Manchester Folk Festival 2019: Rising Up – Peterloo 2019 Part of: Peterloo 2019 , Manchester Folk Festival 2019
Protest, Rebellion and Freedom of Speech: Peterloo 2019
In 1819, the concept of freedom of speech, protest and democracy were tested when armed soldiers charged at peaceful protesters.
Two centuries on, these principles are still under threat. This new commission tells the personal stories of two women linked across time and through experience as they struggle to rise up and find their voice.
Rising Up boldly combines dramatic narrative and song, with text written by Debs Newbold (King Lear Retold, Through The Seasons) and songs by Sean Cooney (The Young’uns).
The songs and music will be performed by Sam Carter (False Lights), Lucy Farrell (Furrow Collective) and Jim Molyneux (4Square). Actors are Helen O’Hara and Joanna Holden.
Manchester Folk Festival is proud to present this new commission to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre.
The Manchester Folk Festival is an urban folk festival which takes place from 15-20 October 2019, in and around HOME and the city centre. Over the autumn weekend, they present an exhilarating range of events, with the spotlight on contemporary and traditional English folk music.
Creative Team
Writer/ Director: Debs Newbold
Composer: Sean Cooney
Musical Director: Jim Molyneux
Art Direction: Martin Calloman
Lighting: Andy Wright,
Sound: Julien Batten
Dramaturge/ Facilitator on R&D day: Bekkie Morgan
Musician: Sam Carter
Musician: Lucy Farrell (not present on R&D day)
Producers: David Agnew/ Tom Besford
Actors: Helen O’Hara and Joanna Holden
