What did our audience have to say?
We are developing a new theatre show, Census, about Moston North Manchester and its past. Re-telling forgotten stories and looking at what it means to be working class in todays society. With support from Contact MCR, Greater Manchester Artist Hub and hÅb we delivered local community sessions in Moston and weekly rehearsals at Contact. We have recently been funded by Arts Council England and have teamed up with youth charity RECLAIM and Oldham Coliseum. Contact and hÅb continue their support.
Using their rich history steeped in Mancunian charisma and wit, the award-winning Malandra Jacks (Chloe and Josh) will celebrate their North Manchester community, Moston. Lacing personal stories, with spellbinding projection mapping to unpick the complexity of present-day working-class identity.
On Friday 18th March 22 we held an event at AJs Academy, Moston to conclude our initial research and development stage of Census. We had live music, poetry and art on display alongside food and huge community spirit. Thank you so much to everyone that came down. The community really showed up!
Canvas Painting
You might turn your tv on
and see shows talking about 'people like us'
I open my doors and see people I trust
There's those that look down on us on our misery they feed
But we can look up and see all we have achieved
Never had the tools but we always succeed
Because that's who we are
Who you are
Who I am
Misfits that fit
That tore away the script and rewrote it
Then passed the pen we used to our neighbour
Then when the time comes they'll return the favour
And no matter what, We'll be here to stay The kings and queens of Moston and Harpurhey Whos thrones rest upon the pits we used to mine in
Now we go to The Miners if we need somewhere to dine in
They don't wanna see our shine because if they did It" be blinding
But we shine brighter and the people need reminding
That you
That me
That we
Were labelled lower class
Now it's class we surpass
Gregory Harper shares his work so far with descriptions for additional context. Visuals showing a house changing through time.
Jas Nisic is a proud working-class Actor-Singer-Cartwheeler, unapologetically Mancunian & part of the LGBTQA+ community. Jas created an original piece telling her story of growing up in Moston/Harpurhey through film and the use of music in her unique folky/jazzy tones.
If you have any questions about our creative workshops and classes, please get in touch with a member of our team so we can talk.