9 June 2023 - 25 June 2023

Wandsworth Arts Fringe at the RAD

This year, we are again proudly taking part in the fabulous Wandsworth Arts Fringe. See below for the events we are hosting at RAD headquarters, and visit the WAF website for information and booking on more activities around the borough.

G23Lab – Cosmic Dance

9-25 June 2023
Café, Royal Academy of Dance
Free

A selection of works from G23LAB’s Astrophysical series of astronomical capriccios depicting some real and theoretical wonders of the universe colliding, exploding and merging again far overhead in the deepest reaches of our own and other galaxies.

Each work is named after a real star catalogue reference that you can look up online, providing an introduction to the gigantic, evolving structures that surround us and the mind-bending theories that cosmologists use to explain them.

“We are mere specks in a cosmic dance of truly epic proportions, but our imaginations are larger still.”

The works were created using the Light of Reason, a laser lighting system developed by G23LAB that twists, contorts and stretches the very substance of light itself using a process that mixes both digital and analogue elements. This optical manipulation of the light parallels that applied to matter by gravity on a much more massive scale, resulting over time and space in the most intricate forms.

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”

Each image captures a single moment in time that can never be repeated. There is no motion blur, no computer rendering and no retouching.

G23LAB (wandsworthfringe.com)

Royal Academy of Dance & Share Community: Kubera Meets Ganesha

14 June 2023
Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre, Royal Academy of Dance

The artist collective of Share Community takes on the story of ‘Kubera Meets Ganesha’, through Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest dance forms of India.

This is a story of how Lord Ganesha (elephant-headed god) humbled the proud and boastful Kubera (god of wealth).

There will also be an exhibition of artwork on display after the performance, inspired by the tale.

Royal Academy of Dance & Share Community (wandsworthfringe.com)

Linda Foster – Critical Movement

15 June 2023
Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre, Royal Academy of Dance

Members of Grand Gesture, Dance Theatre artists
The ‘Critical Moment’ programme brings four companies together for one inspiring, quirky and thought provoking evening of dance theatre, produced, created and performed by older dance artists.

Function of X, a new company formed by choreographer and curator of ‘Critical Moment’, Linda Foster presents ‘In Search Of….’ Three generations of women confront their internalised ageist attitudes and look for what unites them in a society that seeks to divide and oppress.

Edgefield Dance, a company of dancers living and working in Suffolk under the artistic direction of Deborah Watkins Jones, presents ‘Pieces of Blue Cina’, a work that deals with memories of critical moments. Do we hold them close, do we let them go? What if someone tries to take them? It is a piece that speaks of solitude and relationships.

Power Dance and Co led by choreographer, dancer and yoga teacher, Fionuala Power presents ‘Exit 2 Light’, a work that explores through movement, text and images the transitional state after life and before death.

Grand Gesture, an established company of geri-anarchists creatively staging ageing through dance theatre are excited to present ’69’, a new work inspired by the defining year of rebellion.

Linda Foster (wandsworthfringe.com)

Royal Academy of Dance – The Magic of Dance

18 June 2023

Join us to celebrate the magic of dance as we throw open the doors of our global headquarters for an open day of fun, dance performances, and activities for all. Tickets are free and will include access to:

• a dance performance showcase in the Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre from 15:00, featuring RAD students and local dance artists (run time approximately 1hr 45 minutes with an interval),
• creative arts and crafts,
• music, and
• more activities to be announced.

Royal Academy of Dance (wandsworthfringe.com)

The Magic of Dance workshops

18 June 2023

Experience the magic of dance with an introduction to movement through fun and supportive sessions for ages ranging from 4-13.

Dip into dance in a one-hour session in our beautiful studio spaces, allowing you to explore movement as a means of self-expression and self‐awareness.

Part of the RAD’s ‘The Magic of Dance’ wider community open day, there are also lots of free activities to enjoy on the day, including a dance performance showcase featuring RAD students and local dance artists, creative arts and crafts, music, and more to be announced.

Royal Academy of Dance (wandsworthfringe.com)

E33 Dance Company CIC – Life-Cycles

20 June 2023
Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre, Royal Academy of Dance

An established contemporary dance company, Battersea-based E33 have been making relevant and thought-provoking work for 12 years.

This summer, the company return to the stage at the Royal Academy of Dance to premiere a varied new programme, addressing issues of wellbeing and climate change. From sunlight to butterflies, the works serve as a powerful reminder of the connection between people and planet and how important it is to take care of both.

The performance will also showcase the talents of up-and-coming young dancers and local children, nurtured by E33 in collaboration with Providence House.

With a diverse, inter-generational cast and a message of hope, ‘Life-cycles’ is an affirming exploration of the power of positive change and creativity in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

E33 Dance Company CIC (wandsworthfringe.com)

Jataneel Banerjee – Gaṅgā

25 June 2023
Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre, Royal Academy of Dance

‘Gaṅgā’ is a chamber opera in Sanskrit: a saga of heartbreak, promises and love.

Gaṅgā is a powerful, yet helpless, celestial river goddess, whose womb becomes the medium to fulfil the higher purpose of gods and men. Cursed and doomed to be born as mortals, the eight Vasus choose Gaṅgā to be their mother. She promises to release all but one from the curse: the last must live on earth.

Gaṅgā chooses her beloved Shantanu, mighty king of Hastinapur, to be the father. But, to keep her promise to the Vasus, she must also break his heart.

Music – Jataneel Banerjee
Words – Original Sanskrit text from Mahabharata by Veda Vyasa. Additional Sanskrit text by Dr Baldevanand Sagar
Producer – Jataneel Banerjee and 101 Music Ltd.

Jataneel Banerjee (wandsworthfringe.com)

London Independent Story Prize Creative Writing Workshop with Jessica Andrews

Hybrid
25 June 2023
Free

London Independent Story Prize is organising a Creative Writing Workshop with Jessica Andrews! The event is open to all levels of writers and free of charge. Thanks to the Wandsworth Arts Fringe Grant 2023 team for making this happen and accessible!

London Independent Story Prize is organising a hybrid Creative Writing Workshop with Jessica Andrews at the gorgeous Royal Academy of Dance Lecture Room! Jessica Andrews is an award-winning author of two novels, and she teaches Creative Writing at the City University, London. The event is open to all levels of writers and free of charge. Thanks to the Wandsworth Arts Fringe Grant 2023 team for making this happen and accessible for all.

All you need to do is to book your place to empower your writing journey and meet with fellow writers!

This booking is for in-person attendees; if you can’t make it to the Royal Academy of Dance Lecture Room for any reason, you can head to our ONLINE Creative Writing Workshop page and attend the class via Zoom.

London Independent Story Prize (wandsworthfringe.com)