Chain Stories: The Making Of
As a part of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022, ME Dance Company worked with professional companies and community organisations from across the Midlands, Ghana and Grenada to create an outdoor, site specific performance looking at the Black Country’s connection with the commonwealth.
This documentary follows the making of the piece, including rehearsal and performance footage, interviews with participants and performers. Showing the inner working of the company, its success and trials as they put together their biggest project to date.
Chain Stories looks at the lives of those who came into contact with the chains made in the Black Country, its links to the commonwealth, and the connections/stories we share. It follows the chains on their journey from the ground, to the forge, along the canals, across the sea to Ghana, Grenada and back again. Along the journey different people and stories are encountered – showing the links between us, which we do not usually see. We will recontextualise and re-imagine these stories through a different lens, showing how this journey has led us to the wonderful multicultural society we live in today. Through live performance we will bring to life stories from across the Commonwealth, looking at the struggles of those exploited in the push for cheaper labour & more profit that was spurred by the Industrial Revolution in the UK, and its global expansion. We share stories based 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. It will explore change in attitudes & slow progress for racial, gender and economic equality which people are still fighting for today.
This project was made possible thanks to the generous support of Birmingham Festivals 2022, The British Council, Arts Council England, Canal and River Trust and Black Country Touring.
Tickets to this screening are free. Advanced booking is advised.
Running Time: Approx 60 minutes
