Week one at Transform 23
Tue 17 Oct 2023
‘Powerful, moving, exceptional’ – week one of Transform 23 awed audiences across Leeds.
But don’t just take our word for it – we’re excited to share press and audience feedback from across the first week, alongside our stunning photography!
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.’
Read our round up:
'Intimate, energetic, honest'
Amusing, confusing and occasionally dark, Ásrún Magnúsdóttir’s SECRETS emerged from hundreds of real-life secrets submitted by young people in Leeds and Reykjavík.
‘The performance is a brilliant showcase of local talent, giving a platform to a multiskilled cast of musicians, singers and spoken-word artists who propel the show with their charisma. Though the secrets may often be dark, the experience itself is joyous.’
'Exciting, stimulating, powerful'
With soaring vocals and an incredible light show, ‘ancestral star’ Desire Marea illuminated Left Bank Leeds’ stunning building.
Desire spoke to The Quietus ahead of the performance about ‘how reconnecting with his Zulu heritage and becoming a spiritual healer helped him regain his musical identity.’
'Surprising, subversive, emotional'
Transform’s international co-commission OH DEER! at Leeds Playhouse received a four-star review in The Guardian:
Through a ‘delicate, simple and playful approach, APHIDS make room for a real reckoning with what grief means.’
'Moving, motivating, inspiring'
Public Trust in The Light was a collaboration with Light Night that invited the people of Leeds to make a promise for passers-by to bear witness to.
This beautiful installation was seen by nearly 10,000 people across four days, with over 220 promises made and displayed.
'Raw, spooky, hot'
Our sold out show DARKMATTER stunned a full house at Leeds School of Art, Leeds Beckett University on Saturday night.
Did you join us for Transform 23′s first week?
Tell us what you thought in our survey here and make sure you book tickets now for week two!