Transform 23
Transform 23 was nothing short of spectacular! Our most ambitious edition yet was realised across Leeds to our biggest ever audiences – with incredible feedback.
We witnessed a host of mesmerising, transformative and breathtaking performances from across the globe, alongside an exciting programme of local co-commissions and interactive installations.
We took you on a journey from Brazil to South Africa, Australia and back, pondering everything from community and loss to nature and personal odyssey.
![Young performers](https://transformfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2400px_009.secrects-asrun-magnusdottir-transform23-jma-photography-2048x1367.jpg)
![Characters dance on a green lit stage](https://transformfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2400px_003.oh-deer-aphids-jma-photography-2048x1365.jpg)
![People gather around an installation at The Light shopping centre in Leeds](https://transformfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2400px_01.public-trust-paul-ramirez-jonas-jma-photography-4-1-2048x1365.jpg)
![A DJ with light illuminating a huge church space](https://transformfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1500px_008.desire-marea-transform23-jma-photography-2.jpg)
'POWERFUL, POLITICAL, MAGICAL'
Transform audience member
![Transform 23](https://transformfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2400px_002.one-song-miet-warlop-transform23-jma-photography-2048x1365.jpg)
![Transform 23](https://transformfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2400px_06.blood-bone-breath-transform23-jma-photography-2048x2048.jpg)
![Transform 23](https://transformfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2400px_005.sottobosco-chiara-bersani-transform23-jma-photography-2048x1365.jpg)
![Transform 23](https://transformfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2400px_008.pumpitopera-transatlantica-mexa-transform23-jma-photography-1-1-2048x1367.jpg)
In an article for The Guardian, Catherine Love wrote:
‘International festivals can easily feel detached from their host city. In bringing together artists from all over the world, the local gets lost… But at Transform, the character of Leeds is baked into the programme.’
![Transform 23](https://transformfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2400px_003.get-off-katy-baird-transform23-jma-photography-2048x2048.jpg)
![Transform 23](https://transformfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2400px_016.pumpitopera-transatlantica-mexa-transform23-jma-photography-2048x1365.jpg)
![Transform 23](https://transformfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2400px_002.songs-for-no-one-nastaran-razawik-horasani-transform23-jma-photography-1-2048x1365.jpg)
![Transform 23](https://transformfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2400px_014.club-odyssey-transform23-jma-photography-2048x1365.jpg)
Artists
- Ásrún Magnúsdóttir (Iceland)
- Desire Marea (South Africa)
- Cherish Menzo (Netherlands)
- APHIDS (Australia)
- Paul Ramírez Jonas (USA)
- Miet Warlop (Belgium)
- MEXA (Brazil)
- Hollie Miller, Hannah Buckley and Craig Scott (UK)
- Katy Baird (UK)
- Silke Huysmans and Hannes Dereere (Belgium)
- Nastaran Razawi Khorasani (Netherlands/Iran)
- Chiara Bersani (Italy)
- Dmytro Levytskyi (Ukraine)
- Roma Loudun (UK)
- Nicky Murmann (UK)
- Mayowa Ogunnaike (UK)
- Cara-Mia (UK)
- Bakani Pick-Up (UK)
- China (UK)
- POPPERFACE (UK)
- Vee Dagger (UK)
- Rat Party (UK)
- Allspice (UK)
PARTNERS
- Carriageworks Theatre
- Centre for Live Art Yorkshire
- Left Bank Leeds
- Leeds Beckett University: Leeds School of Arts
- Light Night
- Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre
- The Light
- The Warehouse in Holbeck
- Yorkshire Dance