Elders Council members worked with Unfolding Theatre to express our genuine recollections of events within the context of `Spirit of Rebellion’ and Protest. We were able to incorporate our views and experiences from the 60s to the present day. We soon realised that events of the past are mirrored in the present day. We created a performance including well known songs, some with our revised lyrics, encouraging others to pick up the baton of protest. Watch this short video to see what we achieved https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKUT4XjoVnM
Unfolding Theatre worked with members of the Elders Council in a tremendous opportunity to share our stories of rebellion and protest. Our stories were turned into a short performance which incorporated well known songs (9 to 5; In the Ghetto) and old songs with new lyrics (Bob Dylan’s ‘The Times they are a changin’ with new lyrics and a Geordie twist by John. John is certain the ‘Father of Protest’ would approve!). The script evolved from 1000s of written words and recorded comment, so it is perfectly true to say` Our Voices` were indeed heard. Your can hear John Talking about the project here.
Some of our stories started with seemingly modest actions which produced significant results e.g. preventing the closure of a school; stopping open-cast mining near our village.
The performance at Newcastle City Library included debut performances from some of our members. It was very well received, and the audience responded to our encouragement to take up the baton of protest on issues that matter to them and wrote their own placards.
The passing of the baton statement to next generations was also heart felt. There are real dangers in present day society of threats to democratic process and the right to Peaceful Protest, which for our young people is paramount to protect Liberal Democracy. It is plain to reflect that lessons of history must be heard and understood and nothing can be taken for granted. Elements do exist that would snatch freedom from us.
The final production was condensed to meet time constraints of the performance venue. I believe that the nucleus can be preserved and expanded to allow for more content eg. CND, Greenham Common and the role of the Miners Wives and supporters during the epic conflict. Also to balance the hard politics, the screen backdrop could include more moving images that captured the era.
An outcome is to have many screenings of the film made to groups and workshops to stimulate debate and reflect the memories of what our generation of elders achieved. With due reference to 1940s/50s that defended the freedoms we enjoy today, although somewhat fragile at the moment. Confidence needs to be re-established that the global situation can improve and I also believe colleges and schools should see the filmed production to express solidarity as an intergenerational commitment.
The film and the placards created during the performance can be used by others to continue the debate/discussions. We are handing on the baton of our experiences to others to invite them to join us in getting our voices heard.
