Beneath the arches of Millennium Place, an artist begins to carve shapes from giant blocks of polystyrene. A temple emerges, and the architecture of India becomes apparent. As the sense of expectation grows, passers-by are captured by the appearance of street sellers and musicians. Dancers in vibrant costumes play out both contemporary and folk dances: for one week only, the heart of Coventry is captured by the sights and sounds of South Asia. At night-time the transformation becomes complete as lighting and projections animate the sculptural structures and painted canvasses, depicting India through the ages. These now form the backdrop to the formal performance of a full-scale Indian ballet.
who:
Mrittika Arts is nationally acclaimed for its productions of Indian dance and its principal aim is to bring the very best of South Asian arts to as wide an audience as possible. The Mrittika Arts Dance Centre in Coventry provides dance training to advanced levels. Robin Basu is a sculptor and painter whose work in a variety of media, including polystyrene, creates startling effects. As producers for the Belgrade Theatre, Jane Hytch and Claire Maddocks have masterminded many major events in Coventry, including the City's Arts Alive Festival, The Mysteries and the Festival of Asia.
why:
Millennium Place stands on the site of the Coventry Hippodrome Theatre, which in its heyday was the setting for performances of ballet and orchestral concerts, and hosted the stars of variety theatre. Appropriate, then, that in this reinvented space, a series of new performances on new world stages is inspired. Its location by Pool Meadow Bus Station means that many people pass the square each day, and therefore a large casual audience will witness the process of transformation and animation - and may be intrigued to return for the larger scale work in the evening. Mrittika Arts' work explores themes that can strike a chord with all of Coventry's varied communities. At the end of the week, India vanishes as quickly as it emerged, but people will look out for the next transformation of the World Stage - Russia? France?
where:
Millennium Place forms the apex of Coventry's Phoenix Initiative, the biggest redevelopment programme in the City since the 1950s. Its prominent public artworks have provoked much discussion in the City; as a site for performance it provides both challenges and opportunities.
when:
Watch the transformation occur throughout the week, culminating in full ballet performances Fri and Sat 8pm
Venue Access Audit (carried out by the artist/producer).
This is intended as a guide for other artists and producers considering staging an event in the venue. However please note that the guidance given here is a subjective assessment of the venue as of May 2004.
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For key to symbols, see Access page
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Is there a suitable get-in to the venue/site for equipment etc?
Get in is straightforward to this space with access points and parking for large vehicles.
Is the venue accessible to wheelchair users? and if not, what would it take to make it accessible?
The raised millennium clock is the only problem and it would need to be covered if wheelchair users are to venture into this area.
Are there toilets, including a wheelchair accessible toilet?
Toilets would need to be installed, but there is daytime access to Coventry Transport Museum’s facilities.
Is there an electricity supply?
There is an electricity supply, but there is no three phase supply and it may therefore be necessary to use portable generators.
Are there fire exits?
Fire exits will be temporarily erected depending on the nature of the performance and the relationship with the audience.
Is there space for bar/hospitality?
Portable marquees/tents will be erected for this facility.
Is there space for box office/curator/front of house?
Will be a temporary structure. Tickets would be sold prior to the show at the Belgrade Theatre Box Office.
Is the venue/site family or child friendly?
Children would need supervision if they came to the event.
How easy is it to find the venue?
It is very central and easily accessible by public transport. We assume it will be sign posted shortly by the City as one of the attractions of the City Centre. Routes will be printed on the publicity. The city is well lit at night.
Is there car parking nearby?
The space is within easy walking distance of most city centre car parks and ample parking space around Pool Meadow and Lower Ford Street.
What might be a good interpretation solution for your show? signer?audio description? another? can it be fully integrated into the concept?
Sign language interpretation, audio description, touch tours. It will be fully integrated into the creation of the environment and the performances.
Other notes
In order to ensure public safety at the performances it will be necessary to close the roads around Millennium Place. Covered staging would be required for performers, which would ideally be integrated into the overall design.
links: Mrittika Arts
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