The Dacha is an ever-changing performance space modelled on the iconic Russian country house. It welcomes audiences into a journey across the century through the prism of a Ukrainian family and their friends — from the end of Tsarist opulence, through Soviet socialism, to the post Soviet world of today. Films, dressing up, board games, cards, fevered political discussion with guest experts, live music, impromptu play readings and late night djs were all on offer with an endless supply of drinks and snacks. Artists include Olia Hercules, Katrina Kollegaeva, Abraham Brody (Abe Mcw) Sasha Ilyukevich and the Highly Skilled Migrants, Polina Proutskova and Izba Voices, Theatre Borscht, Elena Dana Ray, Iryna Muha, Mazaika Duo, Gergo Danka, Cristina Catalina, Marina Pesenti and DJ Penny Metal, DJ Mourrka, DJ Sasha. The Dacha is a huge art installation – a beautiful home, hosted throughout by family members, with a well stocked kitchen offering snacks, vodka and hot tea throughout the day. It is also a venue for performance – for live music, DJs, discussion and theatre performances. There is no stage, the performances take place at different places within the home. This performance of The Dacha was open from 20th – 22nd May 2016 at The Bedford in Balham as part of Wandsworth Arts Fringe Festival.
Dash Arts Dacha is curated by co-Artistic Directors Josephine Burton and Tim Supple, designed by Bryan Woltjen and packed with musicians and actors. It forms part of their on-going REVOLUTION17: an explosive season of performance from artists across the Post Soviet States.