Whoever said that churches do not accommodate or work with the arts was very wrong? One Hackney-based church has been used as a location for Hackney Children’s Theatre “Youth Takeover” which aimed to educate young people and give practical skills of how to put on a theatrical performance, from start to finish.
From late-October 2015, St John at Hackney Church shared their premises so the theatre for children could show anyone, between the ages of 13-19 years, of any background and faith, just how professional theatres produce, curate, perform, design and market for the stage. The stunning result, which is shown in the film below, was the Hackney Children’s Theatre Variety Show, which premiered in January 2016.
The film chronicles the full creation and planning of the show, taking place in the 200-year-old church. From beginning to end, the young people created the backdrop, rehearsed, marketed the show, and learnt new skills. On the day of the performance, they discovered how to build the set, set lighting structures and felt the elation of performing to a live audience. Then following the show, with heavy hearts, they learnt how to ‘strike’ the set and return the building back to a functioning church.
Andrew Coombs, Artist in residence at the Church, and director of Adrenalindance and Hackney Children’s Theatre operates within the surrounding community as a performer. Commenting on the project, he said:
“This film is a great example of how the arts and the church are collaborating, supporting the local community. The four-month project showed young people how to curate and produce a first-rate production, and we could not have made it without the help of St John at Hackney Church.
“For some of the children who attended this was their dream and they had a fantastic, rich experience. There will be other opportunities for them to remain involved in our projects and practice their skills.”
See online for more information on Hackney Children’s Theatre or St John at Hackney Church.