The official opening of the 13th Norfolk and Norwich Festival took place this year over two evenings, to enable all who wished to see this beautifully surreal performance the opportunity to attend. On the Friday night I was at the Birdcage to see Heart of a Dog, but heard incredible things from returning friends afterwards, who did not wish to give too much away. Pedz in particular said it was beautiful and a ‘must see’ but did not want to spoil things for me by telling me anymore.
emerging at the cathedral’s huge double doors
I gather around five thousand people packed Cathedral Close to see this yesterday, and I would guess there was a similar number tonight. A perfect setting for what is a really beautiful and dreamy production, the music is perfect, the movement graceful, at times comic, and always entertaining.
Reve d’Herbert, by Compagnie des Quidams
The Festival has been opening in fine and dramatic style in recent years, and this is another astonishing and impressive piece of street theatre, lasting approximately one hour.
Its title is Reve d’Herbert (Herbert’s Dream) and was brought to us by Compagnie des Quidams, it is fittingly described as a “luminous dreamscape”, I shall say no more about it but will add a few photos here.
Have a great Festival!
words and photos by richard shashamane
Norwich: Music City, UK 