The Immortal Sisterhood LIVE, based on Gemma Cairney’s eponymous book, was on for one night only at Factory International on October 8th. It was a fabulous performance but rather let down by the venue’s choice of space in which it took place.
Factory International is enormous. That said, I can understand that this particular performance didn’t lend itself to either of the main spaces, so it took place on the main “Social” level. That would have been fine, but other displays were already installed, so sightlines were poor, and a photographic installation (along with wandering staff monitoring sound levels on tablets) made matters worse. It’s a real shame, as the performance was great.
But let’s move on to the positives. This was a celebration of remarkable women. And how! We moved through the ages from Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most successful female pharaohs, through to Grace Jones (thankfully still with us), via Marsha P. Johnson, the American LGBTQ+ liberation activist, and others.
Everybody on stage gave their all, delivering wonderful vocal performances, accomplished musicianship on violin and cello, and mesmerising dance. Another shout-out really has to go to the BSL interpreter, who managed to convey everything without distracting from the main action – and I have to take my hat off to anyone who can impart “diaphanous” in sign language.
All in all, it was a great evening, but the venue, sadly, let the performers down.
Image: Mel Broomes.
Paul Schofield for Canal St Media