London International Festival of Theatre 2014 launch party at Paramount

At the top of Centre Point, in restaurant and events space Paramount, LIFT (London International Festival of Theatre) celebrated the box office opening for its 2014 London theatre festival. The 360 degree panoramic views of the capital stretch into the distance, the setting tying in with LIFT’s passionate ethos to connect London with the world through theatre, and illustrating the tagline: “where the city meets the stage.”

LIFT was established in 1981 to bring stories from around the world to London through its biennial theatre festival. This year, LIFT celebrates its 20^th festival with 30 productions from 13 countries in 15 venues across London. Aiming to push the boundaries and understanding of theatre, LIFT brings together thematically diverse material from international contributors. This programme of evocative new work includes: poetic imagery of Soviet oppression and censorship from Russia’s Dmitry Krymov Lab; a Voodoo carnival from French company Rara Woulib; Brazilian street and contemporary fusion dance from choreographer Bruno Beltrao; and in partnership with the Street Child World Cup 2014, Renato Rocha directs a young cast from the UK, Tanzania, Brazil and the Philippines who bring true stories of homelessness to the stage through a common passion for football.

LIFT 2014 will also focus on the shockwaves of WWI, which still continue to rock Europe 100 years on from the start of the conflict. Curated by Mark Ball and Tim Etchells, and co-commissioned by 14-18 NOW – WWI Centenary Art Commissions, LIFT present After a War, which platforms 23 international artists and companies from the UK, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South America in a reflection on the impact of the First World War.

The launch party saw speeches from Becky Bateson, Executive Director of LIFT; Alan Davies, CEO of the Arts Council; Mark Ball, Artistic Director of LIFT; Participation Producer, Erica Campayne; Bernard Donoghue, Chairman of the Board at LIFT; and Turfed cast members. Ex-Brit School actor, Gavin Dunn, performed Alone Together, a monologue about Londoners’ relationship with headphones, written by Mary Patterson.

The 2014 LIFT festival’s extensive geographical reach and diverse programming promises something for everyone. Plays this year include: She She Pop’s Testament, Dmitry Krymov Lab’s Opus No. 7 and Young Jean Lee’s The Shipment. 

The website is live, so for further information about the upcoming shows or to book tickets visit here.

Iona Thomas