Angel of History

A film by Grant Archer based on the work of Walter Benjamin and Paul Klee. Supported by Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021
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 from digital artist Grant Archer is a collaboration with ballerina Nicky Henshall, actress Shobna Gulati and composer Akshay Gulati, exploring what it has meant to be a performer during the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 when all regular creative outputs had 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.
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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
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All Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 are free to access. If you would like to help the Coliseum to support more great artists to create work please consider making a donation to the theatre at: www.coliseum.org.uk/whats-on/angel-of-history/