Established by West Yorkshire Playhouse in 2011, this year Transform returns with three days of activities which will include feasting, conversation and celebration, including an explosive night of performance, music and intervention.
At the centre of the weekend are early stage showings of future Transform projects, presented by local and international artists. Committed to developing and presenting adventurous performance and extraordinary experiences in Leeds, Transform has presented an array of productions, performances and events throughout the Playhouse building and outside its doors. Four years on, with plans to move to a more citywide and international model – Transform 15 offers an opportunity to be a part of shaping the future of Transform.
Transform 15 launches at West Yorkshire Playhouse on 30th April with an opening night event unveiling the weekend’s activities alongside future plans. This event will feature a film screening by Berlin based choreographer Frank Willens charting his discoveries whilst developing a new project in Leeds. Bringing artists from West Yorkshire together with those from countries including Germany, Italy and Iran an International Residency marks the start of a new scheme involving the Playhouse and Yorkshire Dance. This pilot will be overseen by Leeds based artist Oliver Bray and Lebanese theatre maker and social activist Lucien Bourjeily, it culminates in a rough and ready sharing after four days cross-cultural collaboration. A delectable and thoughtful afternoon of food and conversation, Feast returns to the Quarry Stage on Saturday 2nd May. Featuring local and international cuisine alongside speakers offering their perspective on the subject ‘What does it mean to be local & global in 2015 and beyond?’. The weekend closes with the Transform Party, an explosive art-party of immersive performance and encounters, music and celebration involving an array of Northern based performers, musicians, curators, designers and DJs.
West Yorkshire Playhouse Artistic Director James Brining said: “Transform has become a central part of the Playhouse’s creative programme and integral to the offer of cutting edge performance works in Leeds. This year’s repositioning and development of the festival comes at a very exciting time for the city particularly as discussions around European Capital of Culture develop, enabling Transform to instigate international collaborations that will have major impact across Leeds.”
Transform Curator & Producer Amy Letman adds: “This is an important transition for Transform. Sharing our ideas and plans to move to a more citywide and international format over the coming years, we invite the fantastic array of people to contribute to our journey so far to be part of building our future. Transform 15 is also a brilliant opportunity to spark off key future projects with bold and visionary makers from both Leeds and across the globe.”
Transform 15 takes place at West Yorkshire Playhouse from Thursday 30th April to Saturday 2nd May 2015. For a full programme of events visit wyp.org.uk and follow trends on Twitter using #transform15 @wyplayhouse.
