Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Visual storytelling is a form of art that uses images, sounds, and movements to convey a message, a story, or an emotion. It can take many shapes and forms, such as animation, puppetry, physical theatre, and more. Visual storytelling is also a powerful way to connect with audiences, to challenge their perceptions, and to inspire their imagination.
That is the essence of Edinburgh’s Manipulate Festival, a annual event that showcases the best of visual storytelling from across Europe. The festival, which is in its 17th year, is drawing to a close this weekend, after a week of stunning and diverse performances and films.
What is the Manipulate Festival?
The Manipulate Festival is a collaboration between Puppet Animation Scotland and Summerhall, a multi-arts venue in Edinburgh. The festival aims to promote and support visual theatre artists, and to provide a platform for their work to reach wider audiences.
The festival features a range of genres and styles, from traditional puppetry and shadow theatre, to contemporary animation and digital media. The festival also offers workshops, masterclasses, and talks, where artists and audiences can interact and learn from each other.
The festival’s artistic director, Simon Hart, says that the festival is “a celebration of the infinite possibilities of visual storytelling, and the artists who create it”.
What are the highlights of the festival?
The festival has a rich and varied programme, with something for everyone. Some of the highlights of the festival include:
The Paper Cinema’s Macbeth: A live adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy, using hand-drawn paper puppets, live music, and a video projector. The result is a captivating and cinematic experience, where the audience can see both the story and the process of creating it.
The End of TV: A multimedia performance by Manual Cinema, a Chicago-based company that combines shadow puppetry, live actors, and live music. The performance tells the story of two women in a post-industrial American city, whose lives are intertwined by a mysterious infomercial.
The State of Animation: A curated selection of animated films from around the world, featuring both established and emerging filmmakers. The films explore various themes and topics, such as identity, memory, politics, and fantasy.
Snapshots: A series of short and experimental works by visual theatre artists, who present their ideas and visions in progress. The works range from solo pieces to ensemble works, and from comedy to drama.
Why should you visit the festival?
The festival is a unique opportunity to discover and enjoy the art of visual storytelling, and to support the artists who create it. The festival is also a chance to experience the vibrant and creative atmosphere of Edinburgh, one of the most cultural and historical cities in the UK.
The festival is open to everyone, regardless of their age, background, or taste. The festival is also affordable, with tickets ranging from £5 to £15, and some events being free of charge.
The festival runs until Sunday, February 18, at Summerhall and other venues across Edinburgh. For more information and booking, visit the festival’s website: https://www.manipulatefestival.org/
Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the world of visual storytelling, and to witness the magic and beauty of the Manipulate Festival.
