31 Aug 06

Inspired by the film Priscilla Queen of the Desert, this new work by The Alexandras (named after Britain’s deaf Queen) is directed by leading deaf director Jenny Sealey from Islington-based Graeae Theatre and features the creative talents of UK’s unique sign songstress Caroline Parker and two deaf drag artistes Mark Smith and Daryl Jackson. Dressed in a splendid array of camp and colour the three performers will take the audience on a journey of love and loss and a view of the world from a deaf perspective.

With a soundtrack featuring Abba, Kylie, Doris Day, Queen and Cher they prance about in Jean Paul Gaultier style conical bras and large extravagant skirts designed by Kevin Freeman and Lisa Ducie. They then break from their skirts and sign declarations of love at Trafalgar Square’s eastern fountain.

Priscilla Queen of the Deaf World promises to be one of the most kitsch, comic and undeniably entertaining performances of this year’s Liberty festival. It will end with a high-octane signed performance of “I am What I am” with the main Diva encased in a extraordinary crinoline, her side kicks unfolding what look like huge butterfly wings with the song words entwined within the fabric.

This is the fourth year that the Mayor has organised Liberty in Trafalgar Square. This year’s strong line-up of street arts, theatre, music and dance is aimed at everyone.

Other acts include Caroline Bowditch who will be performing Elevation, a new piece of dance specifically created for Trafalgar Square, and internationally renowned integrated dance company CandoCo, who will be performing Miniatora, which proved a great hit when it was first seen at the Trafalgar Square Festival.  

Artists such as New York born vocalist Marlo Donato, the bands Beat Express, FreeSlave and The Heroes and mime artist Ramesh Meyyappan will be performing on the main Liberty stage.

The new commissions, Priscilla Queen of the Deaf World by The Alexandras and Elevation by Caroline Bowditch, were both made possible by funding from Arts Council England. This is the first time that Arts Council England has provided funding for the Liberty Festival.

DETAILS

Event: Liberty 2006
Date:  Saturday 2 September 2006
Time:  1pm-6pm
Venue: Trafalgar Square, London SW1

ENTRY: FREE – ALL WELCOME

INFORMATION:    www.london.gov.uk/mayor/equalities/liberty/index.jsp.
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it Recorded information: 020 7983 4277.

LINE UP INCLUDES:

• Carousel present dance company High Spin in a high energy duet 'Crush Proof'
• Carousel present four piece rock band Beat Express
• Candoco present Miniatora, a newly commissioned contemporary dance piece set within a giant inflatable architectural structure
• Up and coming band Freeslave led by songwriter Haydon Spenceley feature material from their new album
• Ramesh Meyyappan presents his acclaimed mime performance 'The Insomniac'. Ramesh Meyyappan also performs 'Lazzi of Hunger', a street theatre performance in the Comedia dl Arte style
• Caroline Bowditch presents world premiere of 'Elevation', a site specific dance piece
• New York born vocalist Marlo Donato performs with her musicians
• Creative Routes present innovative multi-media music theatre performance
• Kickin’ Kangaroo present a club based dance set designed to encourage everyone to participate
• Johnny Crescendo and Andy Morgan perform protest songs
• The Alexandras present world premiere of 'Priscilla Queen of the Deaf World'
• The Heroes perform hard-hitting pop music fused with strong social awareness

 ACCESS INFORMATION
Liberty is a festival for everyone and is organised to be inclusive and accessible. The following facilities and services on the day will include:

• Information points 
• Trained stewards ad BSL interpreters
• Programmes in large text and Braille
• BSL interpretation and palantype relayed onto large screen
• Audio description
• Accessible toilets
• Changing area with hoist
• Viewing area
• Induction loops at information points
• Wheelchair loan service
• Charging Point for electric wheelchairs and scooters
• Assistance dogs area
• Lifts
• Free mobility bus between Westminster Tube and Trafalgar Square, courtesy of Metroline
• Free parking nearby for blue badge holders - Limited availability - Advance booking only 020 7983 409