Internationally acclaimed disabled dance artist, Claire Cunningham arrived in Belfast today (Thursday 4th September) to commence her role as ‘Artist in Residence’ for the 2014 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s and to officially launch this year’s programme.
Claire’s appointment is representative of a Festival that continues to push boundaries, deliver diversity and encourage debate and is a co-commission with Glasgow 2014 Cultural programme and Southbank Centre London. Featuring Europe’s top theatre directors, internationally acclaimed artists from the worlds of dance, film, theatre and music – the 2014 Festival will showcase a world class line-up of 110 events with 26 premieres from 18 countries filling venues all over Belfast from 16th October – 1st November.
Director of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, Richard Wakely commented, “We are thrilled to be welcoming Claire as our ‘Artist in Residence’ for 2014. As a choreographer and performer Claire is a genuine inspiration – a breathtaking talent and we are privileged to be working with her. For over 50 years the Festival has been delivering new experiences to audiences and bringing new audiences into contact with the arts. We strive to spark debate, showcase diversity in its broadest sense and demonstrate that the arts can entertain, delight, inspire and transform. I am confident that the programme for 2014 does all this and more.”
The 2014 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival will also be welcoming two of the world’s leading theatre directors to Belfast – Peter Brook and Thomas Ostermeier – plus a host of leading ladies in Theatre, Dance and Music including four-time Grammy Award winning Jazz Vocalist Dianne Reeves, legendary soulstress Bettye LaVette, celebrated actress, Charlotte Rampling and two-time Princess Grace Award winning choreographer Camille A. Brown – to name a few.
This year’s event boasts 26 Premieres including: the European Premiere of Camille A Brown’s theatrical and gutsy African-American dance performance Mr TOL.E.RAncE; the UK and Irish Premiere of The Night Dances featuring Charlotte Rampling; the Irish Premiere of the world’s most celebrated Flamenco dancer Israel
Galván; prestigious German Theatre Company Schaubühne Berlin presenting the Irish Premiere of the controversial production An Enemy of the People; the Northern Irish Premiere of The Suit – a moving story of adultery during apartheid from Director Peter Brook and his company Théâtre Des Bouffes Du Nord and the Northern Irish Premiere of Hannavas – a free family event which will see the African Savannah come to Belfast city centre.
Richard Donnan, Managing Director, Retail Banking as title sponsor Ulster Bank said, “A thriving arts sector is a crucial part of social and economic development and as a key partner of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, we’ve seen it grow and develop to become a truly international event. Its focus on community engagement makes it a perfect partner to us as a business and we’re proud to be the title sponsor. The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s is an integral part of the cultural calendar in Northern Ireland and right throughout our business we encourage people to take part. This year, the Festival’s exciting and inclusive programme is offering everyone a passport to the arts and to a unique showcase for Belfast.”
One of the key elements of this year’s programme is the new EMBRACE initiative supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland which will bring audiences ‘up close’ to world class artists in a series of masterclasses, workshops and talks. Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council for Northern Ireland stated, “Arts Council support for the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queens represents one of our major annual investments in the creative and cultural life of Northern Ireland. It’s a fabulous programme this year, offering us the chance to experience extraordinary performances from the likes of Schaubühne Berlin or indeed the amazing Charlotte Rampling, alongside brilliant work from local companies like Kabosh with 20 or Replay with Tiny – possibly Festival’s youngest ever audience of little people aged 0-12months old! Like the Arts Council, the Festival works hard to bring great art within the reach of everyone. So I am delighted that this year, Festival has managed to reach out even further across Belfast, providing more opportunities for communities, families and schools to access and participate in events through initiatives like Embrace. A great programme and well done.”
Alongside international artists the Festival will showcase the very best local talent with World Premieres from our leading local theatre and dance companies including; Maiden Voyage Dance Company’s in a new cross border collaboration with Dublin’s Liz Roche Company entitled Neither Either; Kabosh’s new production ‘20’ which reflects on the 20th anniversary of the 1994 IRA Ceasefire; Brassneck Theatre’s hilarious new comedy, The Holy Holy Bus; Aisling Ghear’s futuristic and multi-lingual new play, Makaronik and Replay Theatre Company with Tiny for audiences from 0 – 12 months. Plus, More than a Flag – a world premiere from Dan Gordon and Happenstance – a collaboration with young East Belfast Bandsmen commemorating the part East Belfast played in WW1.
Eddie Rowan, Events Manager, Northern Ireland Tourist Board said, “This fantastic festival is a perfect platform to showcase all that is great about our arts and cultural offering and brings the very best of world class talent to Belfast. Covering all genres, it will appeal to many varied audiences and create unique and memorable experiences for all of our visitors.”
The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s would not be possible without the support of sponsors and public sector funders including Title Sponsor, Ulster Bank, Principal Funder, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Queen’s University, Belfast City Council, British Council, O2 International Sim, Belfast Harbour, Arts & Business NI, Visit Belfast and Department for Social Development, plus, the many venues, performers and partner organisations whose commitment and passion bring the arts to life for all to enjoy.
The 2014 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s runs from 16th October – 1st November in venues all over Belfast, for more information and to book tickets ‘Check In’ to www.belfastfestival.com.