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On Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June, The Public building in West Bromwich will celebrate its opening with a free festival programme of events for the whole family From 9.00am until 11.00pm, there will be performances in the theatre, music on the square, children's activities in the building and guided tours of the gallery and building. Public Gallery will also be opening its doors to visitors for the first time. During the period from Saturday 28th June to Friday 18th July, over 1,000 Sandwell residents will be offered free tickets to visit the gallery. In return, they will be testing the exhibits and providing useful feedback before the first paying visitors are received at the start of the school summer holidays.
The free ticket holders will be sourced through competitions in the local media, community organisations and schools - many of whom have already taken part in helping to shape the exhibits and learning programme. This is the gallery's way of saying thank you and welcoming visitors, particularly the people of Sandwell.
The programme of events is as follows:
SATURDAY 28TH JUNE10.00am - 4.00pm: The Whale by Talking Birds (also Sunday)A shiny, aluminium whale basks in the sunshine outside The Public. Its jaws open and audiences are swallowed up one at a time (or two if you're shy). Inside, visitors are serenaded by a lovesick mariner and given a small gift. Each show is three minutes long and will entertain all ages. Prepare to Dive!
PUBLIC0012/2 24th June 200810.00am - 4.00pm: Breathe: Will you walk and talk with me? (also Sunday)
Breathe is a local company specialising in conversational street theatre. Building on a piece of work previously delivered in West Bromwich, the performers engage people by asking ‘Will you walk and talk with me?' There will be performances throughout the day in 45-minute slots, to be found outside The Public and on the High Street. 10.00am - 4.00pm: Free family participation (also Sunday)In the Longroom on the third floor, there will be workshops and storytelling, suitable for all ages from three to 90. All those participating will be given a free take home pack.
12.30 - 3.30pm (6 x 20 minute sets): Acoustic music setsThree musicians will be playing acoustic sets on Saturday in the Pinktank on the ground floor of The Public building. Canadian born singer and jazz musician Katya Gorrie, Blues guitar hero Ian Parker and British jazz award winning saxophonist Simon Spillett will play 20 minute sets to entertain the crowds.
5.30pm - 9.30pm: Rhythms of the City
Rhythms of the City are the 12-piece support band of the Brazilian musical legend Bosco d'Olivera. Together with star singers, dancers, horn section and guitarists, the band presents a variety of Afro-Brazilian styles that include samba, samba-reggae and maracatu plus their own developments in samba-funk, samba-hip-hop and salsa. They will round off the opening day with a rousing dance party! 5.30pm - 11.00pm: Mix Tape DJsA number of local DJs will be playing downbeat music from around the world to help add to the atmosphere in the Pinktank on the ground floor, including Boy Chana, DJ Gilly and Black Smile.
SUNDAY 29TH JUNE10.30am - 12.00pm & 2.30pm - 4.00pm: Kasrani
Hip street magician, Kasrani, is "Britain's answer to David Blaine". Born in Iran, brought up in Greece and now based in the UK, Kasrani's cool, multilingual approach to street magic will capture the imaginations of young and old alike and he'll be entertaining the crowds outside the building.
PUBLIC0012/3 24th June 200811.00am - 1.30pm: Breathe: Will You Dance With Me? Tea DanceLocal performance company Breathe will be taking us back in time to the post-war years by running an old-fashioned tea dance. There will be live musical accompaniment by the excellent bandmaster, Garry Allcock who is seen by many as a UK jazz legend and his all-star band and singers have built up a glowing reputation over the years, backing such names as Cleo Laine and Kenny Baker.
They specialise in the big band sound of the post-war years, most notably the works of Glenn Miller, and will be the perfect backdrop to this event. Visitors will be entertained with dance demonstrations from Breathe before they invite you onto the dance floor.
12.00pm - 2.30pm: Mischief LabasThis uber-sociable walkabout theatre collective will present The Elvis Cleaning Company. The Memphis Crew dressed as Elvis will be spreading the word 'Cleanliness is next to Presliness'. They love their work, and often burst into song as they polish up the town. Also The Paparazzi will be there, always looking for that perfect shot and exclusive quote. The flash-popping hacks spot celebrities at every turn. Hang on, isn't that Barbara Windsor?
1.30pm - 2.30pm and 6.00pm - 7.00pm (2 x 1hr shows): Michel Vedette - Automatic Body Dancing Club
Michel Vedette is a French dance instructor with a big difference. He travels the world with his English assistant, spreading the word of dance to the masses. This quirky and off the wall performer will quickly have the crowds dancing along with him in the Pinktank where the shows will take place. 3.00pm - 5.00pm: Ben Martin Trio
The Ben Martin trio can be found at the Pinktank on the ground floor where they will be entertaining the crowds. This contemporary groove based trio like to experiment with the saxophone and drum and base fusion.4.30pm - 5.30pm: Dramatic Movement
Dramatic Movement are an exciting local dance collective of eight, young, motivated men, between the ages of 14-19, all in full-time education. Their self-styled choreography slips easily through street, contemporary, crump and breakdancing routines and they are fast developing a strong local youth following. Their performance piece will be in the theatre with projected artwork adding to the atmosphere.
PUBLIC0012/4 24th June 2008 8.00pm - 11.00pm: The Street Life DJsThe Street Life DJs found underground fame after their online podcast found a keen following across the world. Performing live on Radio One's Essential Selection last year and booked for festivals and events around the country, this duo will be demonstrating new music at its best in the Pinktank. For those visitors needing a lift, cycle tuk-tuks will provide free green transport from West Bromwich Central bus station to The Public over the weekend.
David Clake, Project Director of The Public, comments: "We feel it is important to celebrate the opening of The Public by giving visitors a festival weekend, whilst also providing an opportunity to come and have a guided tour around the building and the gallery.
"We are confident The Public and Public Gallery will be a huge success".
PLEASE NOTE - to manage numbers, wristbands will be issued on a first come, first served basis for all evening performances after 5.00pm.
Press contactFor further information please contact Michelle Simpson and Amy Kershaw at Gough Allen Stanley on 01527 579555 or email michellesimpson@gough.co.uk. |
