A Riot In Three Acts: Live Programme

From 27 Sep 2024

A series of live events and performances to accompany Imran Perretta: A Riot In Three Acts.

The exhibition, A Riot In Three Acts is accompanied by a series of live events, including eight intimate live performances of Imran Perretta’s original score for a string quartet, A Requiem for the Dispossessed, performed by the Manchester Camerata orchestra, within the installation.  

A programme of discursive events curated by Rahila Haque also invite artists, designers, architects, activists and academics to gather on the gravel of the replica of Reeves Corner to consider the symbolism, historical narratives and contemporary issues that permeate the installation. Corresponding to the exhibition’s reference to the model of the three-act structure, the programme builds a narrative of interconnectedness from a discrete site in Croydon, to a global civil uprising. 

In response to A Riot in Three Acts, artist and musician Raheel Khan will also lead a 5-day workshop for aspiring artists aged 16-19, prioritising those from underrepresented backgrounds, as part of Somerset House’s Future Artists programme.

These events are designed to facilitate genuine dialogue where participants can speak openly and honestly. We ask all attendees to be respectful and open-minded, with a willingness to learn from others. Above all, we want to ensure it is a safe, positive and inclusive space that is free from harassment and/or discrimination.

Please note that the Talks programme is not suitable for visitors under 18 years of age.

We’re sensitive to the fact that while this subject matter is important to explore, it may be triggering to some audiences. Our visitor experience team have been briefed to direct visitors who may feel triggered by the work to the decompression room located near the exhibition; a separate, dedicated space to reflect, with suggested resources for help and support. For further support, we’d also like to highlight the following resources:

Healing Justice https://healingjusticeldn.org

Resist and Renew https://resistrenew.com

Radical Therapist Network: https://www.radicaltherapistnetwork.com  

The Black, African and Asian Network (BAATN): https://www.baatn.org.uk


A Riot In Three Acts (2024) is commissioned by and developed in residence at Somerset House Studios. The score, A Requiem for the Dispossessed (2024), is co-commissioned by Somerset House Studios and the Manchester Camerata, by arrangement with NEWFORM MUSIC. Supported by d&b audiotechnik’s Soundscape.

Act 1: Retrieving Croydonia, image credit Business is Driven By Quarterly Results. Courtesy Lina Ivanova.
Act 3: Image courtesy of Goldsmiths for Palestine