Rave New World is a site-specific, outdoor spectacle that celebrates Luton’s activist rave history through music and aerial theatre. Created by Tangled Feet and written by Lee Nelson and Katie Lyons, the production is directed by Kat Joyce. The show will be performed on March 21 and 22 at Marsh House Community Centre in Luton.
The production delves into the history of Luton’s rave culture and the infamous Exodus Collective. It tells the story of two women from different generations, connecting Luton’s history of activism with the challenges faced by young people today. The show features an original score by Aminita Francis and Guy Connelly, text by local poet Lee Nelson and Katie Lyons, and a local ensemble chorus that brings break and street dance elements.
Glenn Jenkins, Founding Director of Marsh Farm Outreach and member of Exodus Collective, said, “It warms the soul to see the revolutionary, creative spirit of Exodus inspiring works like Rave New World all these years later. It feels like a tribute not only to the Exodus collective but to the many thousands who stood together for the right to dance all night long and to feel the power of the sunrise and tribal beats in the morning.”
Kat Joyce, Co-Artistic Director of Tangled Feet, added, “This show is about creativity, music, dance and partying as a means of resistance, as a way to forge a world around different ideals starting right where you live. At a time like this there’s no option but to be political. The subcultures of the 80s and 90s, where solidarity was cemented around the speaker stacks at 3am posed a real and lasting opposition to the divisive and selfish prevailing politics at the time, and I think that’s why it’s having a cultural moment now. Our job is not to lean into nostalgia but to join that spirit up to meet young people where they are and bridge the gap between generations. It feels like we need to party now like we never have before.”
Lindsey Pugh, CEO & Creative Director of Revoluton Arts, said, “This is the first major project within our Undercurrent programme, uncovering and celebrating the history of activism and music subcultures along the River Lea. We produce bold new work co-created with communities, catalysed by Luton’s cultural heritage with ambition to connect beyond our town. With Marsh Farm Outreach (AKA Exodus collective), Revoluton is co-lead for Lea Marsh Heritage Zone, and collectively we’re on a mission to ignite new appreciation of Luton and its historic significance – from neolithic beginnings to seminal movements in social change.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
