Register now for event updates and interactive content. Numbers are limited so book early.

Date is covid & weather dependent - it may change. Updates will be emailed to audiences. The event will start at sunset, around 8.30pm. Please be there for 8.15pm.

Socially distanced event. Please bring your best mask and your bubble to celebrate the easing of lockdown and the start of Summer.

SEMAPHORE IS INTERACTIVE. TO PROPERLY ENJOY THE LIVE EVENT ON HASTINGS SEAFRONT YOU'LL NEED A MOBILE PHONE AND HEADPHONES. TO ENJOY THE EVENT ONLINE YOU'LL NEED A MOBILE PHONE AND HEADPHONES OR A SPEAKER.

THEREFORE WE WILL REQUEST A MOBILE NUMBER FOR EACH AUDIENCE MEMBER.

What signals is Earth sending us?

Semaphore is a blended performance /installation event on Hastings’ seafront: an absorbing outdoor experience as the sun goes down. Semaphore combines movement, light, original sound pieces, signals, performance, film and puppetry and a choreographed semaphore piece by young performers from White Rock Theatre. It is a hypnotic, interactive experience with many parts, exploring what it means to be human on a changing planet.

Semaphore revisits and revives work by the late Chris Wainwright, a respected photographer, environmentalist and Hastings’ resident. Chris and his partner, Anne Lydiat Wainwright, created a number of photographic works using signal batons and semaphore. Their work, 'What has to be done?' was influenced by the work 'What is to be done,' by German artist Joseph Beuys. Richard De Marco talking about Beuys’s message, said:

'There is a kind of energy that's been there from the beginning of time. And that is the energy of human beings, animals, plants, glaciers, icebergs, rocks and any kind of pebbles. The power and energy of the sea. We should be in harmony with all of that.

If we do not love and respect everything that we have on this planet, we will find the planet will take a certain kind of revenge.'

These are difficult times, more difficult for some than others, so Semaphore is free. However, donations are welcome - £4 or even £8 per person or £12 for a group would be gratefully received.

MSL Discover is a not-for-profit development vehicle for learning and innovation. Please help us sustain our vision of celebrating creativity, community and place.

Semaphore is part of The Sea Beneath project by MSL, supported by Arts Council England, Hastings Borough Council, East Sussex Arts Partnership and 1066 Country.