Greenwich & Docklands International Festival
Greenwich Dance presents Grace as part of Luke Jerram’s installation In Memoriam
Friday 28 & Monday 31 August, 1pm
Tickets by invitation only. For info, see festival.org/gdif
The performance will be available to view on GDIF’s YouTube channel
Luke Jerram’s ceremonial art installation has been created as a memorial to those we have lost in the COVID-19 pandemic. The artwork has also been made in tribute to the NHS staff and volunteers who have worked so tirelessly to care for so many. Created from bed sheets, In Memoriam is intended to be an evocative symbol of local, national and international solidarity, presented as a space for reflection, remembrance, and recognition.
Rob Baker Ashton
Greenwich Dance is honoured to be presenting a brand-new work as part of the installation. Grace is a choreographed moment of reflection that was created entirely under lockdown conditions by an intergenerational cast from our over 55s group Dancing To The Music of Time led by Maria Ghoumrassi, and Lotus Youth Dance Company led by Colleen Joseph. This thoughtful creation starts with a one-minute silence and is offered as a gesture of gratitude to those on the frontline and the carers in our lives. It is presented as a way to mourn our loved ones and build community resilience in these difficult times. Featuring music by Maria’s son Andalous Ghoumrassi, the soothing soundscape also features the dancers’ own spoken stories.
Dan Martin
Choreography by Maria Ghoumrassi in collaboration with Colleen Joseph
Performances by a cast made up of Greenwich Dance companies: Dancing to the Music of Time & Lotus Youth Dance Company
Music Creation Andalous Ghoumrassi
Music Production Richard Newby
Producer Jemma Robinson
Project Coordinator Chenube Ruth-Bailey
GDIF is commissioned by the Weston Arts + Health Weekender. Supported by Without Walls and FESTIVAL.ORG. Informed by the Wellcome Trust-funded ‘Weather Lives’ project, led by Dr Cassie Phoenix at Durham University.
The UK premiere of In Memoriam at GDIF is supported by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Royal Greenwich Festivals, Without Walls and Arts Council England.
