Film / coronavirus
Creating artistic responses to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic
A virtual film event taking place over three months will see cinema, art and interactive theatre brought together in a show of resistance and togetherness amid the ongoing pandemic.
Created by Compass Presents, an art group based in Pervasive Media Studios, Oracles in Sepia is inspired by British film archive footage of resilience, rebellion and human experience.
The group has teamed up with eight artists who will respond to a short film created by the Compass Presents trio – Tara, Charlie and Donna – which was made in response to coronavirus pandemic.
is needed now More than ever
The eight artists will use their chosen mediums, from contemporary dance to comedy and performance theatre to calligraphy, to create a response to the film.
“In the face of crisis, uncertain futures, and continued social injustice, there have been glimmers of hope and new imaginings,” say the team at Compass Presents. “We sought the oracle and took to the archives looking for perspective.”
The team adds: “From vaults across the land, sepia-stained reels of celluloid have been dusted off, and film footage from across the years has crackled to life for us to play with. To sift through the tea leaves and imagine our shared future we present some of the UK’s freshest artists.
“From opera and dance, to circus, comedy and spoken word, each will create a bespoke work in response to the archive, uncovering hidden stories and presenting their unique vision of the future.”
Artists involved include Mengqi He, a performance artist who uses live calligraphy, Sarah Jane Dobbs, an aerialist and writer, and poet Ciarán Hodgers, who will respond to the Oracles in Sepia short film with an original piece of spoken word.
One of the eight artists will respond each week, with their art streamed via Facebook every Thursday at 8pm throughout October and November, being made available on YouTube and Instagram the following day.
Main photo: Compass Presents
Read more: Remembering one of Bristol’s most memorable cultural experiences of recent years
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
