Bristol is getting weird again on Thursday for the latest instalment of In Between Time. The last time this wide-ranging festival, which encompasses public artworks, theatre, dance, you name it, took place in 2013, it brought together thousands of people from 26 different countries to perform, install and enjoy some thought-provoking and mind-bending experiences. This year looks no less impressive.
From February 12-22, there'll be another bewildering array of visual and immersive spectacles as the Arnolfini joins forces with the Arts Council, Bristol 2015 Green Capital, The National Trust, Trust New Art and University of Bristol for ten days of storm- and climate-themed events. Here are just a few goings-on to look out for.
Extraordinary Rendition: Action Hero, Arnolfini, February 13-15 and 17-18
A video, sound and performance installation in which the main selling point – for us, at least – is the promise of connecting a Britney Spears song with 'a global network of secret prisons'. It's probably not for claustrophobic art fans, though – you'll be entering a tiny cabin that mimics a Guantanamo Bay cell.
Fog Bridge by Fujiko Nakaya, Pero's Bridge, February 12-22
The UK premiere of Nakaya's Fog Bridge will see Pero’s Bridge on the harbourside engulfed in a cloud of water droplets, created by pumping water at high pressure through tiny nozzles. The immersive installation – the latest in a long line of weather-related shenanigans by the artist – celebrates Bristol’s status as European Green Capital. Nakaya and others will be bringing their climate-themed art to the Arnolfini on February 13-14, too.
Fujiko Nakaya's Fog BridgeGayle Laird
Team of the Decades by Will Dickie, Brandon Hill, February 13-15
A bonkers workout in which a coach takes you from the Arnolfini to a 'pitch' on Brandon Hill, where your team of ten will 'perform' for 40 minutes in a game that, say the organisers, is about 'figure and ground, strength and weakness, fathers and sons, collisions and hugs.' There's probably not as much rugby involved in this as those last few words might suggest.
Twenty Looks of Paris is Burning at the Judson Church by Trajal Harrell, Arnolfini, February 13-15
In which you'll be transported to 1960s New York City to experience the collision of two different worlds that existed in the same city – Harlem's melting pot of African-American and Latino LGBT communities and the privileged performers at Judson Church who were busy transforming modern dance. Expect plenty of catwalking and voguing in this complex performance.
Nightwalks with Teenagers: Mammalian Diving Reflex, Knowle West, February 13-15
Just imagine this: teenagers who don't mind a) walking and b) hanging out with a bunch of grown-ups. Well they do exist. Here, a bunch of Bristol teens guide you around their Knowle West suburb in a performance piece from Canadian theatre company Mammalian Diving Reflex. Meet at the Arnolfini and wear warm clothes.
Patrick Wolf performs Night SongsDavid Motta
Night Songs by Patrick Wolf, Tyntesfield, February 14-15
A man who's performed with Arcade Fire and Tilda Swinton, made grown men swoon at his elaborate and emotional folk-pop, and who went viral with an onstage tantrum a few years ago returns for a specially commissioned show with In Between Time and the National Trust. Wolf will be singing a long and winding song incorporating the stories ghosting around the National Trust's gothic Tyntesfield property. Follow #nightsongs on Twitter to find out when you can download the track.
The Storm, The Old Fire Station, February 14
This major headline-grabbing event adds multi-sensory elements to the already synapse-frying environs of a club night. Barcelona's light and sound artists Playmodes, performance artists and DJs will be joining forces to tear the roof off… your own mind, man.