September 26th 2008-

Through the Arch of Imagination

What did the street cleaner, security officer, office worker and delivery man have in common?  What did they discover in Spitalfields on a gorgeous sunny day late in September? … a giant arch which cast a magical effect on those who dared walk through it!!!

                                                                                          Pictures by John Munday

Universal Citizens

Created by Theatre Venture in collaboration with designer Becca Chester, carnival arts group Kinetika and director Emma Bernard, and again featuring our ‘Universal Citizens’ Ensemble, ‘Through The Arch of Imagination’ celebrated the launch of Tower Hamlets’ 2012 Cultural Olympiad programme. 

Inspired by the designs of local schoolchildren and featuring Bengali performance company Mahua, Kinetika Bloco musicians; with The Green Candle Dancers, Kobi Nazrul Primary School, St Matthias Primary School and Bethnal Green Technical College choreographed by Louise Klarnett and Adesola Akinleye; Bishop’s Square, Spitalfields was transformed with a vibrant, colourful and exciting celebration for a whole community of enraptured onlookers as a giant Pearly Queen rose 18ft high to spin and celebrate the launch of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

Universal Citizens & Mahua Dancers

"Through the Arch of Imagination was captivating and beautifully executed, with the arch offering an elegant focus in that urban setting.  Great work with the schools; I know the children participating were totally wowed by the experience.
Once again thanks very much and I hope we can work together again in the near future”

The Pearly Queen & Kinetika

Pearly Queens

Bloco Band from Kinetika

Bethnal Green  Technology College students going Through The Arch...

St Matthias pupils on parade