The idea
Off The Wall Players, the organisation behind this project, is currently registering as a Community Interest Company (CIC). No money will be taken from any of the pledges until the CIC is in place.
Inside Out, is an Oral History project in which Off The Wall Players will work with women from Aldgate, to share their narratives of the rich history of Aldgate from within.
Through a series of community workshops invite women with a connection to Aldgate to present and examine the idea of community and what it means to be a woman in Aldgate. The workshops will use art and drama to create a fun and relaxed space in which women feel free to share exactly what stories they feel are most relevant and reflect the real Aldgate.
These stories will be recorded, collated and archived. Off The Wall Players will use the artwork produced in workshops and the recordings of the stories to create an interactive performance at Aldgate Square festival in June which will be open to the public.
What we'll deliver
- Run weekly performance and art workshops with women and children in Aldgate
- Run weekly workshops on Thursday evening with local women to collect stories
- Deliver performance in June to coincide with the New Aldgate Square
Why it's a great idea
Aldgate is an area of historic, cultural and economic importance to London. Geographically straddling the affluent City of London to the West and the poorer Tower Hamlets to the East. The ‘Aldgate’ refers to one of the many gates in London Wall, in which people passed through, to enter the City of London.
Women offer a unique perspective on community and what that means. Historical women have often been the primary caregivers and those who are at the heart of families. Who better then, to ask their reflections on this subject on their own community then Women themselves.
Steps to get it done
- March to April compiling Questions and researching Aldgate area
- Mid-April-June weekly workshops on Thursday evening with drama/performative element
- First 2 weeks in May recording interviews
- May 28th to June 12th practice of performative elements of installation
- 16th June performative sharing of narratives and interactive workshops
