arts Council England, The Point, Fidget Feet and the Irish Aerial Creation Centre.
festival.org
@GDIFestival
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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846 LIVE THEATRE ROYAL STRATFORD EAST SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 12PM, 1.30PM, 4PM, 6PM RDLAC SPORTS COURT, NORTH WOOLWICH, ROYAL DOCKS AGES 14+ BSL INTERPRETED AND CAPTIONED AT 4PM AND 6PM 846 Live is a co-production with Theatre Royal Stratford East and the Royal Docks Team in response to the murder of George Floyd on 25 May 2020. This brutal murder ignited a global surge of anger and pain. From the Windrush scandal to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, racist oppression is very much alive in the UK. In June 2020, Theatre Royal Stratford East worked with a group of Black and Asian writers, led by Roy Williams, to respond artistically to George Floyd’s murder and the Black Lives Matter Movement, creating an audio play 846 – a collection of standalone short pieces exploring racial inequality and oppression. The stories, all unique, span a breadth of themes and emotions, from tragic to angry, to frightening and even funny. Together they form a powerful tapestry of voices. 846 Live draws on those stories, bringing together a selection of the plays to form an arresting outdoor performance. To book please visit festival.org/whats-on/ gdif-846/ Audio Description Introduction will be available online in advance of the performance. Captions will be provided via the Difference Engine App Co-produced between Theatre Royal Stratford East, FESTIVAL ORG for GDIF, and the Royal Docks Team. With funding from Newham Council. 38
Please note that some of the plays contain strong language that some audience members may find upsetting.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
festival.org
@GDIFestival
festival.org
@GDIFestival
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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GETTING HERE We would like to encourage audiences to attend events local to them, and to walk or cycle if possible. There are lots of cycle routes across the Royal Borough of Greenwich and east London. Cycle parking will be provided or nearby on all sites.
GETTING HERE Visit tfl.gov.uk to plan your journey, and for information on walking and cycle routes.
IF YOU CAN’T GET HERE THIS YEAR ... Everyone’s health and wellbeing is paramount so please don’t travel to the festival if you think that doing so would put you or anyone else at risk. But don’t worry! Many events will be streamed on our YouTube channel, and we’ll be back again next year! Subscribe now: youtube.com/GDIFestival
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UBER BOAT BY THAMES CLIPPERS Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers a safe, socially-distanced and enjoyable way to travel in the fresh air between our sites at Canary Wharf, Greenwich, North Greenwich for Greenwich Peninsula, Woolwich, and Royal Wharf for the Royal Docks. Bikes are permitted on board at no extra cost, and all boats are wheelchair accessible. The River Bus operator is also running a ‘Park and Glide’ scheme in partnership with The O2, so you can park at the peninsula and hop on the boat from £18 a ticket, or from £33 for a family of 1 adult + 3 kids (aged 5-15 years. 4s and under travel for free as standard). You can also use contactless or Oyster to pay as you go, or purchase in-app. Uberboatbythamesclippers.com
EMIRATES AIR LINE London’s only cable car runs between North Greenwich station and Royal Victoria DLR station, with views of the peninsula, the docks and beyond across the river. You can take bikes on for no extra charge, and it’s limited to one person or household per pod. The Emirates Air Line has step-free access and is accessible to most wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Emiratesairline.co.uk
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
festival.org
@GDIFestival
Newham Way
GDIF 2020 SITES
BECKTON London City Airport
Canary Wharf
ISLE OF DOGS
Thamesmead
Silvertown Square Thames Barrier Park
The Tide River Thames
Delta Terrace
Woolwich Dockyard Estate
GREENWICH
Royal Docks Learning & Activity Centre Artillery Square Dial Arch Square
WOOLWICH
CHARLTON
Plumstead
Old Royal Naval College
DEPTFORD
Charlton House
St Alfege Park
A 205
A2
Woolwich Common Estate MUGA Woolwich Common
SHOOTER’S HILL Oxleas Meadows
A2
Well Hall Pleasaunce
Brush up on your cycle skills with our free online course Search TfL Cycle Skills Bike it. Walk it. Let’s make sure every journey matters. #LondonTogether
24564 TfL Q2 AT LD Cycle Training Woman A5 148x210mm.indd 1 @GDIFestival festival.org Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
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22/07/2020 18:09
THANK YOU SUPPORTED BY
THANKS TO
PATRONS We are extremely grateful to our patrons for their continued support: Bernardine Evaristo Tony Hales Lew Hodges Maggi Knights Felicity Lane Jean Lebrecht Geoff Pine and Richard White
FESTIVAL.ORG TEAM
OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jessie Acton Marketing Manager Max Campbell Marketing Assistant Georgia Clark Volunteer Coordinator Alex Covell Engagement and Access Producer Marie Faucher Festival Administrator Fae Fichtner Artist Liaison Assistant Ellie Harris Festival Producer Alison Holder Associate Producer Bradley Hemmings MBE Artistic Director Sasha Langley Accountant Zoe Moody Box Office Manager Toby Smith Associate Director Joey Valiunas Head of Production Laura Walker Production Assistant
Geoffrey Pine (Chair), Bola Agbaje, Cllr Mufeedah Bustin, Paul Hanrahan, Josh Harsant, Fiona Hughes, Marcus Hughes, Oliver Hughes, Antony McBride, Rahee Nayar, Dr Maxine Room, Jenny Sealey, Dr Margaret Sheehy, Fayçal Tazi, Cllr Miranda Williams Photo credits: Cover: Jim Huntsman P1-2: Stephen Wright P8: Luke Jerram P9: Gijs Van Bon P10: Jim Huntsman P 11: Autograph P12-13: Roy Riley P14: Gobbledegook Theatre P15: Eric MacLennan P16-17: Walk the Plank P18-19: Lee Price P20: Thierry Pierras P21: Rasheeda Page-Muir, Lucy Isaiah P22: Natanya Mark, Dave Flynn P23: Metro, Stephen Stockbridge P25: Nick White, Manuel Harlan, Camilla Greenwell P26-28: Teatro Stalker, Pif-Paf, Gravity&Levity, Adie Mueller, Christopher Green, Dulce Compania P28: Alessandra Finelli, Mimbre P30: Nick White, Christopher Green, Camilla Greenwell P32-33: Alessandra Finelli P34: Joel Chester Fildes, Patrick Ziza Dance, Upswing, Stefano Padoan P36: Alessandra Finelli, Dulce Compania P27: Humanhood, Gravity&Levity P38-39: Theatre Royal Stratford East P42: Alicia Clarke Back page: Michael Jones Design: JMG Studio
We’re extremely grateful to all our freelance staff, without whom GDIF would not be possible. For full details visit festival.org/meet-the-team 42
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival • 28 August–12 September 2020
festival.org
@GDIFestival
Festival.org is one of the UK’s leading outdoor arts producing organisations. Throughout the year Festival.org delivers an ambitious programme of commissions, productions and events, national touring and consultancy. In recent years this programme has including investment in talent development, residencies, commissions and productions of contemporary outdoor theatre and performing arts, the delivery of events and ceremonies, and partnership working with a range of organisations to deliver local place-making initiatives. Current projects include Global Streets, a national programme that is developing audiences and inspiring local change through international outdoor arts. Funded by Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants programme, Global Streets is giving voice to people who live, work and study in 12 towns and cities across England that together represent some of the least arts-engaged places in the country. A season of work to be presented over Autumn/Winter 2020 will be published on festival.org/globalstreets in the autumn.
Festival.org is a registered charity and is funded as a National Portfolio Organisation by Arts Council England and the Royal Borough of Greenwich. FESTIVAL.ORG is the trading name of Greenwich+Docklands Festivals, a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England & Wales No. 287 6062. Vat registration No. 629 9872 73. Charity No. 1037878
festival.org/gdif @GDIFestival