Concluding the fourth series of London Sinfonietta's pioneering Writing the Future program, multidisciplinary artist Nwando Ebizie turned the traditonal concert experience on its head at the Colour Factory in Hackney Wick. The groundbreaking new work used multi-sensory immersion to create an inclusive live art performance.
Developed with the D/deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences in mind, the concert combined poetry expressed in British Sign Language, passionate dance and music expressed through vibrations.
Nwando characterised this piece as the 'most classical thing' she has ever written. The experimental beginning saw principal clarinetist Mark van de Wiel blowing up a balloon with his instrument.
The event was divided into three interludes, Embrace the Space, Embrace the Taste and The Three Embraces. Each interlude encouraged the audience members interact with their surroundings, eat a snack and dance with their friend or a balloon that was floating around the venue.
Both concerts were well received with only standing room available.
Ebizie created an event that was moving, immersive, participatory and genuinely engaging for all. I Care If You Listen - Caroline Potter
Here I am in a Hackney nightclub (OK, here for a @Ldn_Sinfonietta gig. There are beanbags) pic.twitter.com/lFmausOfno
— Caroline Potter 🇪🇺 (@carolinefrmus) November 15, 2023
Photos by Monika S Jakubowska
Published: 20 Nov 2023