Deloitte Ignite

Covent Garden Piazza Saturday 2pm-10pm

This two-day series of open-air screenings in the heart of Covent Garden is curated by Yinka Shonibare and John Akomfrah, founding member of the Black Audio Film Collective. Africa on the Piazza presents some of the most exciting and innovative African films, from classics of the 1950s to modern-day blockbusters, as well as works by seminal directors Ousmane Sembène and Souleymane Cissé. And all for free!

There is no seating in the piazza so bring a rug, blanket or cushion. No portable furniture or chairs including inflatable chairs, sorry. The film screenings are open air and go ahead come rain or shine – the audience area is not covered so come prepared! For special seating requirements please contact Access Dept. Box Office, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD.

---

Clore Studio Upstairs

Saturday (dance workshops) 2.30pm-3.15pm, 3.45pm-4.30pm

Saturday (drum and dance sharing) 4.45pm-5.30pm

Join IRIE! dance theatre for these exciting dance, drumming and storytelling workshops. IRIE! dance theatre is Britain’s leading African peoples dance company working in the field of education and community. The workshops are suitable for all age groups, and are aimed at increasing awareness and appreciation of dance and music deriving from Africa and the Caribbean.

---

Saturday 12.30pm-2pm Alesandra Seutin lecture/demonstration

Earlier this year, Alesandra Seutin, artistic director of Vocab Dance Company, participated in a contemporary African dance project with the renowned Senegalese choreographer Germaine Acogny. In this fascinating lecture and demonstration, she shares her experiences and explores how traditional African dance can be fused with Western classical and contemporary movement.

---

Crush Room

Saturday (drumming workshops) 12.15pm-3pm, 3.30pm-4.15pm

---

Lambert Studio

Saturday (storytelling workshops) 3.15pm-4pm, 4.15pm-5pm

---

Linbury Studio Theatre

Saturday 2.30pm-3pm, 3.45pm-4.15pm Sensual Africa (Tavaziva Dance)

Tavaziva Dance, established in 2004 by Zimbabwean-born Bawren Tavaziva, is renowned for its unique fusion of African and contemporary dance styles. Sensual Africa was created following Bawren Tavaziva’s trip to Malawi, one of Africa’s most beautiful and diverse countries, and is inspired by the music and rituals of the Tumbuka and Chewa peoples.

Age recommendation +12 yrs

---

Crush Room

Saturday and Sunday 5.30pm-6.15pm Recital by Sipho Fubesi (Tenor)

South African-born tenor Sipho Fubesi presents an intimate music recital in the Royal Opera House’s Crush Room. Fubesi studied music at the University of Cape Town under Sarita Stern and at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester under Jeffrey Lawton. He appeared in the premiere of Tarik O’Regan’s opera Heart of Darkness at the Linbury Studio Theatre in 2011.

---

Paul Hamlyn Hall

Saturday (exhibition) 12noon-6pm (last entry 5.30pm) Saturday (concert) 7pm-8pm (doors 6.40pm)

Explore an interactive exhibition of contemporary instruments designed and built by composer Victor Gama. Gama has developed an impressive array of instruments over the past 20 years, drawing inspiration from his own native Angolan folk music and from instruments played throughout the African diaspora. Gama will take part in a concert using the instruments, alongside musicians from Angola and Portugal.

Back to full listings for Deloitte Ignite 2012