This is an online event.

In this online museum late event, find and explore connections across cultures, discover new worlds, celebrate our shared humanity and bring a glow to your life! GLOW at The MERL is an online programme, focusing on linked themes of light and darkness, harvest and festivals, community and celebration. The evening offers a fantastic opportunity for all communities to enjoy rich South Asian arts and cultural heritage combined with virtual experiences and talks from the University of Reading and beyond. Open to all and led by a team of professionals from Kala The Arts, our outdoor live event features music with tabla drums, santoor & vocals; performances inspired by beautiful Odissi Dance style; diva lamp making workshops plus a chance to see beautiful MERL themed Rangoli patterns being made.

Click on the link below to register your interest.

PROGRAMME*

Join our hosts, Dr Ollie Douglas (Curator of MERL Collections) and Anna Jones (MERL Public Programmes Manager), live on YouTube for an evening of conversation by the virtual fireside.

7pm – 8pm

Discover Diwali with Dr Shalini Sinha (University of Reading); see artist Bhajan Hunjan create a MERL harvest jug inspired Rangoli; and hear about the impact of electrification on farming and farmers from Dr Jeremy Burchardt (University of Reading).

8pm – 9pm

Find out how to make a Diya lamp and about their importance in Diwali celebrations; be illuminated by Solar divinities in Ancient Egypt and oil lamps in Cyprus and Rome with Dr Jayne Holly (Curator, The Ure Museum); and reflect on the relationship between light and dark with Dr Neil Cocks (University of Reading).

9pm – 10pm

Uncover the Day of the Dead with Dr Alanna Cant (University of Reading); delve into the dark side of the landscape with Dr Paddy Bullard (University of Reading); and for the grand finale, watch the sunset on Reading Abbey Ruins with tabla drums, santoor and vocals, and performances inspired by beautiful Odissi dance with Kala the Arts.

* Please note that, like everything these days, our programme is subject to change.