Community Theatre
Description
A play focusing on the lives of people who have lived in an area. The play is written and produced in consultation with residents and performed in the community.
How It Works – An Example
The demolition of St. Catherine’s tower on Beaumont Road was controversial. It was part of the ongoing regeneration of London’s East End in preparation for the 2012 Olympics. A play was held to celebrate the history of the tower block and express community views about regeneration.
The play was developed by the Offstage Theatre Company. It spent three months interviewing and videoing former and current residents of the estate. People from a range of cultural and social backgrounds were involved, including older people, young people, parents and children. The material was then handed to a young playwright for further development.
Offstage Theatre were keen not only to discover the legacy of the tower block but also to find out how local people felt about the regeneration scheme and changes to the London skyline.
The play, Home, was based on the material gathered from local people. The play involved video projections and sound recordings of the local area, as well as traditional scenes performed by a company of professional actors. Audience members were led from room to room, throughout the play.
Local people were involved in every stage of the development of the play. At the end, they provided feedback on the play and what the building represented to them. And people expressed what they felt about living there and how they felt about the demolition. Community involvement was central. Even the promotional poster was produced by children from the local primary school.
Potential Uses
This technique involves a large and diverse local group of communities who are connected by a common building, activity or interest. The process of researching, developing, promoting and performing the play with these local communities can help to express the feelings of communities. It also offers a meaningful way in which the community can have their views recorded and expressed that brings closure to a chapter of their lives.
Resources Required
The main expense for this technique comes from the time the theatre company and playwright spend in the development and performance of the play. However, tickets can be sold to generate income which could help cover these costs.
Further Information
For further information on this technique is available from the Offstage Theatre Company or call 020 7424 9441.
