Hot on the heels of our S(sssh!)ecret Gig announcement, we’re proud to announce that we’ll be working with the amazing Back To Ours with two brand new, sparkling commissions.
The first is a call to arms from Bransholme-born dancer Gareth Chambers, inviting people to learn boxing in a new piece called Fighting 4 Queerz.
As a choreographer, dancer and writer, Gareth’s work questions the ways in which bodies function in society, intersecting with gender, sexuality and class. Working with a small group of participants over a number of sessions designed to increase strength and confidence, his workshops will culminate in a choreographed performance during Pride in Hull on Saturday, July 21.
Gareth says:
‘Fighting 4 Queerz is about a taking over of public spaces, as well as a defiant show of Queer strength that challenges stereotypes of the LGBT community.
‘I’m particularly looking for queer, non binary and trans folks of all genders, who feel a connection with communities largely centred around experiences of misogyny, homophobia and transphobia.’
Rehearsals will be held in collaboration with St. Paul’s Boxing Academy, the historic city centre gym that’s nurtured some of Hull’s most celebrated boxing talent, with the final performance then taking over spaces in the city centre as part of the Pride in Hull Parade.
A second commission with Hull Carnival Arts is also currently underway, with people encouraged to come and participate in a series of flag making workshops at Artlink.
The theme of this year’s Pride in Hull is the 70th anniversary of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with participants designing a flag for each of the thirty articles. Participants are asked to join local visual artists Liz Knight and Jess Aylen at one of the drop-in workshops to discuss what the declaration means to them and design a flag.
You can also be part of the Parade Day by carrying a flag or performing with Upper Level’s rainbow stilt walkers. Upper Level’s Sarah Curry and local choreographer Tamar Draper will be leading movement sessions in the days leading up to the parade, teaching some simple moves to weave alongside performers, flags, stilt walkers, and community street band Bandanarama.
Liz Dees from Hull Carnival Arts is also excited to be leading a chair-based section of the parade; all of the flag making and movement workshops are accessible to people in wheelchairs, and there’s also opportunities to get wheelchairs or scooters decorated.
Claire Drury, Programme Producer for Back to Ours, said:
‘Pride is definitely one of the highlights of our calendar, and we’re delighted to be working with Pride to develop these exciting new commissions.
‘Fighting 4 Queerz is a really exciting return to Hull for Gareth, and we’re so excited to welcome participants and work together to shape the final piece; it’ll be completely different from anything we’ve seen before.
‘Hull Carnival Arts have always worked with Pride in Hull, but this year they’ll be bringing more to the Parade than ever before – colour, noise and some beautiful art right at the heart of it all.’
Andy Train, Pride in Hull Creative Director, said:
‘We’re so excited about these commissions.
‘The Parade will form an integral part of Pride in Hull, carrying the theme to the forefront of everyone’s minds on this 70th anniversary celebration.
‘It’s going to be quite a spectacle.’
Anyone interested in finding out more about Fighting for Queerz is encouraged to come to an initial workshop on Wednesday July 4 from 6pm onwards at Brain Jar, Trinity House Lane, where they’ll be able to meet artist Gareth Chambers and members of the Back to Ours team. Read more here.
Find out more about…
- Fighting 4 Queerz workshops.
- Hull Carnival Arts movement sessions.
- Hull Carnival Arts flag making workshops.
For more information or access queries, please contact team@backtoours.co.uk.
