A spectacular live performance will mark the opening of Sunderland’s new arts hub.
The free performance, ‘Spirit of the Dragon’, will be the culmination of a £120,000, six-month project re-interpreting the legend of the Lambton Worm and will officially open The Fire Station in Sunderland after a £3.5m transformation.
It will be delivered by respected outdoor theatre company Periplum, who were co-commissioned by the Cultural Spring and Sunderland Music, Arts and Culture (MAC) Trust.
More than 200 local people will be involved with at least 100 performing in the opening event, which will take place at the side of, and in front of, The Fire Station on Thursday 23rd November, the same evening as the city’s Christmas lights switch on in Keel Square.
Community workshops have already started across the city in preparation for Spirit of the Dragon, led by Periplum’s three delivery partners – Live Theatre, Dance City and Sunderland Music Education Hub.
Claire Raftery, Artistic Director at Periplum, said: “Spirit of the Dragon is starting to come together. We’re delighted the workshops are now underway as they’re a vital part of the project – some of the local stories that we’re told at the workshops will help shape the narrative of the performance. We know now that the performance will start at the side of The Fire Station and then move to the front of the building for a ‘fire show finale.’ The performance will last for about 45 minutes in total and will come after the annual switch-on of the Christmas lights. It will be a mix of local performers and professional performers.”
The performance will be a mixture of movement, music and drama and is expected to attract an audience of between 1,500 and 2,000 people.
For further information head to facebook.com/thefirestationsunderland.
