Southbank Centre’s international multi-arts festival Alchemy will returns for its eighth year from Friday 19 – Monday 29 May celebrating the dynamic cultural connections and exchange of ideas between South Asia and the UK. This year’s programme focuses on the contribution of diaspora communities to British society.
The largest festival of South Asian culture outside the subcontinent, Alchemy showcases contemporary work from seven countries, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and the UK. Championing innovative British and international artists, the eleven day festival presents exciting collaborations and new work from both emerging and legendary artists across dance, music, theatre, visual art, comedy and literature. Over fifty per cent of the programme is free and there is an array of engaging workshops, talks, debates and culinary delights taking place across the site.
Alongside Southbank Centre, Alchemy will also tour the UK, with a return to Oldham (10 – 18 May), the Black Country (20 – 28 May), and Doncaster (31 May – 3 June). Working collaboratively with three key national partners, Black Country Touring, Cast Doncaster and Oldham Coliseum Theatre, each partner will curate their own bespoke Alchemy programme for regional audiences, featuring regional and international artists, running alongside the festival in London.
Rachel Harris, Creative Producer, Festival Development, Southbank Centre said: “Alchemy continues to grow and evolve each year and this exciting line-up encompasses a mixture of emerging and established talent. Alchemy is a vital platform for new international global partnerships and we are proud to collaborate with both new and long standing partners from across the globe including Rafi Peer Mystic Music Sufi Festival and Karachi Literature Festival, bringing these festivals to the UK for the first time. This year’s festival sees a greater focus on celebrating work from the British diaspora across the UK and we are excited to once again tour and collaborate with partners Black Country Touring, Cast Doncaster and Oldham Coliseum Theatre to reach new audiences and bring Alchemy to these regions.”
