Werkha presents Saturama

Werkha presents Saturama

An audio-visual journey through temperate rainforests

Journey with us into a breathtaking new world inspired by one that’s almost been forgotten.

Saturama is a unique project from Manchester-based musician, producer and DJ Werkha inspired by an under-appreciated element of our country’s landscape – the temperate rainforest, also known as Celtic or Atlantic rainforests.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of these fascinating wild places, with the help of Werkha’s atmospheric, ethereal sounds and spectacular visuals from Joel Hepworth, manipulating cinematic footage shot by Ryan Cooper.

This show represents the next step into the Saturama world, following on from Werkha’s performance with Simmy Singh at the opening event for our exhibition Wild and an audiovisual show at Bankley Mill Studio and Gallery in Levenshulme.

The project aims to bring together artists, environmental researchers and wild spaces, using the beauty of temperate rainforests to explore people’s connections with the natural world in a hope to inspire environmental stewardship.

There will be two showings, one at 6.15pm that will be family friendly and another at 8.45pm. You’ll also have a chance to delve deeper into these topics through a panel conversation on the evening, providing an opportunity to hear stories, ask questions and discuss ideas.

PART ONE

Live show (in Kanaris Theatre), showings at 6.15pm and 8.45pm

We invite you to wander into this world through live instrumental accompaniment, field recordings and footage, telling a story of the saturated beauty of this globally rare habitat. The space offers you to experience an artistic interpretation of this biome in a comfortable manner, during the show you are welcome to stand, sit, or lie down on the chairs, cushions and pillows provided. 

The evening aims to reconnect us to a space we’ve perhaps never known is ours to celebrate: temperate rainforests, a once abundant habitat throughout our isles.

Please note the performance includes flashing images and lights.

PART TWO

Conversation Corner: Saturama & Friends (in Main Hall)

Join Saturama & Friends for an inquisitive talk exploring the themes of access, restoration and art in stewardship. 

In conversation with speakers Tinuke Oyediran (Adventure Presenter), Annabel Rushton (RSPB at Wild Haweswater) and Tom Leah (Producer, aka Werkha). The talk will take place in between the Saturama showcase at 19:30. You’ll be taken through an inquiry into what it means to belong to a biome, how these interactions influence culture and how we steward these environments today.

The panel talk is free and open to the public. Following, there will be an opportunity to network. You can find full details on the panellists below.

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Tom Leah – Producer, Werkha

Hailing from Manchester with roots in the Cumbrian north, Werkha (real name Tom Leah) and his foot stomping, jazz inflected beats have been gracing the airwaves for the best part of a decade.

Influenced as much by the rolling fells surrounding his village home as those hot sweaty times we share on the dancefloor. Werkha makes music for those crucial moments, the ones that make us feel connected as humans. When the bustle of city life comes up against the steadiness of rural perspective.

Fascinated by this dichotomy, it’s the interrelationship between these two worlds and how they weave together that inspires Werkha to write. This push and pull is reflected both in his process and in the music. Striving to make something which straddles both worlds, Werkha creates dance music with a head and a heart.

Tinuke Oyediran – Adventurer, Presenter and Daredevil

Tinuke is an adventure presenter, storyteller and thrill-seeking daredevil with a passion for adventure and exploration. You may recognise her from her recent stint on Survivor UK for BBC1. Committed to showing diverse audiences that anyone can experience the thrill of adventure, no matter their background. She inspires others to connect with nature, discover their inner strength, and embark on journeys of self-discovery.

From camping on the side of a cliff face to walking the wing of an aeroplane, climbing glaciers, surviving alone in the wilderness and achieving three Guinness World Records as a professional roller skater, Tinuke will fearlessly take on any challenge.

Annabel Rushton – RSPB People and Partnerships Manager at Wild Haweswater

Annabel started her role as the RSPB’s People and Partnerships Manager at Wild Haweswater in 2022. Wild Haweswater is a landscape restoration partnership between the RSPB and the landowner United Utilities, in the Eastern Lake District National Park.

Annabel took her first short-term contract with the RSPB in 2008 as Information Assistant on the Manchester Peregrine Project showing the public the fastest animal on the planet nesting in Manchester city centre. This seasonal role meant that Annabel was only supposed to work for the RSPB for 10 weeks. That was 16 years ago… Now Annabel’s role varies from leading tours for professionals, public events and experiences, managing the site’s promotion and communications, to working with project partners.