WEAPONS CATWALK Opens Today as Part of #ArmingTheWorld

Today sees the opening of the first ever 'Weapons Catwalk' as artists and theatre makers combine to satirise the DSEI arms fair (also this week) with #ArmingTheWorld.

Acclaimed stage designer takis, celebrated creators of site specific theatre Teatro Vivo and renowned theatre company ice and fire - known for their use of performance to explore human rights issues - have joined forces to present a brand new theatrical experience: part stage performance, part fashion show, part interactive educational exposition, and all in the name of raising public awareness of the significant role HM Government and the British Arms Trade play in #ArmingTheWorld.

With DSEI - one of the world's biggest arms fairs - returning to London today to showcase some of the most lethal weapons available to purchase from British 'defence and security' companies and a range of other major players in the arms industry, the '#ArmingTheWorld: Outreach Team' give an accessible, satirical, colourful, fun presentation on some of the products which are taking the world's military-industrial complexes (and more than a few combatants and civilians) by storm.

From a Euro Fighter Typhoon Jet (as seen regularly in the ongoing conflict in Yemen), to a can of CS Spray (tear gas), the outreach team will be hitting five different destinations in central London throughout the week to introduce the very best in British-made weapons via the world's first Weapons Catwalk Show demonstrating to taxpaying audiences that with their help, 'The sun never sets on the British arms trade'.

The weapons themselves (portrayed by highly trained actors in an incredible array of costumes) will describe how they have been made, how they are used and how they are traded. It's hugely entertaining, educational and interactive with audience members encouraged to take a selfie with a fighter jet, Facebook Live Tear Gas or 'Boomerang' a missile to spread the word.

Audiences can stay up-to-date with all the work taking place behind the scenes of #ArmingTheWorld by engaging with social media channels on Twitter: @ArmingTheWorld, Instagram: ArmingTheWorld and Facebook: @ArmingTheWorld

Sophie Austin from Teatro Vivo said: '#ArmingtheWorld will be a powerful and playful take on the arms trade and how we are all involved in it. Bringing the arms trade out of The Shadows and on to the streets will enable us to spread the word to as many people as possible. If you come across #ArmingtheWorld you will learn shocking and surprising facts that will challenge our quiet apathy to Britain's involvement in wars across the world.'

Christine Bacon from Ice and Fire said: 'At ice&fire, we care about human rights. The trade in weapons is a crucial factor in the abuse of human rights worldwide. Doing the research for this piece, we were shocked to discover the extent to which the trade creates the demand which it supplies and our minds boggled at the hugely disproportionate level of public subsidy that props up the trade. Join us on the streets of London and decide what you think of lethal weapons being sold to the highest bidder on your doorstep.'

Dr. Chris Rossdale (Steering committee member, Campaign Against the Arms Trade).

"The arms trade plays a key role in fuelling conflict around the world, but the industry's secretive nature means that the public are often unaware of the harm it causes. #ArmingTheWorld is a really exciting opportunity to educate people about the arms trade in a creative and participatory way."

Do you want to see a performance? All shows are in public spaces and are free to attend and open to all. Places should be booked at www.armingtheworld.co.uk.

#ArmingTheWorld has been created with the support of Arts Council England, The Esme Fairbain Foundation, The Unity Theatre Trust, The Sylvia Waddilove Foundation, TREAT, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and The Network for Social Change. Performances are taking place in partnership with The Albany, Stratford Circus, Greenwich and Lewisham Young People's Theatre, The Chelsea Theatre, Underbelly Festival (Southbank) and at various locations in central London.

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