Immersive outdoor theatre: Third World Bunfight’s Constellations, is going Into the Woods at Spier

Immersive outdoor theatre: Third World Bunfight’s Constellations is going Into the Woods at Spier- November 25 to December 18, 2021

Following on the success of last year’s inaugural Constellations, Spier, in association with Third World Bunfight is presenting the 2^nd iteration of immersive outdoor theatre –around fires. Information as supplied:

Constellations returns to Spier this summer with magical fireside encounters under a starry sky

Spier, in association with Third World Bunfight, is presenting the second edition from November 25 to December 18 2021. Constellations is a multi-layered outdoor presentation that takes place, outdoors, on the grounds of Spier Wine Estate. Theatre maker Brett Bailey has devised and conceptualised Constellations. Bailey, recently returned from a tour of Europe, with his company’s production, SAMSON. It was sold out and received rave notices. Bailey explains, regarding the theme for Constellations 2021, Into the Woods. He describes “how forests and wild places feature in the mythology and tales of many peoples, often presented as strange liminal regions beyond ordered familiarity and civil society’s codes. He says:   “Take Goldilocks and Hansel and Gretel for instance. Such tales confront weird and wonderful characters while in Xhosa folklore, wilderness creatures loom along the fragile boundaries that define the homestead. Also, woods are often associated with dreams, imagination and the unconscious arena, and from the eco perspective, they are cherished as wildlife havens that need to be treasured and protected.  The riverside woodland setting makes Spier, a destination that is committed to the arts, long term sustainability and biodiversity, the ideal location for the event.”

How Constellations operates – surprise is key

Brett Bailey, adopting a non-directorial approach, has curated three routes. Each route has three Guardians and they will welcome their audiences to join them around their campfires. The element of surprise is that people will have no idea which Guardians or what type of performance they’ll encounter on their journey. Each session will be approximately thirty minutes long and will take on a variety of forms – which may include interactive, presentational or meditational. Each artist Guardian will represent an interpretation of Into The Woods. “Constellations is an opportunity to connect with others through these intriguing encounters while ensconced in a nocturnal ring of enlightenment. For the Guardians the experiences are equally validating, a way to creatively explore the outdoor space and celebrate their artistic expression. It is a sensorial, cultural encounter with strangers and nature, aimed to enchant. “Spectators will return to the city with the smell of smoke in their clothes, their souls enriched and their imaginations expanded,” adds Bailey.

The Fire Guardians

Twenty-seven artists – the Fire Guardians- will present at Constellations. The diverse line up includes musicians such as Khoisanboy Man, Jak Tomas, Manu Grace and Dizu Plaatjies, performers Gaetan Schmidt, Thando Doni and Rehane Abrahams, and Poets Malika Ndlovu and Liza Scholtz. 

Covid precautions and dress warm and comfy

As always, at Spier, Covid-19 precautions will be upheld with sanitising, social distancing and small groups moving about in safety. Spectators are encouraged to wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

❇Sponsored content. © Spier – featured image – Around the Fireside -from Constellations 2020.