Aurora Seeks Common Ground

November isn’t a month which one normally associates with festivals. Under the thematic title of Common Ground, Norwich’s Aurora 2009 runs from 5 to 15 November. it offers performances, installations, workshops, screenings, music and a host of other live events, some of them participatory.

Both the city of Norwich itself and the surrounding countryside, notably Mousehold Heath, are the inspiration and the host for festival events. Robert Kett’s 16th century rebellion against land enclosure is one theme which is seen to have 21st century resonance in the context of both ecology and social history.

The weekend of 13 to 15 November is itself a mini-festival with screenings interspersed with performances and discussion sessions. The intention is to dissolve perceived barriers between audience and artist.