Mr Wilson’s presents Opal’s Comet – a vivid, animated artwork transported by a transient community. Their pilgrimage carries them along the UK’s inland waterways. As the crew navigate real-world challenges of boat life, their vessel functions as both exhibition space and stage. Each voyage is soundtracked by a live band, performing a newly composed song-cycle.
These songs are offered to local choirs and individuals as a secular carol book. Each song explores a different aspect of grief and can be used as a conversation catalyst. The songs are also an invitation to join the Opal’s Comet journey, a proposition to sing together in the landscape; on tow paths, locks and bridges.
The journey of Opal’s Comet can also accessed and followed remotely via live social media broadcasts, podcasts and other digital documentation of the artwork, music and journey.
Opal’s Comet offers audiences and participants the opportunity to slow down and take stock, to celebrate shared values; pay homage to those we’ve lost and discuss how we might navigate a new future.
A Manchester Folk Fringe event alongside Manchester Folk Festival 2022.
