Germaine Kruip's 'A Possibility' reimagines theater with light as performer at Manchester International Festival
Germaine Kruip's artistic presentation, 'A Possibility,' reimagines the theater as an expansive environment centered around light. This work is showcased at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester as part of the Manchester International Festival from July 17 to 20, 2025, and unfolds in two distinct acts. The initial act features white light rings and flickering houselights, paired with a white noise composition by Hahn Rowe. In the second act, four performers utilize bronze tubes to produce dissonant sounds, complemented by Emily Howard's string arrangement. The piece draws inspiration from experimental cinema, notably Ken Jacobs's 'paracinema' and Peter Brook's 1968 lecture series 'The Empty Space,' challenging the emphasis on actor presence in light of contemporary discussions, such as Jamie Lloyd's revival of 'Evita.'
Key facts
- Germaine Kruip created 'A Possibility' for Manchester International Festival 2025
- The performance ran July 17-20, 2025 at Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester
- The work is divided into two acts: one with only light and sound, another with performers playing bronze tubes
- Light serves as the principal performer in the first act, with no human actors or props
- Sound design includes contributions from Hahn Rowe and Emily Howard
- Bronze tube sculptures were designed in collaboration with instrument manufacturer Thein Brass
- The piece references experimental cinema traditions including Ken Jacobs's 'paracinema' concept
- The work engages with Peter Brook's 1968 lecture series 'The Empty Space' about theater's presentness
Entities
Artists
- Germaine Kruip
- Peter Brook
- Ken Jacobs
- Lis Rhodes
- Hahn Rowe
- Emily Howard
- Jamie Lloyd
Institutions
- Royal Northern College of Music
- Manchester International Festival
- University of Manchester
- Thein Brass
- ArtReview
Locations
- Manchester
- United Kingdom