Chain Stories
ME Dance
6 - 7 August, 12PM and 3PM Bumblehole Nature Reserve The Making of Documentary 6 October, 8PM The Hub, St Mary's
Chain Stories is an exciting site-specific performance telling the story of those who came to contact with the chains made in the Black Country, and how that links the region to Commonwealth Countries.
Incorporating dance, live music, narration with BSL interpretation and an outdoor exhibition of original artworks and historic photographs, you will follow the chains on their journey encountering different people from the ground to the forge, along the canals, across the sea to Ghana, Grenada and back again. Each story presents how this journey led to the wonderful multicultural society we live in today.
Through live performance, Chain Stories explores the struggles of those exploited in the push for cheaper labour & more profit spurred by the Industrial Revolution in the UK, and its global expansion. It focuses on real life people who fought for equality in small and large ways – the fight for women’s rights, freedom from slavery and against racial oppression, while exploring the change in attitudes and slow progress for racial, gender and economic equality which people are still fighting for today.
Performed by:
ME Dance Professional Company, ME Dance Youth and Graduate Company, NOYAM African Dance Institute (Ghana), Conception Dance Theatre (Grenada), Eloquent Praise Dance Company, Kidderminster College and Molly's Dance Group
The Making of Documentary
Website: medancecompany.co.uk
Generously supported by British Council, Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.