A fantastic new festival is taking place in Bristol this week so cancel whatever plans you have (marking, reports, assessments..!) and check this out.
The event is being produced by new players in town, World Stage Festival, who are bringing a thrilling range of international performers from around the world to the city. There will be music, dance and theatre from as far away as France, Canada, Italy, Scotland and the USA.
World Stage Festival promises to bring something for everyone, with a programme of live performances and interactive workshops. Here is Ink Pellet’s round-up of the best bits:
Dynamic trio The Mayhem Poets will be flying in from New York to deliver their own special blend of Slam Poetry at the Tobacco Factory and the Colston Hall.
From Washington DC, come Step Afrika!, who will be raising the roof of the Colston Hall with their percussive dance performance that uses kicks, stomps, claps and chants to create Gumboot and Zulu dance styles.
Alongside them at Colston Hall will be Afro-Brazilian group Aché Brasil in an electrifying performance that combines acrobatics, dance and martial arts with highly charged dance-music rhythms.
All three shows are suitable for all audience age groups.
Artistic Producer of the World Stage Festival is Colin Gorrie. He said: ‘We’re very excited about the balance of large-scale events and more intimate live arts experiences in the programme for our first festival. As well as performances, our international acts will be providing top class workshop opportunities for schools and families across the city and some will also provide free entertainment in Anchor Square for passing Bristol residents and visitors.’
The World Stage Festival aims to engage young and new audiences, bringing together high-class dance, music and theatre to champion the importance the live arts.
For more information visit www.worldstagefestival.com.
You can follow the preparations and fun on twitter @WorldStageFest.