Bridge is back for 2021. The ambitious outdoor experience produced by Coventry-based Imagineer and created by artistic director Orit Azaz will deliver two residences this summer in Liverpool and London Borough of Barking & Dagenham with a third one-off performance confirmed to open Stockton International Riverside Festival.
Imagineer’s Bridge 2021 invite artists, creative groups and communities to reconnect safely through a range of activities and live streams encouraging people to contribute, participate and interact outdoors in person as well as at a distance and from their home.
Each edition of Bridge is bespoke, engaging with and celebrating local artists and youth and community groups through activity inspired by the theme of bridging divides and connecting across difference.
Bridge culminates in three days of outdoor activity, including a large-scale outdoor circus-theatre performance.
Bridge will appear in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham from 8 – 10 July with evening performances on Fri 9 and Sat 10 July.
The one-off performance in Stockton, part of Stockton International Riverside Festival, takes place on 29 July and Bridge is in Liverpool 5 – 7 August with evening performances on Fri 6 and Sat 7 August.
The daytime Under the Bridge events at each location will be developed with local artists and partners to include: an immersive Headphones experience reflecting on the theme of bridging divides post COVID-19 which playfully ensure participants maintain social distancing; community performances from local groups and an opportunity to find fun ways to bridge the gap in the bridge using a camera and a little invention.
Orit Azaz, Bridge Artistic Director said: “The themes of Bridge seem more relevant than ever as we continue to feel the impact of the pandemic on all our lives. For us, Bridge offers a means of celebrating creativity and inclusivity as well as allowing us to invite people safely back together outdoors to share fun and playful experiences.
“Bridge also allows us to support artists and creatives through employment opportunities as the outdoor arts sector tentatively, and together, look ahead to a summer of outdoor performances.”
Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England said: “We’re pleased to be supporting Bridge, which enables Imagineer to excite and entertain audiences across the country with an incredible outdoor cultural experience.
“In Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture, it is fitting that talent from that city plays a role in inspiring people in the communities of Barking & Dagenham, Liverpool and Stockton.”
The Bridge performance will be rehearsed in Coventry at a site adjacent to Imagineer’s new Daimler Powerhouse Creation Centre, UK City of Culture 2021, ahead of its arrival in Liverpool, Dagenham and Stockton.
Further details on each event, how to get involved and details of how you can attend will be released via www.imagne-bridge.co.uk.
