A reclamation of the city's darkest spaces. For all those whose voice has ever been silenced.
We Are Warriors is an atmospheric and profound sound and light installation crafted by the acclaimed creative producers, In Between Time. It is presented in the incredible surroundings of Bristol's Redcliffe Caves, a human-made network of caverns and catacombs that run beneath the city’s surface.
This ambitious project seeks to evoke contemplation and dialogue surrounding silenced voices and human resilience. While firmly rooted in the local community, its themes have a timeless yet timely universal resonance. Through a captivating interplay of self-illumination and immersive sound, In Between Time artfully renders these narratives visible and audible, compelling viewers to confront the complexities of oppression, resilience, and collective strength.
Each sound is made by a Bristolian woman or girl; each light by a member of the public. Acting like a beacon, We Are Warriors contains hundreds of tiny flickering lights, created and installed by visitors to the exhibition, and the voices of 130 women and girls from Bristol aged 8-80. The voices are brought together to create a unique soundscape of women and girls who whisper, roar and sing their way into the future.
Audiences are invited to become part of the creation process of this ever-changing and evolving artwork, by creating a small light and placing it in a location of their choice within the walls of one cave. Each tiny light then helps form a vast and powerful constellation, representing both individual people and the power of uniting together.
Context
Enter a powerful constellation of fireflies, whispers, sighs and battle cries; a magnificent roar for a fairer, safer and more equal world.
“This site was chosen not just because of the unique experience it offers us as visitors, but also to symbolise the way women’s voices, and many others, have often been hidden over time,” says Helen Cole, Co-CEO and Artistic Director of In Between Time.
“As the work developed, we became very aware of the deep connection between feeling safe and being heard. Often people do not speak out because they are scared; so, creating safe spaces, for both the workshops and the presentation of the work, was central to our mission.”
Helen continues: “Darkness and fear have long been associated in our common psyche, from childhood nightmares and fairy tales to horror films and the supernatural. And on a practical level we know how much the combination of the dark of night and poorly lit public spaces add to the sense of threat, risk and fear on our streets.
“This work means many different things to different people. But one key theme we focused on while making it was creating safe spaces for often unheard voices to be heard.”
Penny Gane, Chair of Bristol Women’s Voice, who commissioned We Are Warriors, said: “This work evolves over time as new people add to it. Through We Are Warriors we celebrate our forebears, as we carry on the fight for women’s rights and wider equity in society. We are indeed warriors.”
What’s next?
Launching on International Women's Day and continuing until June 2nd, 2024, this distinctive experience has captivated visitors both locally and from afar. As the Easter break approaches, In Between Time has announced plans to enhance the encounter further by increasing ticket availability, offering reduced-price family tickets, free children’s activity sheets and providing visitors with the opportunity to delve into an additional tour of the cave network surrounding the installation.
Helen Davies, Co-CEO of In Between Time said:
"The reception to our initial launch has been fantastic, and it's no wonder that the enchanting atmosphere has piqued a keen interest to explore beyond the glimmering lights and into the depths of the expansive cave network. Consequently, we are delighted to share that we will soon be enhancing the visitor experience by introducing cave tours at designated times throughout the remainder of the installation's run. The opening of Redcliffe Caves via We Are Warriors not only aligns with the inclusive spirit of the installation but also resonates with the adventurous and inquisitive nature of our visitors and community”.
Location and Logistics
"We Are Warriors" is located at Redcliffe Caves, Phoenix Wharf, Redcliffe Way, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6SR. w3w It is open to the public until June 2nd, 2024, Tuesday through Sunday, from 12 noon to 7pm, including Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
The installation is closed on Mondays except for Bank Holidays. Tickets can be purchased via Headfirst or at the door. Booking in advance is advised. The experience will take around 45-60 minutes, with last entry at 6.15pm.
Further Information and Tickets
For more information, please visit www.inbetweentime.co.uk
Direct ticket bookings via Headfirst tickets at We Are Warriors Tickets
Additional special events and cave tours will be advertised and ticketed throughout the duration of the run. Please note that standard tickets do not include access to the wider caves and that additional bookings are required for this and will be listed on Headfirst in the coming weeks.
Social Media
Follow In Between Time and tag them in socials using #WAW24 at:
X: In_Between_Time Facebook: inbetweentime Instagram: inbetweentime
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