(The glasshouse - a combined arts installation in Chance's Glass Factory)

by Kindle and associate artists

[12th-17th June 2006]

"This is as unconventional as theatre gets…a wonderful ensemble who are capable of transporting you into quite another place" (The Stage, August 2005)

Birmingham-based performance company Kindle have joined with 8 Midlands-based artists to create a site-specific performance installation in Chance's Glass Factory, Spon Lane, Smethwick.

The glasshouse will encompass and combine new modes of multidisciplinary performance, visual and fine arts, design and architecture with site-specific research. Kindle will direct the transformation and celebration of Chance's Glass Factory, combining photography, film, Vj-ing, light installation, willow sculpture, electro-acoustic sound installation, fine art and performance poetry. The project will culminate in six site-specific performances by Kindle from 12th-17th June 2006.

Chance Brothers Ltd was a major manufacturer of sheet, optical and decorative glass and its history spans two centuries from 1824 - 1967. Examples of Chance glass can be found on the faces of Big Ben, the walls of The Crystal Palace in Hyde Park and in decorative windows in the White House. Research into Chance history will take you around the world; their lighthouses have been found on the shores of India, Singapore and Zanzibar.

Within the factory site many relics remain of a time past. There are plans to regenerate the factory into luxury apartments in 2010. The glasshouse will draw attention to the details of the site, memories and stories of the factory will be reinterpreted and rearranged.

Outhouse at Chance's

Behind the red gate an audience gather for a tour of a redundant place and a thin lady with a megaphone barks directions. Lightbulbs swing in a dusty corridor. Smells of rats. Distant music becomes more distinct as the lift rattles to the 7th floor where I think you left something?

7th floor at Chance's Glassworks

Expect to see…
Willow sculptures from Iris Bertz / Photography installation from Lynette Clee
Light installations from Geoff Broadway / Exhibits of Chance Glass objects
TV and video installation from Keir Williams / Film from Film Café's Steven Davies
Object/glass installation from Jerome Harrington / Dance and physical scores
and 3 bridge structures from Sandwell community groups and students

Expect to hear…
Electro-acoustic soundscapes from Annie Mahtani of BEAST
Live classical and electro -harp, accordion, clarinet, harmonica and violin
Performance poetry from Kimberley Trusty / Natural and unnatural voice

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