www.theblisspages.com - Brighton Festival 2005
www.theblisspages.com - Brighton Festival 2005
In 2004, I attended about fifteen events during the Brighton Festival (see my review of the 2004 festival), but this year was to be far more low-key, as my finances have been very tight since my separation and subsequent purchase of a new house. Looking through the brochure, not much appealed to me, but the Fringe Festival held rather more of interest.
The first event I saw was Inside Out at the Embassy Court on the seafront.
This ten story hotel was very run down but has just been extensively renovated. Pictures were projected onto the seafront facia, taken of the residents within. There was an impromptu party outside, with musicians providing a rhythmic accompaniment to the images, and a small crowd chilling out in the cool evening.
I also enjoyed Goddesses Dancing Change, one of the many open houses that I feel are the heart of the festival, democratising it, and encouraging everyone to participate, and create. It's a great reason to live in Brighton or Hove, and I would love to contribute.
The Goddess open house was very welcoming and I liked looking at the paintings and outdoor works. I particularly liked the voluptuous Buddess, and would have liked to own her had finances permitted.
I also appreciated the Hindu shrine, and was taken with Sarasvati - the goddess of creativity.
I loved the small Goddesses Dancing - they were to have been life-sized but a disaster befell the large plaster casts, and their remnants nearly provoked a man hunt when a taxi driver overheard comments on how to dispose of the unwanted body parts on the floor of his cab. Brighde managed at the last minute to create a willow circle incorporating three goddesses within.
The tea and cakes were also very welcome.
We went to an open house on the seafront, with an interesting range of paintings. It really inspired me to think about putting brush to paper, or at least mouse to mat - my imagination and enthusiasm far outstrip my co-ordination. The views over the sea were also fascinating, and, this of course, is another of the draws of the open houses; the chance to be welcomed into the homes of complete strangers and have a glimpse into their lives.
Last year, I missed Outskirts, so made an effort to go this year. Alas though, as I arrived late, I still missed the performance, featuring a large chicken and poetry, but on the plus side, I did manage some delicious cakes.
On the Fringe, though, you always need to be on the lookout for impromptu performances, and I did catch an inspired improvised production involving some excitable ladies, a microphone, and some headphones. Improvised magnetic poems on a fridge also featured.
For further details, see:
I'm interested in your views and comments on these, or any other, Festival events ...
updated Tue 31 May '05 give feedback...
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: © Mike Bliss 2009