Commonwealth Games
In the coming months, The Lowry's exciting programme of arts & culture events in the Theatres, Galleries and around the building form part of the regional Cultureshock and national Spirit of Friendship festivals, celebrating the cultural diversity of the Commonwealth in the year that Manchester plays host to the Commonwealth Games.
The Lowry is also delighted to embark upon a new partnership with Milapfest, a vibrant, innovative South Asian Arts Festival based in the North West featuring exciting dance, music and theatre events including a landmark dance extravaganza.
From outstanding productions like The Island and huge steel sculptures by Nigerian born artist Sokari Douglas Camp to the exhibition Gateway to the Commonwealth inspiring families to explore their local heritage and family history, there's something for everyone during the festivals at The Lowry.
Cultureshock Theatre events
- Africa Africa Wed 27 March
- The Island Mon 22 - Sat 27 April
- Sam - Yo! Sun 28 April, 6pm
- Sibongile Khumalo Tues 28 May
- MAPAS summer arts festival Tues 2 - Thurs 4 July
- Dance Yatra 2002 Sat 13 July
- Rebecca Malope Sun 14 July
- Celebrate the Games Thurs 18 - Fri 19 July
- Variety 2002 Sun 21 July
- IndepenDANCE Sat 3 Aug, 8pm
Cultureshock Exhibitions & gallery events
- Gateway to the Commonwealth exhibition 4 May - 30 June
- PlayHouse (based on above exhibition) Sat 25 May & 22 June
- Imagined Steel: Sculptures by Sokari Douglas Camp From 1 June
- Artist's Residency: Bhupen Khakhar 10 - 21 June
- Commonwealth Portraits: Works by Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy and Harold Riley
20 July - 4 August
Robert Robson, Theatres Director "The Lowry is delighted to take part in the Commonwealth Games cultural celebrations and, in doing so, celebrates South Africa in particular as a powerhouse of drama and music against the odds. (The nation of South Africa has been 'adopted' by Salford for the Commonwealth Games). At the heart of this celebration and direct from Cape Town via the National Theatre, Broadway and the Old Vic, we are privileged to be able to offer North West audiences probably the last chance ever to witness the original cast in The Island, the life-affirming and world renowned play about the oppression under which South Africa laboured for so many years. This unique event is a major coup and, as all the reviews say, not to be missed."
Robert continues: "Nor should music fans miss the stunning voice of Sibongile Khumalo (you could never forget hearing her sing God Bless Africa at the country's Grahamstown Festival a year before the first free elections) or the exciting high energy of Rebecca Malope. To spread the Commonwealth net even wider, we also welcome, in association with Milapfest, the premiere of Britain's first ever South Asian Music Youth Orchestra (Sam - Yo!) and Dance Yatra 2002 - a major showcase of all that's best in South Asian dance."
Theatre Events
Africa Africa
Wed 27 March, 7.30pm
Tickets: £12 - £18 (Concs up to £3 off)
Africa Africa is an evening of traditional Zulu music and dance, echoing the cultural vibrancy and essence of The Mighty Zulu Nation. This production mirrors the fascinating proposal, engagement and wedding ceremony as seen through the eyes of the Zulu Witch Doctor performed in the customary Zulu tradition.
The Islands
Mon 22 - Sat 27 April, 8pm
Tickets £7 - £18 (Concs £2 off) & Sat Matinee at 3pm
Royal National Theatre/Market Theatre Johannesburg Production
Presented by Lee Menzies, Gareth Johnson Ltd and Old Vic Productions PLC
by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona.
Set in the notorious Robben Island prison, The Island is a tribute to the men and women who, with indomitable courage and a longing for freedom were imprisoned for taking part in the fight for a free and democratic South Africa.
This is the First and Last chance for North-West audiences to see this stunning production with its original cast - John Kani and Winston Ntshona - who bring this immensely uplifting and moving play to The Lowry. For almost 30 years, The Island has toured internationally to enormous acclaim, winning Tony Awards for its two actors. In 1995 they staged a special performance for Nelson Mandela, who had been a political prisoner on Robben Island for twenty two years.
SAM - YO!
Sun 28 April, 6pm
Tickets: £7 (Concs £2 off)
This is the National Premiere of Britain's first ever South Asian Music Youth Orchestra (Sam - Yo!). Some of the brightest British South Asian talent present a scintillating display of brilliant music. The orchestra, led by Dharambir Singh, the noted British sitar maestro, perform a fusion of both North and South Indian music styles, with music specially written by Dr Rajeeb Chakravorti. This is a special event celebrating the cultural diversity of Britain today, presented by Milapfest, UK's only year-round South Asian Arts Festival, in association with the South Asian Music Consortium and supported by the National Youth Music Foundation.
Sibongile Khumalo
Tues 28 May, 8pm
Tickets £15 (No concs)
A diva for our times, one of the greatest voices to emerge from Africa. This vocal powerhouse combines township jazz with operatic and roots music to create an exciting modern South African song repertoire. She returns to the UK with an all-star band featuring the cream of British jazz talent.
MAPAS Summer Arts Festival
Tues 2 July - Thurs 4 July, 7.15pm
Tickets £5 (Concs £3 off)
NB This is a non-professional company
This is an exciting, three-night Summer Festival, presenting a specially-created, wide-ranging double bill. Involving Salford pupils of all ages, each evening will feature an original theatre piece with music, dance and drama, based on a selection of Commonwealth countries and the Commonwealth Games Spirit of Friendship theme. Also, a performance originating from a workshop session, culminating in a composition based on the story of Beowulf by children from Salford Primary School.
Dance Mantra 2002
Sat 13 July, 7pm
Tickets £8 (Concs £1 off) (activity on the plaza from 5pm)
Milapfest brings you this special South Asian Dance extravaganza, a landmark dance event at The Lowry as part of the Spirit of Friendship Festival. Over 100 of the best South Asian Dance artists will showcase their accomplishments in diverse Indian folk, classical and contemporary dance styles. This unique event is not to be missed and includes live music and dance outside on the plaza and in the foyer before the main show in the theatre. During the day, there will also be a bridal make-up and costume show, stalls selling food, crafts, jewellery & music as well as henna hand painting.
Rebecca Malope
Sun 14 July, 8pm
Tickets £12 (No concs)
One of the most popular female artists in Africa, Rebecca has sold over 10 million CDs. As a girl Rebecca Malope moved from her hometown to Johannesburg. She won a singing competition and has never looked back. She has a wondrous voice, charismatic stage presence and the best band and supporting singers in South Africa.
Celebrates the Games
Thurs 18 - Fri 19 July, 2pm & 7pm
Tickets £2.50 & £3
Celebrating Manchester's hosting of the Commonwealth Games, The Lowry has teamed up with its partner companies, the Hallé, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Opera North, Rambert Dance Company and 150 local youngsters for this entertainment spectacular. The four companies are holding week-long residences with disabled and non-disabled young people, integrating their different art forms into a performance with the universal theme of communication.
Posted on Friday, 01 March 2002 under Press General Press