STOPHIT whats it all about?
For one weekend in autumn, Battersea will be the sport and opera capital of the world, as the Gafa Arts Collective (GAC) present their Fun Palace ‘STOPHIT’ a free afternoon of sport, opera, arts and pacific culture at the Battersea Park Millennium Arena on Oct 3.
Just around the corner at Caius house ‘R’Otello-theRugby opera’ will be played on the evenings of Oct 2&3.
Coinciding with the Rugby World Cup both events ‘utilize sport and opera as a force against domestic abuse’ in support of the charities Women's Aid and Mankind initiative.
The free afternoon of fun brings the two worlds that are, in fact, not as many light years apart as one would think. ‘Passion and discipline are common and essential to both’ says GAC director Sani Muliaumaseali’i. In 2014, 138 local, temporary Fun Palaces brought together arts and sciences to engage with their communities and encourage awareness and development.
Battersea Park will be resounding in Samoan style tag rugby, a mass Haka led by the Maori group Manaia while the Bedhead FC will pass on their skills on the pitch. Expect choirs in the stands, opera and jazz in the aerobics studios and workshops in between. Exercise your mind with specialist talks on Shakespeare, science and music.
Locally, the Lavender Leonardos Children’s Art School team with the Big Draw to share their creativity and renowned Architect and Battersea local Will Alsop fascinates on film, in an interview given especially for STOPHIT. There’s something for everyone whether it be engaging your ‘lung muscles’ inside, or sharpening your side-step on the touch field outside.
One of the significant drivers of these events is to raise awareness against domestic abuse. As part of our day, Womens Aid & Mankind Initiative Charities will be on hand to give short workshops on current statistics and initiatives and what steps can be taken to help or even recognize victims of domestic abuse.
We encourage everyone to come down with picnic baskets to share and discover their hidden talents by participation and to donate to the chosen charities. Our hope is that, as a collective, we can help raise awareness of domestic abuse, one trilling side-step at a time.
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