Yesterday, 20th June, was the official launch for the IN-SITE project and also our first public screening of the film! It was nerve racking to finally reveal months of hard work to an audience. We received some very positive feedback and comments from friends, family and the public.
The launch took place at the old Cafe at Hyde Housing, Rochester. We had The Culture Baton on site for Nicola to exhibit some of the work she had created as part of the project. Whilst she was in-situ, myself and my amazing team of helpers (dad, brother, boyfriend!) went about setting up the technical equipment. Throughout the afternoon, Nicola attracted people to talk about the project and have a look at her mini exhibition in The Baton. Once the technical kit was set-up, myself and the dancers rehearsed a short structured improvisation that we had prepared which would take place out in the courtyard and lead the audience in to watch the film in the cafe.
However, as expected with a lot of public/ outdoor art, not everything went completely to plan…The weather had been agreeable all day but, as though choreographed, as soon as we stepped outside to perform the heavens opened! The rain was so terrible that we had to perform an edited version inside the cafe. This was a difficult decision to make, as it felt like a big compromise artistically. However, the audience seemed to enjoy the intimate atmosphere that was created and had many positive comments afterwards.
After the film, Nicola and I answered a few questions about the film and talked in more depth about the work and the research. Each audience member was also given a small booklet with further information about Bluebell, the character that the film is based on. The booklet contained a few words explaining who she was and why she was important to us as well as pictures from the process and illustrations by Nicola. This is to allow a little more insight into the project if people wish to know more. They will be given out at each event.
Overall, myself and Nicola were pleased with the feedback we received for the film and I think we were both relieved to have finally shown it to the public without any hiccups! However, we have certainly got lots of food for thought for our future events in the summer- the weather being just one of them.
On the 25th July we will be hosting another event at Sun Pier Cafe at 6pm-7.30pm. This will involve a live dance improvisation on Sun Pier, followed by a screening in the cafe! We are really excited about this event as we will be returning to where it all began…Sun Pier! So be sure not to miss it!
On the 22nd August, we will be back in The Culture Baton from 2pm-5pm, this time on Sun Pier itself. We will be screening the film from inside the baton, with live performances happening throughout the afternoon. We hope that you will come down and see if occupy Sun Pier one last time!!!
