Chester's former Odeon cinema stages a mysterious new performance

Light installation represents building coming back to life

16 February 2012

People passing by the former Odeon building on Northgate Street this week may be in for an eerie surprise.

Casting a glance towards the top right-hand window, a ghostly figure appears to daub his face with silver paint as if preparing for a performance while dancing lights flicker across the windows and around the figure.

‘Foundation’, a new light installation by multimedia artist Nayan Kulkarni, is part of a project exploring the potential of the former Odeon cinema building, as plans for its transformation into a new theatre for the city are put into place.

Nayan’s site specific work explores time, place and perception. The performance, on a twelve minute loop, is a new work from the artist’s you gotta 'ave series.

Commenting on his ideas for the Odeon piece, Nayan said: “The installation is intended to be a simple work that acts as the first performance in the new theatre.

“It reflects a relationship between the act of making the mask and the act of transforming the building, hence the title 'Foundation'.”

The light installation, which becomes more apparent as the night draws in, represents the building being brought back to life after being closed in 2006.

Cheshire West and Chester Council purchased the listed Art Deco building to protect it for posterity, and announced in October 2011 that the historic Chester landmark would be transformed into a new theatre for the city and the Borough.

Now nearly 76-years-old, the Odeon has been part of Chester’s history since 1936 when it opened to a glittering ceremony with film star Douglas Fairbanks Junior amongst the guests.

Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, Councillor Stuart Parker, said: “Nayan’s new installation is really eye-catching, ghostly and surreal and looks absolutely fantastic after dark.

“We are dedicated to bringing a new theatre to Chester and are working hard to make it happen and I am sure in the meantime local residents and visitors to the town will appreciate such a visual installation.

“Once the transformation to a new theatre is complete, the building will, once again, be able to play an important role in the lives of people who live in, work in and visit Chester.”

 

Nayan Kulkarni's work has been shown extensively in the UK and abroad. He often works in collaboration with urban planners and architects to transform public spaces.

His light installation will be in place until 23 March.