One mixed-bill; The ultimate COMMONS Festival 2023 experience. Each of our companies are ready to give it their all. We will encapsulate four genres in one extraordinary and unforgettable extravaganza!

Thick & Tight present an Ode to Edith; about eccentric poet, critic, campaigner, muse and innovator, Dame Edith Sitwell (1887 – 1964). Performing on stage and screen as a host of Edith Sitwells are Thick & Tight’s long-time collaborators Corali Dance Company, the UK leader in dance by artists with a learning disability, and the Camberwell Incredibles, an arts and social club for learning diverse artists. This work includes designs by Tim Spooner, Darren Evans and Sheila Hay.
“A work of true and pure pleasure in creation” Springback Magazine

BirdGang Ltd’s Youth Company, “EGGZ”, will set the pace with a strong, dynamic and intricate curtain raiser. They will be sharing their unique voice and starting the evening off with a murmuration.

Our South Asian strand, represented by Akademi will spice up our event with/wet our appetites with a fascinating new dance production by Mathangi Keshavan.

Full line up:

Thick and Tight: Ode to Edith
Thick & Tight present Ode to Edith, about eccentric poet, critic, campaigner, muse and innovator, Dame Edith Sitwell (1887 – 1964). Performing on stage and screen as a host of Edith Sitwells are Thick & Tight’s long-time collaborators Corali Dance Company, the UK leader in dance by artists with a learning disability, and the Camberwell Incredibles, an arts and social club for learning diverse artists. This work includes designs by Tim Spooner, Darren Evans and Sheila Hay.

“A work of true and pure pleasure in creation” Springback Magazine

Akademi presents: Mathangi Keshavan, 0s & 1s – REWIRED!
The digital code of binaries collides and coalesces with the age-old vocabulary of Bharatanatyam in a fascinating new dance production by Mathangi Keshavan. 0s & 1s – REWIRED! is a transfer into the visual world of data with gigabytes of information punched out by dancers through footwork, recited syllables, and sharply etched hand gestures. Music of veena, vocal and percussion, under laid by an electronic score bring alive the kaleidoscope of movement patterns, while set design and futuristic costuming all combine to create an immersive experience.

Fears and Dreams – Dance Conversations

While the future is difficult to imagine, preparing for it is also vital and needed. Through this work we would like to consider what we can expect from the future on a personal level. Which part of it can we design individually and which will we be able to build as a community?  Join us as we try to collectively find how we can be prepared for tomorrow, having lived through things that seemed impossible and unimaginable before.

Dance Conversations- is a Community Performance Group based in Crystal Palace, working together since 2020. Performers: Naomi Barnard, Nathalie Brady, Magdalena Szulc, Ellie Stevens, Luli Segal, Elisabetta Pezzaioli, Julia Mirkin, Mary Waddams. Choreography: Ania Straczynska in collaboration with performers

BirdGang Ltd
BirdGang Ltd’s Youth Company, “EGGZ”, will set the pace with a strong, dynamic and intricate curtain raiser. They will be sharing their unique voice and starting the evening off with a murmuration.

BirdGang Ltd are movement architects that bring their spirit, craft and live experience to brands, audiences and pupils around the world. They will be performing a piece that brings together elements from their repertoire to create their signature striking imagery and a unique visual experience.

Doors open: 6pm
This event is part of our COMMONS dance festival. To see the full programme, visit this event page.

The Afterparty

We’ve got the afterparty taking place after the event, hosted by DJ Lennessy. Find out more information here.