L’homme debout is the name of the company behind the opening night event of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. Their name simply means ‘man upstanding’. Mo and the red ribbon explores the ideas and imagination behind migration from a child’s perspective. The narrative is universal and often the tenuous link or metaphor, that connects families across the globe can be as simple as a red ribbon. Be prepared for to be enthralled and delighted.
Free events
The festival recognises that life is tough at the moment and many of the events are free or very low priced. To help make up your minds what you can go and enjoy, the festival’s guide is very useful. The rest of the weekend, from the 10th until 12th May, will enrich the city centre and your minds. From an Elm Hill installation on Saturday, Mechanimal, to Jeanefer Jean-Charles’ extraordinary performance, Patois, a performance exploring language and dance at Norwich’s Forum, to a performance, Bureau of Silly Ideas – Island Storms, this weekend is brimming with provocative events and thought-provoking performances. Expect the unexpected. From dance to performance and theatre – even the most jaded members of the audience will find something for themselves – laughter is encouraged.
Opening eyes
The festival is always ambitious in its programme and this year is no different. Should you wish to see a mind-blowing event at the Octagon Chapel, 286 Reverb presents the music that the chapel goers will have heard over the centuries. Jonny Greenwood, formerly of Radiohead, is the composer, and the event lasts for eight hours – be prepared to waft in and out, if you choose.
Just enjoy the Norfolk & Norwich festival!
From Mosh, at Epic Studios on the 23rd and 25th May to the violinist, Geneva May, performing at the Cornhall in Diss, the festival is county-wide and offers accessibility to the arts in a way that’s innovative and original.
The festival is also passionate about introducing young people to the arts, and its Creative Leader programme is a stellar example. This is a structured programme for teachers and youth leaders across the region, to assist them in their work educating and enthralling the young, and operates as a dynamic approach for stakeholders to invigorate and teach about the arts.
It’s been going a while
Founded in 1772, the Norfolk & Norwich festival has delighted the region’s citizens over the last few centuries. Initially founded to raise funds for the local hospital, the festival has morphed from a sedate concert to a county wide extravaganza for all. It’s fun and beautifully demonstrates that the arts are neither stuffy nor elitest. Where else could you hear Messiaen or watch some extraordinary acrobatic dancing from the Colombian troupe, Circolombia, during the course of a fortnight?
No this isn’t a beerfest. So many locals are unaware of the event. It isn’t upmarket – it’s life. Enjoy!
