A new free Winter Festival at the Royal National Theatre Exploring light and the theme of celebration in a multicultural city

5 November - 5 January 2001
All Foyers (10am - 11pm Mon - Sat)
FREE

LANTERNS EXHIBITION
and
FESTIVAL SATURDAYS

LANTERNS EXHIBITION

Following a successful pilot project in April, celebratory arts company Emergency Exit Arts have worked with young people and the community to create a stunning exhibition of beautiful internally lit lanterns and art works inspired by Festivals of Light from around the world.

The aim is to explore and extend cross-curricular material relating to cultural festivals. Through this programme of artists' residencies, and public events, this unique collaboration will develop creative and expressive arts projects to embrace London's cultural diversity.

Over 16 artists from many cultural backgrounds have worked with schools in Greenwich, Hackney, Lambeth, Lewisham and Newham. Skills developed include metal embossing and installation, textile design, paper mache and card sculpture,

masks, and digital, audio and visual design.

The lanterns will shine day and night throughout the National's foyers, creating not only a beautiful internal display, but also a great spectacle through the windows of the building both from Waterloo Bridge and the ground. These will form the backdrop to a series of Festival events.

FESTIVAL SATURDAYS

A celebration and exploration of the arts and events surrounding light festivals by British-based artists and companies originating from around the world. Details to be announced shortly.

10th Nov European Light and Fire Festivals
Beautiful music, rituals and flames from Halloween to Bonfire Night.

17th Nov South Asian Light Festivals
Leading British Asian musicians and performers explore and draw inspiration from Gurpurab, Diwali and Ramadan, by way of music, dance and club culture.

8th Dec Eastern Moon Festivals
Evocative lights of Eastern festivals - flickering floating lamps, incandescent lantern processions - journeys from mortality to eternity, beautiful music and dance.

15th Dec Jewish Festival of Eternal Light
A celebration of Hanukkah and the miracle of eternal light - music and performance from sundown until late.

5th January Twelfth Night
The finale event, bringing all elements of the festival together in a processional and celebratory event marking the coming of the three kings, and the switching off of the lanterns in the exhibition.

PUBLIC INFORMATION
Event information: 020 7452 3327
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/events
Nearest tube - Waterloo