Announcing Catford Tales and a week of events celebrating Catford
PRESS RELEASE
A Story of Civic Transformation:
Lewisham Youth Theatre’s ‘Catford Tales’ builds local pride;
Community performance and week of events celebrating the
past, present and future of Catford.
Over 60 community performers and artists will transform the town centre in a promenade theatrical event through the historic Broadway Theatre, Catford shopping centre and council buildings on 24th/25th July 2015.
Lewisham, London, May 2015
Today’s Catford in South East London is often best known as the place one drives through on the South Circular. But the area was once a thriving hub of music, night life, shopping and civic campaigning. Could Catford be transformed again?
‘Catford Tales’ interweaves verbatim testimony from local community members with historical events to celebrate the changing face of Catford. Initiated by Lewisham Youth Theatre’s Senior performance groups, the play now involves over 60 performers of all ages and includes contributions from local artists, photographers and musicians. Starting from the historic Broadway Theatre, audiences will follow a dynamic trail of performances around Catford town centre.
The play is complemented by a week of activities celebrating Catford, including: a Silent Movie Night showcasing one of the few surviving Compton Organs; Historic Talks; Photographic and Artistic Exhibition; Workshops and Projects from local artists.
Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, says, “I believe this project to be a wonderful opportunity to help build a positive perception of Catford, to expand the community’s pride in the local area and to harness the local people’s involvement in considering what they want their community to be in the future.”
As a Centre of Excellence for youth and community arts, Lewisham Youth Theatre has drawn together organizations across sectors and art forms to realise ‘Catford Tales’. Contributors to the project include outdoor visual arts specialists Emergency Exit Arts and designer Patrick Bullock.
Performances: Friday 24th July, 7.30pm and Saturday 25th July, 2.30pm and 7.30pm
A week of celebrations:From 20th July, programme of activities to be announced
Tickets/Information: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/lewishamyouththeatre or 020 8690 3428
About Lewisham Youth Theatre: Since 1987, Lewisham Youth Theatre (LYT) has provided free drama activities and performance projects to young people aged 8-24 in Lewisham. Our aim is that all young people, regardless of background or ability, have access to high quality arts provision that builds their confidence, inspires them and increases their life chances. In the last year, the charity has engaged 170 young people in sustained activities at the Broadway Theatre in Catford and reached over 1000 young people through outreach sessions.