A new dance film exploring Luton through movement, migration and the town’s changing identity will premiere at Luton Henge as part of a special autumn equinox event.
Like the River Lea, conceived and directed by Jean Abreu, will be shown for the first time on Wednesday 23 September as part of an outdoor double bill at the community-built Henge.
The film was created in 2024 and features local participants from across Luton, using movement and a poetic visual language to tell stories about the town, its people and the experiences of its migrant communities.
It was filmed across Luton’s natural and industrial landscapes, with an original score by Ukrainian composer and sound artist Oleh Shpudeiko, known as Heinali.
The film takes its name from the River Lea, which runs through the town’s history and landscape. There is a possible connection between the river’s name and Lugus, the Celtic god of light, with Luton potentially meaning “the town on the river of Lugus” – although the origin is speculative.
That idea of the river as a constant presence is reflected in the film’s exploration of how Luton has continually changed.
Like the River Lea aims to challenge perceptions of the town by looking at it through the people who live here and the places they inhabit.
The film will be the second part of the Henge’s Autumn Equinox double bill, following a new outdoor installation created by the Marsh Farm Young Collective.
Memorave was originally created for this year’s Luton Henge Festival and has since been developed with internationally renowned public artist Matthew Rosier and Luton poet Lee Nelson.
The expanded work will combine sound, storytelling, film and light projection onto the Henge stones.
Rosier originally designed Luton Henge as part of the Nature Calling project, while Nelson was commissioned as its poet. Their involvement means the new installation brings together young people from Marsh Farm with artists who have already played a role in shaping the site.
Both works will be followed by a panel discussion inside Marsh House.
For Abreu, the film offers another way of looking at Luton – not simply through conventional images of the town but through the bodies, experiences and stories of its people.
The film’s premiere will take place at the Autumn Equinox Double Bill at Luton Henge on Wednesday 23 September. It will subsequently be made available to stream through Revoluton Arts’ digital platform.
Tickets are free but booking in advance is required.
Be the first to comment