The performance
London is a world city, a melting pot of different cultures. What makes London? How do all of us who live in the city see it and others in it?
Colour Contacts is a performance which explores the city through the eyes of its inhabitants. Exploring the memories, voices, impressions of all those who live, work and visit here. These voices and stories are drawn from the oral history collection of the Museum of London.
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The sounds of London, images created in dance, rhythms spoken and in music, are interwoven to create a performance, in a public space, with which the audience can interact. Speak to them, ask them – what makes their London?
Many who came to the city did so in difficult circumstances. Some escaping evil regimes and some looking for a better future. Some found kindness and some hostility. For those used to warmth, colour and a social network, London was a difficult place. Over a period of time they made London their own. They added their colour to the city, making it what it is today. Many saw the opportunity the city offered and made it more welcoming for others that followed.
The audience shares in these memories but is also asked to contribute their experiences. Phrases and words are used as cues to tell those stories; music and dance act as illustratrations of these experiences. In addition to Bharatanatyam, other forms of music and dance that are part of the city are used in the performance.
London is changing everyday. Each one of us contributes to make the city what it is now. The performance offers a brief glimpse of the city and asks the audience to pause and think ‘what is your London?’
