Seven stories have underpinned literature since the beginning of time and Illuminate is their contemporary reimagining. From the inner monster to the superhero, from the tragedy of division to the pure joy of true love, Illuminate explores the stories that help us to understand ourselves, and our place in the world in which we live.
Seven scenes in seven spaces will take you to the past, present and future in a captivating mix of live performance around Central Library. As light art twists interiors and shifts perceptions, and an original and live soundtrack plays out, a rich blend of dance and movement will take you on a journey like no other.
Featuring international artists, rising talents and home-grown performers, Illuminate will be brought to life by an ensemble of 60 dancers, musicians and collaborators, for what promises to be a transformative and immersive cultural experience at Central Library.
Created and produced by Company Chameleon, a Manchester born and based dance theatre company that makes new work in the city, which tours across the UK and the world. This year Chameleon celebrates its 10th anniversary, and ten years of being part of the celebrated arts and culture scene in Manchester.
Illuminate @ Manchester Central Library
Friday 24th & Saturday 25th November, 7pm & 9pm
FREE
Booking essential as tickets are limited for each performance
Performance duration: approx. 1 hour
On top of Illuminate, Central Library will be hosting a week of FREE countdown events – no need to book, just go along:
Pop-up: listen
Monday 20th November, 12-2pm
A lunchtime performance of live music and a chance to hear the new and original soundtrack by award-winning composer, Miguel Marin, which features in the Illuminate production.
Pop-up: see
Tuesday 21st November, 1pm
Chameleon make the open-air their stage and perform a pop-up dance piece outside Central Library’s main entrance.
Preview
Wednesday 22nd November, 4-5pm
Central Library open up the sides of the performance space to create a stage for professional dancers from all over the world as they share their own creative responses to Company Chameleon’s powerful and original movement style in an informal presentation.
Open rehearsals
Thursday 23rd November, 10am-5pm
Go behind the scenes and see the rehearsal and pre-production process unfold as Company Chameleon and their ensemble of 60 dancers, musicians and collaborators take over Central Library, ahead of the first performance of Illuminate on Friday night.
