Asunder is a dramatic mix of film and music, and will be one of the region's major commemorations of the WW1 centenary, performed on 10th July at Sunderland Empire. The film's dramatic soundtrack will be performed live by the world famous Royal Northern Sinfonia, Mercury Music Prize nominated Field Music and electronic music duo Warm Digits. The story is told through a beautiful film carefully crafted by Esther Johnson using archive and newly filmed footage, narrated by Kate Adie, with Alun Armstrong as the voice of the Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette. Creatively guided by Bob Stanley.
I wanted to be involved in the cultural commemorations for Battle of the Somme in Sunderland for several reasons.
It is such an important and emotive event to remember. In the world today it seems as though we are surrounded by wars, but it is still hard for many of us to truly understand the horrors that families had to live through in 1916. And yet WW1 was a significant turning point for many things we are grateful for in the UK today – modern politics (although maybe not right now!), the breaking down of class barriers and the emancipation of women. There was real sacrifice to bring us forward to the free world that we live in today. The bravery shown by men who fought, men who chose not to fight, women who worked and battled in different ways and families who lost so much, is palpable when hearing the personal stories of those who lived through 1916.
My second reasoning for wanting to be involved in this project are the people. Sunderland is a place where the cultural and heritage sectors are beginning to understand all they have to offer, and they are great at working together at realising a collective vision. In the years I have worked with Sunderland colleagues I have always been really encouraged by their generosity – it is this that will make City of Culture 2021 bid a success, no matter the outcome. And it is this that has drawn me, and many others, to work in Sunderland.
The final reason was around the planned content. The creative team brought together by the WW1 Steering Group were second to none, and I was very excited to work with them. I was also incredibly excited to work with partners across Sunderland and beyond to create a truly collaborative programme of activity for people to get involved in. I think when people come to the event on the 10th July they will see just that.
Highlights for me have been working on the
participation programme. We put together a brief for partners to get involved, but stipulated that we wanted each submission to outline a clear heritage and arts partnership for deliver. It has been quite emotional to see and hear how some of these partnerships have developed, and I am certain that many will have legacy beyond Asunder – which was always our plan.
Another highlight has been seeing the amazing artists from Field Music and Warm Digits hearing music they wrote being played by the UK’s top Chamber Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia. Alongside that, seeing our Film Maker Esther Johnson hear the music and see her beautiful visuals together for the first time. It was emotional and brought tears to my eyes. The film is a glorious marrying of archive and contemporary footage, with a beautiful narrative written by Creative Producer Bob Stanley and performed by Kate Adie and Alun Armstrong.
The 10th of July is swiftly approaching, and I won’t say the process has been completely without challenges because you would all know that would make me a liar. However, I can honestly say we have created something special in Sunderland, and I am very excited to see the whole project come together.
There are some tickets left for the 2 shows, and I would recommend you quickly get yourself one so you too can say you were there when something special happened in Sunderland on July 10th 2016.
Asunder is performed in the Sunderland Empire on the 10th July – click here for more information on how to buy tickets.
In addition to the performance in the Sunderland Empire there is also a chance to experience what life would have been like in Sunderland in 1916, as well as hear some beautiful music from Easington Colliery Band and Bethany Elen Coyle, see some great theatre by Curious Connections and ACW Senior Youth Theatre, get involved by making a commemorative withie and watching street artist Frank Styles create his own commemoration. There will also be storytelling from Chris Bostock for the younger members of the family.
There will be lots for all the family to see and do.
Leila d’Aronville, Programme Manager for Asunder
6 July 2016
