PAST EVENT: This was part of the 2024 programme

EAF and the Roberts Institute of Art co-commissioned the Scottish premiere of a performance work by Prem Sahib, originally co-commissioned by the Roberts Institute of Art and Somerset House Studios, and presented in London.

In their first time working with live vocalists, Prem Sahib presented performance work Alleus, a polyphony of live and pre-recorded voices. Alleus – ‘Suella’ spelled backwards – re-orders, re-directs and disrupts an anti-immigration speech by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman. Performed under Edinburgh Castle by a group of vocalists, and with additional production developed in collaboration with artist Woodsy Bransfield, Sahib’s piece worked to resist the damaging speech practices often ‘legitimised’ by politicians and echoed through society in hate speech.

Care considerations: This performance spoke openly about racism, violence and featured sounds of xenophobic dialogue. This outdoor, immersive event took place centred around a wide spiral staircase, with limited seating available. Space with level access was also available.

Find out more about Prem Sahib’s installation Liquid Gold.

Alleus is a co-commission between EAF, the Roberts Institute of Art, and Somerset House Studios. Alleus is supported by the PLACE Programme, a partnership between Edinburgh Festivals, Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council and Creative Scotland.