Remembering the slave workers of Jersey’s occupation in song
Join internationally acclaimed singer and scholar Dr Adam Perchard and virtuoso violinist Alexander Lee-Briard on an hour-long journey through song – across Europe, North Africa, and the former Soviet Union – as they unpick the complex histories of the thousands of people brought to Jersey as slave workers and forced workers during the Second World War.
Set deep in the bowels of one of the vast structures the workers built, this piece bears witness to the darknesses they faced, but also to luminous acts of kindness and courage. Featuring songs from their homelands – sung in their mother tongues – about laughter as well as despair, springtime as well as sadness, Ballads from Bunker Island remembers Jersey’s slave workers as complex human beings who suffered, but also triumphed.
Performances take place within the bunker where access is restricted. However the 6pm performance on Saturday 25 June will take place on the bunker to allow access. There are no toilet facilities at Noirmont. Limited capacity of 30 at each performance.
“Perchard makes song and sentiment throb with emotion” The Guardian
“Hard not to fall in love with” The Telegraph
“Hugely talented” The Times
Ballads from Bunker Island will be Jersey Arts Centre’s 40th Residency.