Blackhorse Workshop’s Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin is being created in collaboration with visual artist Abigail Conway.
To celebrate tickets going on sale for Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin, Abigail Conway, whose work blurs the worlds of visual art and theatre, told us a bit more about what people can expect from this unique family show offering children the chance to produce their own tin objects.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do
I’m a visual artist, working in the realm of live performance. I work with material objects, craft and actions to create playful site-specific installations and immersive encounters for audiences. My work crosses many disciplines including sound and video design, music technology, nature, architecture and performance.
What should families expect from Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin?
Families can expect to get involved, and to be transported! The event is a combination of theatrical performance and interactive tin-making workshop. We’re reanimating a disused site in Leyton, and transforming it into a ‘ghost factory’, celebrating Waltham Forest’s history of manufacturing and metalwork. Our audience members will be active participants in the installation, and will have the opportunity to try out something new as well as experience a theatrical event. It’s not necessary to have any previous experience of metalwork, and it’s suitable for all children from seven years old and up. Families will leave armed with a new set of skills, and maybe a memento from their experience.
The event starts from April. What’s going on behind the scenes to prepare in the next couple of months?
Our creative and production teams are already knee-deep in planning for the project. We are on site, preparing for the arrival of our set and props, and kitting out the space. At the same time, we’re putting the finishing touches on the theatrical elements – scriptwriting, characters, costume.
What attracted you to work with Blackhorse Workshop?
My art practice is all about learning new skills, and sharing them with participants. In this way, there’s an excellent fit with Blackhorse Workshop, who are experts in making and fabrication.
Describe what Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin will be like in three words…
Inspiring, creative, unforgettable
Tickets for Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin are £5 and are on sale now for public performances from 6 - 20, and 27 April.
Find out more about Abigail's work over on her website.