This month Folkestone marks International Women’s Day for the fourth time with Women of the World Folkestone
Co-curated by Folkestone Quarterhouse, Folkestone Fringe and Leah Thorn, WOW Folkestone is a bold and broad festival that celebrates women and girls and explores important topics for women today.
WOW 2016 will look at topics like women in war, in politics, the beauty industry, ageing, men’s role in ending sexism, righting the under-representation of women from the school syllabus to government, as well as energising and providing the inspiration and tools to bring in change. At the heart of the WOW Folkestone programme are a series of inspirational performances and participatory workshops. These activities are linked in themes so you can take a pick and mix approach or pursue particular topics across art forms.
Highlights include the grand dame of anarchic dance Liz Aggiss with The English Channel, telling the story of a career forged in the heady waters of performance art and dance-film. Join Quarterhouse for a night of new theatre with the WOW Scratch Night. Folkestone also welcomes the London Feminist Film Festival, a night of short films on inspiring women’s rights activism around the world. Victoria Melody presents Hair Peace, a comedic exploration into the origins of hair extensions from an unlikely sleuth! Don’t miss an uproarious closing night from Women of the World in Concert. The event begins with musician Nina Clark followed by the Quarterhouse Choir led by Carol Grimes. We are also thrilled to welcome American singer/songwriter and Radio 2 presenter Nell Bryden. Nell performs an eclectic mix of her own songs and discusses some of the most important female artists in the music world.
WOW Bites will take place daily, presenting four bites per session on a wide range of subjects. Get refreshed and inspired by new ideas, performances, manifestos and more! Join the WOW Speed Mentoring Session, exchange ideas and stories and be mentored by experts from a wide selection of professions. Meet, network and discover at the WOW Market featuring a diverse range of stalls showcasing work, raising awareness, offering workshops and selling wares.
A five day festival pass is available for £40 and a one day pass for Saturday 12 March is £15. To purchase a festival pass please contact Box Office on 01303 7607650. To view the full programme, find out more and to make a booking please click here.
Twitter @WOWFolkestone
WOW Folkestone events include:
The English Channel
Tuesday 8 March, 7.30pm
£10/ conc £8 (included in WOW week pass)
The English Channel is the story of a career forged in the heady waters of performance art and dance-film. It vividly depicts Liz Aggiss resuscitating herself back into the on-stage limelight. In the process, she becomes an unwitting channel for wilful women and forgotten archives; a conduit for hidden histories and buried truths.
For ages 15+/ Contains some flashing lights/ images and strong language.
London Feminist Film Festival
Thursday 10 March, 7.30pm
Adults £5 (included in WOW week pass)
An evening devoted to film and discussion on feminist activism. A series of short films on inspiring women’s rights activism from around the world, followed by a panel discussion with feminist activists. The discussion will focus on forms of activism, current campaigns, how to start your own campaign, with plenty of time for audience participation.
For ages 15+
Hair Peace
Friday 11 March, 7.30pm
£10/ conc £8 (included in WOW week pass)
Hair Peace looks at how one woman’s situation through birthplace, class and religion can be so radically different yet still be so inextricably linked by having worn the same hair.
Struck by the lack of questions asked about the origins of hair extensions given that they are at their peak - last year 38 million pounds worth of human hair entered the country and the UK is the 3rd biggest importer in the World, Victoria decided to ask the question: ‘where do they come from?’
For ages 12+
Motherhood and Identity
Saturday 12 March, 10am
Free
Has becoming a mother affected your sense of self? Women at all stages from expectant motherhood to grandmotherhood are invited to join us to explore ideas of identity.
This workshop involves a facilitated group discussion welcoming contributions from all participants. You are welcome to bring your baby under two years old; a soft play space and buggy parking are provided. This workshop is facilitated by Catherine Sangster and Katy Lockey.
Valiant
Saturday 12 March, 11.15am
£5 (included in WOW week/ day pass)
From victim to perpetrator to peacemaker, the piece recounts 13 women’s true stories of how they fought, suffered and survived in a century of conflict. Adapted for the stage by Lanna Joffrey from the book of verbatim interviews,Valiant Women in War and Exile by Sally Hayton-Keeva, this new piece of writing explores the perspective of these 13 women, how war has shaped their lives and subsequently our own.
For ages 12+
Inspiration and Impact
Amplifying Your Creative Voice
Saturday 12 March, 11.30am
£3 (included in WOW week/ day pass)
Desiree Burch is a Funny Women Stage Award winner and solo performance artist. In this 90-minute workshop, participants will use self-generated and found text to home in on their voice, perspective and audience in presenting original performance work. Incorporating gesture, sound and physicality, participants will empower their narratives with structure and substance.
For women only
Pecha Kucha
Saturday 12 March, 3pm
£3 (included in WOW week/ day pass)
Not 50 shades of grey but 120 slides of feminism. If you’ve never witnessed a Pecha Kucha before, now’s your opportunity. Six dynamic and diverse women each have 20 twenty-second slides to trace and explore their journeys with feminism. Prepare to be informed, amused and challenged.
For ages 13+
WOW Concert
Saturday 12 March, 7.30pm
£10/ conc £8 (included in WOW week/ day pass)
The WOW Concert is a gig, a party and a celebration of female artistry. The event begins with musician Nina Clark followed by the Quarterhouse Choir led by Carol Grimes
We welcome American singer/songwriter and Radio 2 presenter Nell Bryden. Nell performs an eclectic mix of her own songs and discusses some of the most important female artists in the music world.
Finish your festival in the Quarterhouse Bar for closing drinks and music by Dolly Doowop’s Dance Club!
For ages 14+
WOW Festival Pass 8 - 12 March, £40
WOW Saturday Day Pass, 12 March, £15
To purchase a pass please call the box office on 01303 760750.
