Continuing Avanti Display's exploration of water in performance started with The Fountain Machine, followed by Mr. Lucky and The Spurting Man and Hydromania. "Birth of Venus" is a new outdoor show based on the classical painting by Botticelli, and is ready for touring in the summer of 2005. This project has been made in collaboration with Bryan Tweddle who designed and built the shell and is making his Avanti debut as a performer.
A prototype version of “ Birth of Venus’ was performed in the garden of Gallery Oldham on 24th October 2004 as part of a community event where it provided a spectacular climax to the lantern procession.
On this occasion the performance was made with Oldham theatre workshop with choreography by Karla Shacklock of Precarious Dance company.
The next step is to stage "Birth of Venus" as a central event in the Garden of Delights Festival, Manchester, providing a spectacular Finale, on Platt Fields boating lake. This performance will include, the beguiling effect of water splashing into water, the interplay of lighting and water, live music and the pastoral nature of the environment working together to evoke a lyrical beauty.
As Hydromania is characterised by its urban location turning a building into a performance event with the unexpected production of large volumes of water. "Birth of Venus" will be characterised by a pastoral setting, helping to develop classical references that will underpin this performance event.
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