Climate Change Art Comes to UEL

Published

20 August 2024

A two-and-a-half tonne block of melting ice arrives at the University of East London’s Docklands Campus this weekend, a major statement on the devastating effects of climate change. The piece, called Thaw, is part of the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival (GDIF), which is being held in east London from 23 August to 8 September.

Australian physical theatre company Legs on the Wall will perform Thaw, which was devised in response to Australia’s devastating bushfires of 2019/20, on 24 and 25 August. Organisers say it will bring Londoners face to face with the urgent need for global climate action. The performance is sponsored by the University, which is dedicated to tackling the global climate crisis and leading sustainability efforts across its core activities.

The giant block of ice will be suspended on a crane high above the campus, with the aerial performers displaying their acrobatic skills over and on it for nine hours. As the block melts, the organisers say the event becomes ever more powerful and urgent. Previous performances have taken place in New Zealand and in Australia, where the ice hung near Sydney’s iconic Opera House.

The 17-day Greenwich and Docklands International Festival will offer more than 50 free events, including theatre, circus, dance and performance art across Greenwich, Newham and the City of London. This year’s theme is 'All Change', with the aim of celebrating change-making activism and artistic innovation, while reflecting global and local stories of transformation.

Bradley Hemmings MBE, the festival’s Artistic Director said,

These are difficult times everywhere and the world of outdoor arts is no exception. However, by embracing change, welcoming new partners and reinventing the shape of this year’s festival, I’m very proud that GDIF will continue to bring stunning free and inclusive outdoor arts experiences to audiences across 17 fantastic days.”

Among the other productions taking place is Bodies of Water, a performance piece co-created with local refugee communities on the shore of Thames at Greenwich’s Ahoy! Centre. At Stratford Cross, the French dancer and choreographer Yoann Bourgeois, best known for his work with Harry Styles and Missy Elliott, has devised Touch, which promises gravity-defying trampoline choreography to a Daft Punk soundtrack.

There will also be a two-day programme of family-friendly events at Stratford Park, with the east London landmark transformed into a theatrical playground for children and their relatives. See the GDIF programme for more details.

The University of East London has a proud record on sustainability, with research priorities that align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. UEL seeks to create sustainable communities, fight climate change, reduce inequality and transform health and sustainable wellbeing. In collaboration with Siemens, the University has reduced its CO2 emissions more than any other modern university in London and has a goal of net zero carbon campuses by 2030.

Find out more about sustainability at UEL.