The Macula introduces Down the Rabbit Hole

Czech-based digital art collective The Macula are set to launch their newest creation Down the Rabbit Hole here in Blackpool this September.

The Macula are an award winning company, formed in 2007 they have dazzled audiences throughout Europe with their shows, 

Down the Rabbit Hole tells the story of an astronaut exploring new worlds. The show explores a fantasy based loosely upon his remarkable mission of determination and ambition: a journey that will draw the audience into worlds without gravity: beautiful, fantastic and full of uncertainty.

Amar Mulabegović, Creative Director of The Macula, said: “Working with the team of Blackpool Illuminations was one of the most pleasant and unique processes we have ever been through. The whole team was very supportive and cooperative during all process of creation.

“We are very eager to present our projection Down the Rabbit Hole to the Blackpool residents as well as all other visitors of the whole event. At the same time very much excited to see this work on the facade of Blackpool Tower.”

They gained great acclaim in the UK with a 2011 with Luminious Flux, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Liverpool’s Liver Building. Internationally they were part of the largest building projection in history on the  Palace of Parliament during the 555th anniversary of Bucharest and created a unique audio visual for the 600 year celebration of the world-famous Prague clock tower.

Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, Cllr Gillian Campbell said: “We are delighted to announce that the award winning producers The Macula are working with us as part of this year’s LightPool project.

“The Macula are a talented company, having toured Europe and dazzled audiences with their sound and light displays, it’s only fitting to see them produce this show for the Illuminations.

“Down the Rabbit Hole look sets to be an extraordinary show and we are excited to launch this at the beginning of September.

“This year’s programme promises to be bigger and brighter than before and this should be a wonderful addition to the Illuminations.”

Videomapping uses projection to make objects dance with three-dimensional video content. Increasingly popular in the last twenty years, a small number of collectives have been pushing the artform to new limits, manipulating the geometry and architecture of buildings in ways that transport the viewer. The Macula are up there with the world’s best.

Down the Rabbit Hole is one of three new eye-catching 3D projection shows that will be displayed on to the front of the Blackpool Tower buildings from the start of September. Three new displays have been designed specifically for LightPool 2016 and are funded by a £2m grant from the Coastal Communities Fund, alongside further investment by Blackpool Council and LeftCoast.

Continuing with the theme of space exploration, UK-based The Projection Studio have partnered with the European Space Agency to create Chasing Stars, aimed at families and presented by Commander Tim Peake. The third show, Enchanted Blackpool, has been created by film-maker Cecile Llewelyn-Bowen, using designs by her father, international designer and friend of Blackpool Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. The show is a fairy-tale romp around Blackpool’s classic architecture, as the goddess in the Tower Ballroom comes to life. 

All three shows, along with the two popular shows from last year’s LightPool, will be available to watch for free on the Comedy Carpet several times every night from September 2, with extra performances at weekends and over the October half term as part of the LightPool Festival.

Coastal Communities Minister Andrew Percy said: “Artists have always been drawn to the Great British Coast and Blackpool is taking advantage by providing a range tourist opportunities enabling art, culture and businesses to thrive.
 
“The government is doing its bit by providing £2 million to launch the LightPool project highlighting all the great tourist attractions the town has to offer.
 
“I’d urge people to head on down to the seaside to discover them.”

The other two shows Enchanted Blackpool designed by Illuminations curator Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen and his daughter Cecile and the third Chasing Stars: Our Adventures in Space by The Projection Studio, and curated in association with the ESA and renowned astronomer Dr Nick Lister.

All three of the films, along with two popular shows from last year’s LightPool events, will be available to watch for free from the Comedy Carpet several times every night, with extra performances at weekends and over the October half term.

For more details on this year’s LightPool, go to www.visitblackpool.com/lightpool.

For more information on Blackpool Illuminations, visit www.visitblackpool.com/illuminations

Blackpool Illuminations light up from Friday 2 September to Sunday 6 November.