Project: Angel of History

Information: In 1940 the philosopher Walter Benjamin described a Paul Klee painting, Angelus Novus, as showing an angel of history transfixed by a past he perceives as catastrophe but which is propelling him forward into the future.

This project is a collaboration with Nicky Henshall, Shobna Gulati and Akshay Gulati exploring what it has meant to be a performer during the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 when all regular creative outputs have been restricted. The piece is intended to be a reflection on the struggles of the creative industry as well as on the impact the pandemic has had on the health and well-being of society as a whole.

Creative Team

A film by Grant Archer based on the work of Walter Benjamin & Paul Klee

with music by Akshay Gulati

Performance by Shobna Gulati

Dance and Choreography by Nicky Henshall

Lighting by Aaron Barton-Wells

Technical Assistance from Matt Williams, Kevin Leach & Adam Gent

Produced by Rebekah Harrison

Kindly supported by Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021