Ring Cycle involved the creation of an epic audio visual symphony with the communities and landscape of Purfleet, Essex. It transposes Wagner’s epic cast of gods and mortals into a contemporary Thameside landscape. From river maidens on concrete barges to exiled gods and shopping trolleys, this allegory of industrial capitalism takes place on the fringes of London just inside its own ring of the M25.

 The film with performed live score made in collaboration with the Cabinet of Living Cinema reveals a place where the toxic and angelic combine in a 21stC version of the sublime.  A mobile foley studio of found objects, played by local sound artists and accompanied by a chorus of local singers, sound the whoosh of wind turbines and the call of birds, bringing the film to vivid life.

The project came about through Hilary’s Stephen Cripp’s Studio Award – a major creative development award from Acme’s residency and awards programme supported by the family of Stephen Cripps, Henry Moore Foundation and High House Production Park (Royal Opera House Thurrock, Backstage Centre). It was supported by Arts Council England and the collaboration of local organizations from RSPB Rainham Marshes to Purfleet Heritage Centre.

Ring Cycle was longlisted for the Aesthetica Art Prize 2018 and features in Future Now. The film has screened at festivals internationally from East End Film Festival 2018 to Thunderdance, Suburbinale and Delete TV.