Ready to make audiences proud (From Harrow Times)

Ready to make audiences proud

8:22am Sunday 21st October 2007 in News By Jack Royston

A HARROW arts venue which closed down a year ago is hosting its first autumn and winter season since it reopened.

Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, was closed on Thursday, December 7, after the trust that owned it went into liquidation but has since been taken over by the council and reoponed.

The centre is host to a range of events from traditional Indian dance to children's theatre.

On Firday, November 16, Brian Sewell, an Evening Standard arts critic for 20 years, will contribute his own brand of acerbic criticism and biting wit at a black-tie gala evening.

Sewell has made numerous television and radio appearances and, in addition to his contribution to the world of art, is an award-winning political columnist.

This month has already seen a performance of Sleeping Beauty by the Moscow Ballet, on October 9, and on Saturday, October 27, the Srishti Dance Company will showcase the traditional South Indian dance form Bharatanatyam.

It will be performed by students of Nina Rajarani, the first classical Indian choreographer to win the Place Prize, the dance worlds equivalent of the Turner Prize.

The performance will be done to live music and the centrepiece will showcase the eight states a woman goes through when she is in love.

There will also be a play for children of the Elves and the Shoemaker on Sunday, October 28, the story of a cobbler who must triumph over an evil businessman to save himself from bankruptcy.

Councillor Anjana Patel, portfolio holder for community development, said: "I am very pleased to see such cosmopolitan dance groups like Bearfoot, Srishti and Triveni who not only reflect the diversity of Harrow and International dance, but national excellence right in our home town.

"All this, along with a disability arts festival in our first season under council management makes me proud to be a part of this relaunch.

"It was tragic that the centre closed down last year when the charity that managed it went into liquidation. We were surprised and saddened that it closed, so when the people of Harrow let us know that it values this centre as much as we do, we reopened it.

"Let me say how much I look forward to seeing all of you at these coming events."

Harrow Disability Festival will be held from December 1 to December 7.

Full listings are available from the theatre's website at www.harrowarts.com