Introduction
by Jacquie Campbell
In 1997, Jon Oram directed a community play in West Somerset. I had recently moved away from there, but knew many of the people involved very well. I saw how the community became caught up in the play, how much it mattered to them, and what an amazing experience it was, both for those involved, and the people who came to see it. People who would never have said they had any interest in even going to the theatre, let alone in being in a play, found themselves captivated by this extraordinary project - and they still talk about it with warmth and enthusiasm, nearly 20 years later.
This had such an impact on me that I have waited ever since to find the right community, place and time to introduce the idea of a community play. The eastern side of the City is a very special place, with diverse resident and working populations, a rich and abundant history, a tradition of embracing different cultures and lifestyles, and, crucially, a real sense of being a neighbourhood. It is on the brink of massive physical change, with the creation of the new Aldgate Square, and this is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together to celebrate the evolution of their community, their history and their roots, but also to explore their current issues and their hopes for the future.
I am beside myself with delight that this idea has already been received with such enthusiasm and positivity, and with excitement about the prospect of working on this project with local people and organisations.
Jacquie Campbell
City of London Assistant Director of Housing & Neighbourhoods
Aldgate Community Events
The community, City of London Corporation Officers, City workers and service providers are working together to manage the Aldgate Play. They have established Aldgate Community Events, as a voluntary organisation with a wider agenda to deliver a comprehensive arts and cultural programme around the play and a re looking to the future with plans to sustain and maintain the organisation as a legacy of the play project. Visit their web site to find out more about their activities and the progress of the Aldgate Play.
by Jacquie Campbell
In 1997, Jon Oram directed a community play in West Somerset. I had recently moved away from there, but knew many of the people involved very well. I saw how the community became caught up in the play, how much it mattered to them, and what an amazing experience it was, both for those involved, and the people who came to see it. People who would never have said they had any interest in even going to the theatre, let alone in being in a play, found themselves captivated by this extraordinary project - and they still talk about it with warmth and enthusiasm, nearly 20 years later.
This had such an impact on me that I have waited ever since to find the right community, place and time to introduce the idea of a community play. The eastern side of the City is a very special place, with diverse resident and working populations, a rich and abundant history, a tradition of embracing different cultures and lifestyles, and, crucially, a real sense of being a neighbourhood. It is on the brink of massive physical change, with the creation of the new Aldgate Square, and this is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together to celebrate the evolution of their community, their history and their roots, but also to explore their current issues and their hopes for the future.
I am beside myself with delight that this idea has already been received with such enthusiasm and positivity, and with excitement about the prospect of working on this project with local people and organisations.
Jacquie Campbell
City of London Assistant Director of Housing & Neighbourhoods
Aldgate Community Events
The community, City of London Corporation Officers, City workers and service providers are working together to manage the Aldgate Play. They have established Aldgate Community Events, as a voluntary organisation with a wider agenda to deliver a comprehensive arts and cultural programme around the play and a re looking to the future with plans to sustain and maintain the organisation as a legacy of the play project. Visit their web site to find out more about their activities and the progress of the Aldgate Play.