Kingbury Green Academy pupils will soon be treading the boards in the footsteps of actors such as : Olivia Coleman CBE, Gene Wilder and Sir Daniel Day-Lewis, when they take to the stage at the Bristol Old Vic to perform their latest play, Wind / Rush Generation(s).
The production is being funded through a generous bursary provided by the National Theatre’s Connections programme, of which the school was awarded a place. The play will be performed by 28 talented pupils spanning year 8 to year 12, combined with the support of three pupil technicians.
Wind / Rush Generation(s) follows a group of university students, who through the use of a Ouija board, come into contact with the ghost of the HMS Empire Windrush - embodied on a rocking chair - to tell the story of British history, the Empire, slavery, economics, racism and humanity. The play, which was written specifically for youth groups to perform, confronts the country’s difficult imperial history of racism and prejudice and the challenges that are still experienced today as a result.
Written by Mojisola Adebayo, who is also the Associate Artist of Black Lives, Black Words - the theatre expression of Black Lives Matter - the play has spurred a lot of learning and conversation looking at the Windrush Scandal and deepening understanding of issues around race and slavery.
Alice Mitchell, Head of Creative Arts at Kingsbury Green Academy, said: “The opportunity to perform the play has been really eye opening and pupils and staff have all been exploring the issues and the anger that’s still felt as a result. As a majority white school, we still have lots to learn and all of the performers have been spending time outside of their classes to understand the themes and history in greater detail.
“They’ve also had the opportunity to take part in a special Q&A session with Mojisola Adebayo where they learnt more about how she intended the play to come across, as well as tackling issues over how to deliver the uncomfortable racist language and themes that is such an inherent part of the play.”
Year 12 pupil Emily who plays one of the university students added: “It’s been really cool to be part of the play. I’m a big history person but I didn’t know about Windrush until this and so it’s really interesting to find out more about the slave trade and how it has shaped our history and politics. It was especially interesting to find out how the impact of the slave trade is still felt today.
“This will be my first time performing in an actual theatre, so it’s very exciting.”
Kingsbury Green Academy will be performing Wind / Rush Generation(s) at the Academy on 5th and 6th March, followed by Bristol Old Vic on 20th March. Tickets for the show at Bristol Old Vic are available to book at www.bristololdvic.org.uk/boxoffice/ticket/618524
Photo l-r Laine, Emily and Maisie rehearsing
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