The re-imagined Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF) taking place between 28 August and 12 September, gave us a first look at six shows from the Without Walls 2020 Artistic Programme, featuring FeelPlay by Christopher Green, IRMÃ-sister by DAMAE DANCE, Why? by Gravity & Levity, Roll Play by Simple Cypher and TOAST by Pif-Paf Theatre. 

For the opening weekend, Luke Jerram’s new installation In Memoriam, a late addition to the 2020 Artistic Programme made in response to the COVID-19 crisis, was presented at the festival. It hosted events in tribute to NHS workers and those we have lost in the pandemic, with performance and readings held under in its atmospheric setting.

There was also special performances of Jeanefer Jean-Charles’ Blueprint 2020-supported project Black Victorians, held in the beautiful setting of St George’s Garrison Church. 

The second weekend of the festival weekend (5 – 6 September). saw DAMAE DANCE and Gravity & Levity perform their new shows at GDIF’s Dancing City, along with previous 2019 Without Walls-supported shows Catch Me by Upswing.

GDIF has a particular focus on Access, to ensure that all audiences and artists are welcomed and able to enjoy the festival. Without Walls supported a range of access provisions for the festival through our Audience Development work. This includes BSL Interpreted videos for audio installations and shows, live Audio descriptions and Pre-show Audio Descriptive Information for performances.

Access and Engagement Producer for FESTIVAL.ORG, and Without Walls Access Advisor Alex Covell has created the Without Walls Outdoor Arts Festivals and Events Access Guide. The guide outlines how GDIF plans and delivers access provision across all of these various contexts and locations.

You can join Alex for a webinar focusing on accessibility and access provision in a COVID-secure way on 14 October 2020. Register for your free place and download the Access Guide below.

You can also see Luke Jerram’s In Memoriam at Artistic Directorate partner Norfolk & Norwich Festival’s Interlude, happening between 4 – 6 September. Creative Development Network festival All in the Mind is presenting a programme of online events focusing on mental health on 12 September. Touring Network Partner Arts by the Sea in Bournemouth is presenting a mix of online and outdoor work between 25 September – 4 October.