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It's taken two decades of artistic activism to make this masterclass in community organising, an epic true-life story of social change. All are welcome at the party to celebrate SPID Theatre's 20th birthday, dramatising their incredible two decade journey to life. Through film and collective action, it exposes the insidious horror of divide and rule and turns a spotlight on negligent landlords' managed decline of mental health.
The redemptive show is performed by SPID’s Artistic Director, Helena Thompson, who founded the award winning charity in her youth to champion art that advocates housing justice. This is the uplifting, educational story of how she raised £4m to restore her council estate theatre, spear headed estate wide refurbishment and sued the landlord SPID shares with Grenfell.
The performance has been developed over the course of SPID’s 7 year refurbishment, which began following the Grenfell Tower fire and completed this year. It marks the launch of SPID’s join justice campaign, having toured estates, museums, cinemas and theatres nationwide including the V&A, Riverside Studios, SPID Theatre, Trellick Tower, Bush Theatre and BFI.
Trigger warning: this performance addresses the Grenfell Tower fire and its aftermath, including mental health and suicidal thoughts
Critical Acclaim
‘A love letter to estates,’★★★★The Guardian
‘Next stop must be the Commons,’★★★★The Morning Star
'The moral is clear – we can win this!’★★★★The Big Issue
‘Demonstrates vibrantly how art can be change, ‘★★★★Everything Theatre
‘A passionate defence of social housing,’★★★★The Stage
Credits
Performer and writer: Helena Thompson
Remount Director: Mel Cook
Producer: Rosie Hull
Technical Director: Ben Esterson
Remount Designer: Leonah Joseph
Original Set: Aqiong Zhang
Film editor: Kai Gama
Inspired by: Estate Endz, SPID’s Living History program created by Nnenna Samson and Mariana Sastre
Audio: Sylvia Akajioyi, Sean Cleary, Safiye Dizdar, Ivor Flint, Adnan Hemani, Naomi Israel, Taevian Ollivierre, Sophia Shreemarti Stewart, Sanna El-Wakili, Michelle Widdrington