GDIF 2024 | London’s free, annual outdoor performing arts festival 23 August-8 September 2024
Black Victorians
City of London, 31 August - 2 September, 1 & 6PM | Woolwich, 10 & 11 September, 2 & 6PM
Duration: 35 minutes
What to Expect: Speech free
Free
This powerful and moving dance performance by Artistic Director and Choreographer Jeanefer Jean-Charles is inspired by nineteenth century studio photographs of black men, women and children. Exploring a complex, but often forgotten black presence in pre-Windrush Britain, this performance calls attention to previously hidden figures and challenges historical and contemporary perceptions.
Presented in the resonant location of the Guildhall Yard, against the backdrop of London’s historic Guildhall, performances of Black Victorians will be accompanied by an outdoor exhibition and presented as part of the City of London Corporation Outdoor Arts Programme, A Thing of Beauty.
Originally previewed at GDIF 2020, this full production of Black Victorians will return to St George’s Garrison Church in Woolwich on 10 and 11 September.
Sorry, this event has already happened!
Site Access
There is level access to the performance location.
Viewing area
A priority area for disabled audiences will be marked with a sign or flag. Space for wheelchair users, and a variety of seating options will be available.
On-site walking distances
Minimal
Respite and Access Areas
Saint Mary Aldermanbury Garden has quiet spaces to sit.
Accessible Toilets
Available inside Guildhall for audience use.
Blue badge parking
Designated parking spaces are located in Aldermanbury, Basinghall, Gresham and Coleman Streets. Maximum stay four hours Monday to Friday. There is no time limit on Saturday and Sunday. Other concessions apply. For more information go to parking.
Access drop-off point
Aldermanbury
Photo route
Available to download in ‘Where to Find it’ section.
Contact
Alex if you have any Access questions: [email protected] // 07899 893 935
Other audience questions, contact our Box Office: [email protected]
Site Access
There is level access to the performance location. Ramp up the steps at entrance and directly onto the platform to avoid grass and gravel.
Viewing area
Viewing Platform at the back of site for wheelchair access.
On-site walking distances
Minimal
Respite and Access Areas
Quiet grassy area on either side of the Chapel.
Accessible Toilets
On site Accessible Portaloo Toilet
Blue badge parking
Blue badge available on Gunner Street
St George’s is on the A205 South Circular – Grand Depot Road in Woolwich, South East London (SE18)
The postcode on some maps SE18 6XJ is not quite right, the location is not on Mill Lane but between the A205 and Woolwich New Road.
Access drop-off point
Woolwich New Road (nr Bus Stop F Gunner Lane) Note that this can be a busy road, so arrive with plenty of time.
Photo route
Available to download in ‘Where to Find it’ section.
Contact
Alex if you have any Access questions: [email protected] // 07899 893 935
Other audience questions, contact our Box Office: [email protected]
Show Access
Access content will be available online via your mobile phone. Please bring a charging pack if you are concerned about battery use.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Assistance Dogs Welcome
- BSL Interpreted
- Audio Described (Digital)
Digital Audio Description available for all shows.
A BSL Interpreted show will take place on Tuesday 31 August at 6pm and on Friday 10 September at 6pm.
Brochure
Large-print and Easy Read versions of the festival brochure will be available to download in advance or to pick up on the day. Visit our Access page for more information.
BSL interpreted description and Audio Description about the show are available on this page.
Q&A session
With cast and creatives
Join us on Friday 10 September for an exclusive Q&A with the cast and creative team of Black Victorians, now on a UK tour.
6pm – performance – BSL Interpreted
7pm – Q&A – BSL Interpreted
This is a unique opportunity to ask questions and learn about the creative process, inspiration behind the piece, and what the history means to each of the cast, Artistic Director and Producer.
Where to find it
Black Victorians will be performed at:
Guildhall Yard, City of London | 31 August – 2 September, 1 & 6pm
Download our photo guide for Guildhall Yard here.
St George’s Garrison Church, Woolwich | 10 & 11 September, 2 & 6pm
Download our photo guide for St George’s Garrison Church here.
St George’s Garrison Church, Woolwich is on the A205 South Circular – Grand Depot Road in Woolwich, South East London (SE18). Please note: the postcode on some maps SE18 6XJ is not quite right; the location is not on Mill Lane, but between the A205 and Woolwich New Road.
Guildhall Yard, City of London
31 August - 2 September
St George's Garrison Church, Woolwich
10 & 11 September
Conditions of Entry: St George’s Garrison Church
Visit www.stgeorgeswoolwich.org for more information about this wonderful historic venue.
About the company
A globally respected Creative Artist and Producer who has worked in over 21 countries, and whose accomplishments includes work on the London 2012 Olympics ceremonies.
Jeanefer Jean-Charles & Associates are industry leaders in developing, directing and delivering creative responses for large-scale events and offer ambitious, with innovative and empowering responses.
Designer: Marsha Roddy, Producer: Alison Holder, Composer: Danilo DJ Walde, Poet: Anthony Anaxagorou, Rehearsal Director: Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster, Writer: Hassan Mahamdallie Creative Consultant: Martha Stylianou, Stage Manager: Cynthia Franklin.
Creative Dance Artists: Melissa Bravo,Dani Harris-Walter, Oluwaseun Olayiwola, Nosiphiwo Samente, Duja Sinada.
Supported by
Black Victorians is produced and co-commissioned by FESTIVAL.ORG, Brighton Festival, Hatfair and Without Walls and is currently touring across the UK.
Black Victorians is inspired by Black Chronicles – The Missing Chapter, an ongoing archive research programme led by Autograph focused on unearthing nineteenth century photographs of black presences in Britain.