The idea
We have commissioned Philip Jackson, CVO DL MA FRBS - a sculptor with an outstanding international reputation - to make the sculpture. His most recent artworks are: the ‘National Memorial Sculpture to HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother’ in The Mall; ‘The Bomber Command Memorial Sculpture’ in Green Park; the ‘Champions’ sculpture of Sir Bobby Moore at Upton Park; and the sculpture of Sir Alex Ferguson, for Manchester United FC.
What we'll deliver
- Send 1 invitation to unveiling ceremony to all online pledges of £500-£999.
- Send 2 invitations to unveiling ceremony to all online pledges of £1,000+.
- Install a 1.5 life-size, bronze sculpture of Joan Littlewood in Theatre Square, Stratford, London E15.
- Plan an unveiling ceremony.
- Record the names of all those who donate in an unveiling programme and within our building.
Why it's a great idea
Joan Littlewood brought her Theatre Workshop Company to Theatre Royal Stratford East in 1953. She championed working class people, providing a stage for their stories and voices through ground-breaking new work. Landmark productions followed including The Hostage by Brendan Behan, A Taste of Honey by Shelagh Delaney and Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’ Be by Frank Norman and Lionel Bart. In 1965 Littlewood’s company won the Grand Prix at the International Festival of Theatre in Paris with their production of Oh What a Lovely War. The show toured to theatres internationally including Europe and Broadway.
The Joan Littlewood Sculpture aims to:
• Capture and celebrate the unique spirit of Joan.
• Be a permanent reminder of the importance of her contribution to Modern Theatre.
• Enhance the identity of Stratford’s Cultural Quarter, providing a focal point in this very vibrant area. It will transform an open space into a meeting point for residents and visitors alike.
Steps to get it done
- An application for planning permission to the London Borough of Newham is underway.
- In the unlikely event that we do not get planning permission, we will work on securing another site for it.
- We have commissioned Philip Jackson CVO DL MA FRBS, a sculptor with an international reputation.
- We have commissioned the landscape architect Carmody Groarke to liaise on how the artwork sits within Theatre Square.
We have LB of Newham’s blessing to commission the artwork for Stratford's Theatre Square; and the support of our neighbours in the Cultural Quarter. Many of Joan’s friends and associates have already contributed.
We would like to unveil the sculpture on 2 February 2014 - the anniversary of the Theatre Workshop opening at Theatre Royal Stratford East in 1953.
Kerry Michael, Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Stratford East said: “Joan brought theatre to the people of East London and revolutionised the international theatre landscape with her bold and powerful productions. She was an inspiration to many and it’s important that we recognise the significance of her work and build on her success to inspire future generations. We’re delighted to have raised over 50% of the funds required to commemorate her with a sculpture in Theatre Square and urge the public to get behind this important campaign."
It will be a significant artwork situated near the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
