Fourth Portal, 19 Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, DA12 2BD
An afternoon and evening of performance and discussion open to everyone, for free, discussing the decision of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to grant licences to begin drilling for new oil in the North Sea.
What to Expect
The evening features the return of the popular Wavelength Orchestra (watch), performing around an oil rig sculpture and steel crab, created by artist Alice Helps on Bawley Bay Beach. As the sun sets, projections of sea creatures, which Alice 3D modelled and animated using Blender software, will illuminate the exterior of St Andrew's Waterside Mission Church, Gravesend.
Following sunset, a short procession of the orchestra and audience will carry the oil rig and crab into the Fourth Portal.
Set around the sculptures with projections filling the wall, anyone wishing to recite a gentle poem or spoken word will be welcomed while the audience chats over drinks. Pianist Julian Jacobson will briefly perform a few classical river and sea compositions.
Before the Wavelength Orchestra's performance, Professor John Wood will host a discussion with artist Alice Helps and the audience on the environmental impact of our resource-extraction-based economic model.
Approximate schedule for the day.
Afternoon from 3pm
Prof. John Wood (Goldsmiths) hosts a discussion on energy alternatives with artist Alice Helps and guests (tbc) and audience participation - all invited.
Sculpture installed on Bawley Bay beach following high tide.
Short Wavelength Orchestra workshop - all invited.
Early evening from 5.30pm
Wavelength Orchestra performance begins
Sculpture procession into the Fourth Portal
Sculptures, projections, spoken word, soft performance
Pianist Prof. Julian Jacobson plays some short piano pieces about our rivers and seas
-- End approximate 10.45pm --
Wavelength Orchestra
Following on from the two well-attended Wavelength Orchestra performances during summer 2023, we expect an even larger ensemble to return to Bawley Bay (next to the Fourth Portal) for another evening of sound-making.
To participate
The Fourth Portal and orchestra lead Richard Sanderson, extend a warm welcome to everyone to join the Wavelength Orchestra.
The performance is free to attend and additional performers are sought, of any age right up to the beginning of the performance.
Requirements
A portable instrument, which doesn't need mains electricity, and to attend a short workshop in the Fourth Portal at 4.30 before the performance.
All skill levels are welcome, from none to professional.