Even under ‘normal’ circumstances this event would have been an exciting and ambitious project. Originally planned for April 2020, postponed until December due to Covid, by which time many of us had not seen a live concert, exhibition or social gathering since March, there was an extra special feeling to the activities. Additional preparation by the organisers ensured everything was socially distanced and safe, all done brilliantly with little hinderance to people's enjoyment.
Concert image courtesy of Robert Golden
The project was organised by performing arts charity Opera Circus & HOME in Bridport. Jamal & Alaa were invited to take part in 3 days of workshops in Bridport, Dorset, concluding with 2 concerts on International Human Rights Day (December 10th).
Further details can be found on the project website: exileartproject.com
Founded in 1991 Opera Circus devise "projects with children and young people using creative and cultural activities to explore issues of Equality, Inclusion and Child and Human Rights both in the UK and internationally, particularly in Italy, Bosnia and Serbia." (from their website).
We first met Artistic Director & Producer Tina Ellen Lee via community work with the Guifa Project, at Glyndebourne in 2018, so it was really exciting to be invited to take part in this new project, in what was our first 'real world' gig booking since lockdown started.
Continues below.
Thanks to Robert Golden for these photographs. (Alaa & Jamal, Zangi, Zangi, Concert Finalé, Udit & Ricky, Udit, Ricky, Alaa & Jamal)
More of his work here: robertgoldenpictures.com