SYNONYMOUS with the city’s industrial past, the Manchester Ship Canal will transform into a mystic parallel world courtesy of internationally celebrated French theatre company Ilotopie.
Known for their ambitious, flamboyant and eccentric routines Ilotopie will be staging their latest show, ‘Water Fools’, for free on Saturday 20 July.
With Manchester historically reliant on its waterways during the industrial revolution and ‘Water Fools’ an exploration of the importance of water in the urban environment
The story is rooted in the fanatical as a surreal world explodes out of a man’s head, transporting him from the rigmarole of his everyday existence to a landscape populated with mythical creatures and inexplicable magic, while all spectacularly taking place on the water’s surface.
Caravans, prams and penny-farthings will feature, defying all logic, to bring an impossibly innovative piece of entertainment to Salford Quays. Choreographed by French artist Bruno Schnebelin the routine will chain breath-taking visuals, punctuated by pyrotechnics, with engrossing theatre while fellow countryman Phil Spectrum’s composes an original score to make the show spectacular in all aspects.
Salford Quays
The innovative theatre spectacle will commence at 9.30pm, on the dock between The Lowry and MediaCityUK, and will last roughly 45 minutes. Prior to the show Bruno Schnebelin of Ilotopie will be with Bill Mitchell, director of prolific theatre company ‘Wildworks’, to lead a deeper discussion about the show as well as the nature of outdoor performance art. This free talk will be held at The Lowry’s Studio One from 7pm- 8pm.
With Manchester historically reliant on its waterways during the industrial revolution and ‘Water Fools’ an exploration of the importance of water in the urban environment, it seems the two are the perfect match for this month’s exuberant showcase.
Water Fools is free and will take place on Saturday 20 July, 9.30pm, on the dock between The Lowry and MediaCityUk (The Quays, Greater Manchester, M50 2EQ)
