FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY: INCREDIBLE INDIA COMES TO BELFAST

Prepare to be enthralled, entranced … perhaps even a tiny bit bewildered! 

On October 24^th a giant animated tiger will stalk downtown Belfast, accompanied by hundreds of torchlight bearers and the soul-stirring sounds of fifty-four Indian Dhol drummers beating out dramatic rhythms in preparation for a never-before-seen combination of dance, music, pyrotechnics and special effects inspired by Diwali, the ancient Festival of Light.

For one incredible, never-to-be-repeated night, the art and traditions of India will cast their exotic spell over downtown Belfast as the city hosts the vast and vibrant ‘Nine Nights’ production inspired by age-old Indian folklore.

Presented by Northern Ireland’s leading ethnic arts group and Belfast Mela producers ArtsEkta, together with the creative team from the internationally acclaimed outdoor arts company Walk the Plank, ‘Nine Nights’ will be one of the most ambitious and spectacular free outdoor arts events ever staged in Belfast City Centre: an event guaranteed to delight the senses, challenge perceptions and ignite the imagination.

Starting with an eerie illuminated procession packed with music, dance and drama, ‘Nine Nights’ will attract thousands to the grounds of City Hall to enjoy a mesmerising arts experience with stunning special effects – all on a scale rarely, if ever, seen beyond the Indian sub-continent.

It’s a one-off event that will appeal to the entire city, according to Nisha Tandon, Director of ArtsEkta.  She says, “For many of us the story which has inspired ‘Nine Nights’ is a much-loved classic, but even if you are completely unfamiliar with Indian culture, you will certainly be able to follow the narrative and the evening will make for a spectacular introduction not only to the Diwali festival, but also to the music, dance and rhythms of India.  The story is a celebration of creation, birth and renewal, marking the start of new journeys, hopes and aspirations.

That’s particularly apt for us, because the Belfast event is the outcome of a creative journey which we have shared with schools and communities right across the city, in line with the visionary objectives of the Creative and Cultural Belfast Fund.  We are immensely grateful for the support of Creative Belfast which is supporting ‘Nine Nights’ right from its community roots, to the creative involvement of outdoor theatre makers Walk The Plank, culminating in the staging of the amazing world-class event in Belfast city centre.”

For many months community organisations, schools, clubs, groups of friends and individuals have been co-operating and working hard to secure the success of the night.  A volunteer cast of around 800 people will join professional performers, to take part in the torchlight procession, dancing and drumming while local artists are busy making colourful costumes and props.

Local artists have been bringing their creativity into play, with Christine Boyle designing three different limited edition tee shirts for the 100-strong dance troupe, Laura Nelson building a fabulous life-size bull and Leo Boyd designing seventy-five giant symbols of earth, sun and trident.  The musical challenge to learn to play the Indian Dhol drum was accepted by fifty-four people, creating what may well be one of the West’s biggest ever Dhol ‘Bands’ led by the fabulous Belfast-based BEAT Carnival

Looking forward to the event and inviting everyone to take to the streets of Belfast to join in the fun on October 24^th, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Guy Spence said, Belfast City Council has long recognised the importance and value of bringing together cultural and community organisations.  Our Creative Belfast venture which is a joint project with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland brings that ethos to life, providing fabulous opportunities to experience world-class culture and arts events’.

That enthusiasm is echoed by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Roisin McDonough, CEO, says, ‘Over the next three years the Creative Belfast Fund projects aim to engage Belfast’s diverse people and communities in inspirational culture, arts and heritage events , providing everyone in the city with an opportunity to get personally involved in something creative and magnificent   The ‘Nine Nights’ event which is being organised by ArtsEkta is a perfect example of a large scale and exciting arts project involving many people and communities from across Belfast’

Nick Clarke, Artistic Director, Walk the Plank said: “Nine Nights is live storytelling on an epic scale. As well as using the more traditional forms such as theatrical narration with live actors and performers, City Hall and its grounds along with the local participants taking part in the show, become a key part in telling the story of Nine Nights”

The evening will begin with an 800-strong costumed procession departing from Custom House Square at around 7pm, making their way to Belfast City Hall where the show of approximately one hour will include music, dance, lighting effects and dramatic pyrotechnics.

Nisha Tandon says, “The detail of the event will, as you would expect, be staying firmly under wraps until the Big Night is upon us!  Expectations are already running high, however, not least because of the celebrated creativity of Walk the Plank, who will be making a welcome return visit to Northern Ireland after large scale success ‘The Return of Colmcille’, proved a landmark highlight of the Derry City of Culture Year.”

To find out more visit www.ninenights.co.uk.

‘Nine Nights’ is one of seven Creative Belfast projects funded by Belfast City Council and the Arts Council for Northern Ireland through the Creative and Cultural Belfast Fund.  For more information go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/creativebelfast and www.artscouncil-ni.org or keep up-to-date on social media using the hashtag CreativeBelfast, on Facebook at www.facegook.com/creativebelfast and on Twitter @Crea8tiveBelfast.

Nine Nights is also part of the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival, which this year has a week-long focus on the arts and culture of India, including theatre, film and talks.