

A powerful durational installation with on-stage metal work exploring who memorials are for and what happens to places where traumatic events take place.
In 2014 the 100kg iron 'welcome' gate was stolen from Dachau concentration camp. A local blacksmith forged a replica. It was exactly like the original. Almost.
Over four days artist Rachel Mars invites you to bear witness as she welds together another copy of the gate. This impactful performance installation asks questions about memorials and tackles what it is to preserve a site of collective trauma.
Sound Designer Dinah Mullen creates a live soundtrack, orchestrating an atmospheric sound-world that includes previously recorded metal work, bespoke compositions and a library of Memorial Silences.
Rachel Mars is a performance maker whose smart-witted, intricate work - rooted in Queerness and complex Jewishness - interweaves personal reflection with universal questions. FORGE was developed as part of the Barbican Open Lab programme.
Age guidance: 16+
The themes of this installation link to genocide and the Holocaust, without direct imagery.
There will be flashing lights, loud noises and unexplained noises within the installation space.
You are invited to watch, sit, and be immersed in this durational installation. Multiple time slots are available each day. You can plan to stay as long as you like, subject to capacity.
For safety reasons, please arrive wearing a long sleeve top, long trousers covering your ankles with no exposed skin and closed covered shoes. Please note that if you aren't wearing the appropriate clothing you will be refused entry. A protective welding helmet and apron will be provided to wear at all times during your visit. According to Jewish custom you'll be invited to wash your hands before leaving the space.
FORGE also features two associated public conversations focussing on personal, local and national/international issues of memorial:
The Politics of Memorials: How We Shape Memory in Public Space
Tue 16 May, Barbican Theatre (tickets £3*)
Difficult Inheritances: Jewish Artists On Confronting Their Histories
Fri 19 May, Fountain Room (tickets £3*)
Presented by the Barbican
Commissioned by the Barbican, Transform, Cambridge Junction with support from the Stobbs New Ideas Fund
Using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. With support from Chapter Arts Centre, Horizon: Performance Made in England, Metal Culture, MGCFutures and Asylum Arts. Originally developed through the Barbican Open Lab programme. First performed at Transform Festival, Leeds 2022
Image: JMA Photography
Creative team
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Booking fees
£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
Reviews
Discover

Read: In conversation with Rachel Mars
Rachel Mars talks about her artistic style, the trajectory of FORGE and what she hopes audiences will take away with them in this FLO London article.

Read: Meet the artist
'Really what I’m trying to do is create a public space to assemble, to consider things that are a bit tricky'.
Find out more about Rachel Mars' practice, including their experiences as an artist and their relationship with the Barbican.
The Pit
Location
The Pit is located on Level -2 within the main Barbican building and can be accessed via the stairs or lifts on Level G, next to the doors to the Lakeside Terrace.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
The Pit floor (level minus 2) can be reached via the main lifts – please note that only two of the four lifts go to this floor. Access Step-free access from the Pit floor foyer to any front-row seat. All other seats lead off stepped aisles.
Mobility
Spaces for two wheelchair users in the front row (at stage level), with companion seats. Front row seats are also suitable for people with limited mobility.
Assistance dogs
Because space in the auditorium is limited, we recommend that you leave your dog to be cared for by a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Amplified sound
Amplified sound is provided through a headset for people with impaired hearing. Audio-described performances use a wireless network to relay through a headset a live description of the scenery, costumes, facial expressions and action. Headsets are available. You can obtain one 30 minutes before the performance from the programme desk inside the Pit Theatre entrance.
Large-print exhibition information
To request a large print copy, please call the Theatre on 020 7638 8891 before your visit.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
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