the bell
By Periplum
The Bell is a theatrical spectacle and 360-degree surround performance for audiences of up to 5,000 people. A sensory extravaganza, The Bell takes inspiration from the visceral imagery of films by Akira Kurosawa (Ran) and Andrei Tarkovsky (Andrei Rublev), creating a potent tale of hope and redemption. The show features dynamic promenade action, mobile structures, pyrotechnics, stilts, aerial performance and soaring music to explore timeless themes of war and peace in a spectacle of fire, light and humanity re-born from the ashes.
The Bell tells a simple and moving story of striving to transcend conflict and find resolution through shared struggle. The action moves around and through the audience who are in the centre of the performance space and are included through promenade movements and vocal interactions. The show features fire & pyro designed by The World Famous & delivered by Lightfires.
“It’s like being catapulted into the landscape of a fantasy video game, minus the control pad. The clever use of space, fire and music is augmented by a poetic text that employs the sounds and rhythms of words beautifully, working in tandem with strong physical performances.”
—Total Theatre. UK
Designed, written and directed by Claire Raftery & Damian Wright (Periplum)
Original fire and pyrotechnic design by The World Famous
Pyrotechnical design development and delivery by Lightfires
Funded by Arts Council England. Co-Commisioned by the National Theatre (Watch This Space), Hastings Borough Council, Made in Brighton, Winchester Hat Fair and Without walls Street Arts Consortium. Commissioned in 2010 as La Campana by The Anglo-Mexican Foundation and Conaculta Mexico.
Photography: Ricardorobles and Raysto.
