EXPECT wave-making entertainment at the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, as organisers have launched a four-year series of element-themed events and this year’s takes its inspiration from water.

In the run up to the 2012 Olympics, each year GDIF will explore a new theme; water, earth, fire and air.

As the festival is already renowned for its spectacular and boundary-pushing outdoor performance art, artistic director Bradley Hemmings believes this new focus will give the event structure as well as spectacle.

News Shopper: Fous de Bassin is staging a full-scale production on the surface of Millwall Dock

“What I was really keen to do was have something to take us through over the next four years, up to 2012, that would give us a sense of direction and movement toward 2012,” said Bradley.

“One of the things I was really keen on was we should try and ensure, when we bring international companies in, there was a sense of a dynamic relationship with the area. And, it struck me you could tell the story of Greenwich and Docklands through the four elements.

“Water, obviously, the whole area wouldn’t exist were it not for the Thames and the docks and the things which have been involved in their history.”

As well as the neat local connections, the water theme is also washing up some incredible visual treats.

News Shopper: Fous de Bassin uses water as a stage

French performance artists Fous de Bassin (Waterfools) are staging a full-scale production on the surface of Millwall Dock thanks to a specially-developed technology which allows performers (plus caravans, lampposts and Penny Farthings) to walk on water.

Bradley said: “They’ve perfected this technology which is effectively little submarine structures concealed just below the water. They are called trifoils and they stand on them and control them with their feet.

“Really ingenious ideas just come out of the water. It’s very surreal, very Alice in Wonderland and unusual.”

News Shopper: Close Act's Pi-Leau imagines a Woolwich submerged in water

Another unmissable piece is Dutch company Close Act’s Pi-Leau on June 27. To be performed with the Thames Barrier in its sight line, Pi-Leau is set in a Woolwich submerged by water, following rising sea levels.

Bradley said: “It’s imagining us in the future where the waters have all risen with a background of why it’s important to look after the oceans. It’s a very family-orientated show with stilt walkers, giant structures and platforms for the performers. They move in and out of the audience and there’s great fun while also having that serious theme.”

Also expect lots of deaf and disabled-friendly performances, such as Strange Fruit’s sway-pole mounted, sign-language supported choreography in Against the Tide.

“The outdoors is really accessible to everybody but we have to think imaginatively to make new entry points for people who may not have been to the festival before,” said Bradley.

ä ä Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, various venues, June25 to June 28. All events are free.