Free - book here.
We extend a cordial invitation to join us for a cinematic celebration of Dynamic Collections: People Purpose and Place in Historic Books Programme. Produced and directed by acclaimed cinematographer Paul Daly.
To launch the screening, we are honoured to pay host to an exclusive Operatic performance from members of the Wai Yin Society - their biographies are below:
Helen Lau migrated from Hong Kong to England 60 years ago and now lives in Manchester. She has sung Chinese opera for over 20 years and regularly volunteering and taking part in Wai Yin singing group activities. Her performances at cultural festivals bring joy and traditional Chinese music to the community. She feels honoured to perform Chinese opera at a Portico library event, sharing her passion and heritage with others.
Chun Nan Wan migrated from Hong Kong to England 58 years ago and now lives in Manchester. She has been singing Chinese opera for over 15 years and often travels back to Hong Kong and China to perform. She’s an active member at Wai Yin singing group. Passionate about sharing Chinese culture and tradition, she feels honoured to sing at the upcoming Portico library event.
Studded with a stellar crew of Critical Friends, partners, volunteers and staff – we invite you to journey with us- from the safety of your seat – into the other worldly Northwest Lore of ‘Weird As Folk’ peppered with Boggart’ mischief, and then cross the oceans of time into a dazzling Echoes’ Hong Kong & China exhibition, narrated and translated into simplified Chinese by Yichao Shi. Sidle behind the scenes for unfiltered insights into the making of a truly ‘Dynamic’ Collection; Since 2023 The Portico Library has been forging a new path of collective discovery, engaging Critical Friends, volunteers, visitors, and community partners to co-design colourful events and major exhibitions. Marking the trials, tribulations and triumphs of this approach- we extend the spirit of this Programme into the next phase of (add: Reuniting) The Portico Library. In ‘reading the past to build the future’ we are always listening and learning alongside our audiences and partners.
The films will be premiered an hour later on our YouTube Channel and there will be another screening the day after at Hebden Bridge Picture House.