With only a few days to go until the opening of MANIPULATE #14, we can’t wait to share the work of our programmed artists with you. In addition to a festival of performance and film, MANIPULATE has always been a chance for artists and audiences to come together and share ideas, both through formal discussions and talks as well as moments to socialise. This year there are more obstacles to togetherness than usual, and if you’re feeling disconnected from a wider creative community, read on for some opportunities to chat, think together and socialise during MANIPULATE week.
OPENING SOCIAL / FRI 29 JAN, 9.15PM
FREE BUT TICKETED
On the opening night of our festival is the Opening Social, this year held via Zoom, which is an informal chance to let your hair down, celebrate the opening of the festival, and enjoy a drink together with the Puppet Animation Scotland team, programmed artists, audience and creative community. Brink your own drink (obviously) and get ready for a chat about the festival or anything else, or even a dance to the MANIPULATE #14 playlist if you prefer!
Image (c) Kelly Lacy
BUILDING BACK BETTER: Puppetry and Visual Theatre in a Post-COVID Landscape / MON 1 FEB, 3.30PM
FREE BUT TICKETED
On Monday 1 February we will present an industry-focused event called Building Back Better: Puppetry and Visual Theatre in a Post-COVID Landscape. This event was created to give voice to some of the challenges and issues exposed in our sector as a result of the pandemic, but also to think together about how we might build back after Covid-19 in a way that’s better, fairer and more equitable. Three artists – Ruxy Cantir, Katherina Radeva and Tessa Bide – will offer their provocations in response to this, which we’ll then discuss together with a chance for attendees to feed in their own thoughts and ideas. Remember, even if you’ve got a festival pass you still need to book a separate ticket for this event.
Image (C) Elly White
DRINK’N’DRAW WITH PANIMATION / THU 4 FEB, 5.15PM
£10
If you’re interested in gender equality and representation, animated film, good conversation, drawing or drinking, then you might like one of our events on Thursday 4 February. In the early evening you can take part in an art class with a difference. DRINK’N’DRAW with PANIMATION is a relaxed and social event where people from any background or skillset can draw (and drink) together, whilst exploring the ways that stereotypes can unconsciously creep into our thinking.
Image (c) PANIMATION
ANIMATED WOMXN: PANEL DISCUSSION / THU 4 FEB, 8.40PM
FREE BUT TICKETED
Later in the evening, following the live showing of our Animated Womxn film programme, you can attend a panel discussion featuring leading womxn animators from around the world in discussion about their creative practice and experiences in the industry.
Image (c) Aurelie Gauthier
There are other chances to get some insight into the creative process of artists showing work at the festival, with recorded conversations from South African puppeteers and animators The Lonely Sailors, and Chicago-based Manual Cinema. You’ll find these before or after their performances, and will be available both live and to watch again.
To explore the rest of our MANIPULATE #14 programme or to book your tickets, please visit our MANIPULATE Festival website.
We can’t wait to see you at the festival!