Hundreds of children protest the climate emergency in dance and music performances

On Saturday June 18, hundreds of young people participated in Hope 4 Justice, a multi-level performance and call to action created and produced by Trinity Laban as part of We Are Lewisham, Mayor London Borough of Culture 2022. Protesting the climate emergency, the free outdoor event brought together new song and music, choreography and spoken word with a significant processional element. An audience of 1,000 attended the performances.

At the heart of the piece were a series of newly composed songs by Mercury Prize-nominated composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist ESKA, performed by a choir of elementary school children and joined by musicians from Trinity Laban as well than South London Samba. These were interspersed with spoken word interludes created by local teenagers, who worked alongside writer and Young Poet Laureate for London 2020/21 Cecilia Knapp. All thematic content was the result of collaborative workshops led by Trinity Laban with local youth exploring their connection to the climate emergency, and was a call to their communities to take action. The resulting play was directed by multidisciplinary director Hannah Gittos.

Hope 4 Justice has highlighted issues such as air quality, throwaway culture, housing quality and inequality, and questions how we want the world to be. coming. One song featured the singing of the name of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, the nine-year-old Lewisham schoolgirl who was the first person in the UK to list air pollution as a cause of death.

About 100 young people performed the choreography, created and performed by young people aged 11 to 18 from different groups, including secondary schools, Trinity Laban Youth Dance Company and Bellingham Dances. They were led by Trinity Laban alumnus and lead choreographer Sarah Golding and associate choreographer Waddah Sinada.

Artistically ambitious, Hope 4 Justice demonstrates Trinity Laban’s values ​​and reputation for creativity, innovation, inclusivity and cultural activism. This socially engaged project demonstrates the artist’s active contribution to society. It is the culmination of more than a year of engagement by Trinity Laban’s Children and Young People and Public Engagement programs, which are committed to engaging with the local community by providing high quality artistic experiences. quality and by offering study and career paths to children and young people. in Lewisham, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, including lower socio-economic groups, ethnic minorities and other under-represented groups.

Hope 4 Justice was created and produced by Trinity Laban for We Are Lewisham, and is a co-commission with Albany. It is part of a larger program of climate emergency artwork commissioned for We Are Lewisham.

Trinity Laban is an internationally renowned center of excellence, offering world-class training in dance, music and musical theatre. Trinity Laban identifies, supports and develops a diverse range of talented performers and creators, wherever they are and throughout their creative lives, transforming those with potential into resourceful, enterprising and adaptable artistic leaders. The conservatory’s public engagement programs attract participants of all ages. , regardless of background or ability, offering exciting opportunities to learn about dance and music and access health programs in the arts. In 2019/20, over 25,000 children, youth and seniors participated in Trinity Laban programs. Activities include special programs for participants with disabilities, seniors, children and families as well as professional development and training opportunities for music and dance practitioners.

Hope 4 Justice by ESKA, Cecilia Knapp, Sarah Golding and Young Lewisham, was created and produced by Trinity Laban. Co-commissioned by Trinity Laban and the Albany for We Are Lewisham. We Are Lewisham is presented by Lewisham Council and Albany as part of Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2022.

Hope 4 Justice has been supported by Arts Council England, Open Hand, Trinity Laban, Lewisham Music and Albany for We Are Lewisham.