Mic Lord, head coach at Five Aside Theatre, explained what Black History Month means to him: “There is a wealth of knowledge about Black British history, and our storytelling project is a way of learning more,” he said.
“South London has always been a place of incredible diversity and pioneers from the past such as the composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor from Croydon and Wandsworth’s John Archer, who was London’s first Black mayor.
“These individuals made significant contributions to their communities and to the broader struggle for equity and civil rights in the UK. We want to make sure those stories are told.”
“These individuals made significant contributions to their communities and to the broader struggle for equity and civil rights in the UK. We want to make sure those stories are told.”
Mic’s grandmother Dorothee (pictured) came to the UK in 1958, leaving her home in Trinidad in search of a new life. Her memories, and a desire to connect with his heritage, inspired Mic to start Five Aside.
Intergenerational projects are central to Five Aside’s work. Says Mic: “We started by looking at the Windrush generation then we realised how the much history travels down the generations to their great grandchildren.”
For this year’s Black History Month, Five Aside Theatre has been collecting untold stories from African and Caribbean communities across Croydon, Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth to develop a stage show at the Cryer Arts Centre, Sutton on 29 October 2024.
Black History Month gives us a chance to remember the Windrush generation and their descendants.”
According to Mic: “Black History Month gives us a chance to remember the Windrush generation and their descendants. Many of the passengers helped support the establishment of the NHS so we are particularly calling on NHS staff to share their experiences so we can elevate their contribution.”
Mic adds: “We want to use lived experience to drive social change. We explore important issues of anti-racism, education and health through storytelling, sharing feelings and looking at ways forward.”
As Mic explained, the process brings mental health benefits for participants. “Getting the generations together has been positive for everyone. Junior participants bring their hopes and aspirations, while seniors bring the wisdom of lived experience – they both need each other.”
This approach was used by Five Aside Theatre in a session to explore childhood health and immunisations, funded by a small grant from NHS South West London. As Mic explained, the session was an opportunity to share health concerns through open discussion designed to question misinformation and improve understanding.
Find out more about Five Aside Theatre’s Black History Month show by joining their mailing list at [email protected]