FROM OUR MARKETING DIRECTOR : Streets Alive! Street Games Saturday 15 July 2023
This week, Bell Square is packed with performances and activities throughout the day from 10am – 5pm. We have a bit of a Catalan theme as two of the three artists come from Catalunya and overall, their performances create a sense that working together, playing together and being kind to each other is the best approach to life. This is your chance to get hands on with some truly interactive performances. Contemporary culture loves stories about objects that have perhaps been abandoned but with a bit of imagination are repurposed to find a new lease of life.
There are three very different sets of artists contributing to the day:
DIANA GADISH comes from Catalunya and her performance HANDLE WITH CARE performs a street show with a tender message - that we should all take care of each other. Artist Diana Gadish brings her charming show to Hounslow for everyone to enjoy. Prepare to be surprised and delighted as you help an enchanting yet unconfident character to face her fears and start a party that everyone is invited to.
Along the High Street, A Bird in the Hand theatre from the UK are presenting THE BEWONDERMENT MACHINE. A wooden structure, The Bewonderment Machine Is an artist-built cycle-powered carousel, a kinetic public sculpture and also a magical journey for small children - 2-6 years. Visually, this is a quirky dreamscape, combining found objects, puppetry, machinery and music. Up to ten people can ride the carousel at one time - a miniature theatrical flight of the imagination, empowering the very young to care, to be curious and to believe in their own strength. Don’t just stand there help to power it and as you drive the turning carousel enjoy the delight on the riders faces.
Throughout the day, in two sessions with a break between 1pm and 2pm GUIXOT DE 8 from Catalunya present their STREET GAMES. These are fun, interactive games for everyone that have delighted audiences at in streets and squares in 40 countries across the world for over twenty-five years. Created in Catalunya, the weird and wonderful kit for the games is made from everyday objects, recycled through sheer imagination to create this unique series of interactive treats. You never know, their use of everyday objects may inspire you. Their collection of makeshift games is made from recyclable pieces of metal, plastic and wood to create innovative and exciting toys,
As they say: “We are the ones who think that imagination is one of the few things that differentiates us from the rest of living beings and that, at the same time, is the motor that makes us move forward. That’s why this collection of street games is made the way it is. To pay tribute to all those people who throughout history have stood out for their imagination and have left their mark on the history of art, literature, cinema, science or gastronomy. Many of the games in this collection have a human form and are dedicated to people without whom the world would be a little worse. See who you can spot!”
Because the performances take place in an open space they allow anyone to join in and experience the fun first hand, free of charge. The programme actively encourages everyone to participate.
Streets Alive! goes beyond the conventional notion of a performance by actively involving the audience in the performances. The interactive nature of the program creates a dynamic and immersive experience, where visitors become an integral part of the art.
Come and see Streets Alive! on Saturday 15 July at Bell Square! There are performances and activities happening throughout the day, from 10am – 5pm.
Diana Gadish (Catalan) - 1pm & 3.30pm
A Bird in the Hand Theatre (UK) 12pm, 1.45pm & 4.15pm
Guixot 8 (Catalan) - 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm
Everybody’s welcome.
Look forward to seeing you there!