Tree of Light celebrates London 2012 Olympics

Charlotte Smith
Tuesday, July 10, 2012

The Tree of Light is a huge, theatrical production based on original ideas by Stewart Collins, directed by Charlie Morrissey and incorporating music by Orlando Gough. Staged around a sculptured, 16-metre industrial 'tree' designed by Block 9, the performances use light and dance to tell the story of a mythical tree rediscovered in a future where it is thought that all trees are extinct. Living up to its name, the Tree of Light is lit by low energy LED light and powered by sustainable energy largely generated by cyclists and rowers from local communities.

The project was selected by the Legacy Trust to be one of the UK's Community Celebrations for the London 2012 Games, with three performances talking place alongside the River Thames involving more than 1200 participants. The first event took place in South Park, Oxford on July 9 as part of the Olympic Torch Relay, and the second (abridged version) takes place on July 10 at Reading's Madejski Stadium. The finale takes place on July 21 at Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames.

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