Newbury is set for an unusual night on the streets next month when an award-winning French theatre company brings its extraordinary immersive parade, Deblozay, to the town.
The free outdoor production will take place on Saturday, 5 September, from 8pm, beginning at the boating lake in Victoria Park before making its way through Newbury town centre.
Created by internationally renowned French company Rara Woulib, Deblozay – a Haitian Creole word meaning ‘bedlam’ – is an atmospheric procession inspired by Haitian culture and traditions.
Rather than sitting back and watching a performance, audiences become part of the action as they follow 15 performers from Rara Woulib through the town.
And there will be plenty to hear along the way, with rara trumpets, live singing, sound installations and a choir of more than 50 local participants helping to create the soundtrack.
The procession will weave through familiar streets and hidden backstreets, with characters who have returned from the dead for one night appearing and disappearing as the story unfolds.
It promises to be an evening in which Newbury looks rather different from usual.
One of the distinctive features of Deblozay is that each performance is created specifically for its location. The production responds to the history, landscape and character of the town in which it is performed, with local people helping to shape the event.
For Newbury, that means familiar streets, buildings and public spaces becoming part of a theatrical journey, with audiences encouraged to see their town through fresh eyes.
The performance also brings together professional artists and local residents, with more than 50 people from the area taking part in the singing.
Jessica Jhundoo-Evans, Director of Corn Exchange (Newbury) Trust, said the event would put the local community at the heart of the performance.
“Deblozay is a celebration of music, community and imagination and we passionately believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience and take part in exceptional arts and culture, regardless of cost or background,” she said.
“One of the aspects we are most excited about is that local people are at the heart of Deblozay; a spectacular event that is free for the whole community to enjoy.
“It’s a unique opportunity for artists and residents to create something unforgettable together and be part of a joyful celebration in our town.”
The performance is the final summer event in the Corn Exchange (Newbury) Trust’s free outdoor arts programme and is open to people of all ages.
With music, theatre, community participation and a procession through the streets, Deblozay promises something rather more memorable than the usual Saturday night in Newbury.
And, if the performers are to be believed, there may even be a few unexpected visitors from beyond the grave.
Deblozay takes place on Saturday, 5 September at 8pm, beginning at the boating lake in Victoria Park. The event is free to attend.
The performance is part of the Corn Exchange (Newbury) Trust’s free outdoor programme, funded by Greenham Trust and Arts Council England.
