Now in its 14th year, Homotopia, Liverpool’s celebrated LGBT+ arts and culture festival returns this autumn.. Through visual art, performance, film, theatre, talks, readings, cabaret, dance and debate, Homotopia presents #Liberation50, relating to how the past half century has shaped and affected LGBTQI art and culture.
As the 50th anniversary of 1967 comes to an end, Homotopia provides a month-long platform for stories, some forgotten, some embraced and championed. With over 50 events, the festival examines what the anniversary means for LGBTQI artists, and what the last 50 years has meant for the community, from performing a role expected by wider society, to assertions of non-conformity and an evolution of cultural identity.
Gary Everett, Festival Director: “The criminalisation of male homosexuals is a deeply shameful period of our social and political history. The 50th anniversary of decriminalisation of homosexuality is a moment for both celebration and reflection. The forthcoming festival is themed ‘Liberation 50’ and has been expanded to celebrate, explore and reclaim our shared histories past, present and in the future.
Homotopia ‘Liberation 50’ shines a light on creative resistance & rebellion and the power of art in creating social change. This year’s programme gives audiences and artists alike an opportunity to explore, reclaim and present our shared histories and will further unlock creative energy, empowerment, and connectivity throughout Liverpool, bringing together audiences through a joyous and life affirming programme of events uniting all”.
Performance highlights include a collaboration between Tate Liverpool and Homotopia on 4th November, commemorating the life and work of Joe Orton. Dear Edna is a Tate Exchange performance by David Hoyle paying tribute to one of Orton’s alter-egos, Edna Welthorpe. It is preceded by a special screening of Entertaining Mr Sloane, the 1968 television production of Orton’s famous play starring Sheila Hancock.
Homotopia runs 30th October – 1st December 2017. Full line-up details here.
