Full Description
Mayflower Street runs between Jamaica Road and the Thames in
Bermondsey, South London. In 1939, 34 houses and 121 residents
occupied the street. Between 1940 and 1941 bombs fell on 7 of these
houses and at the end of war, the street - with its corner shop, was
demolished. The London Bubble Theatre backs on to Mayflower Street
overlooking the new houses and flats that now stand there. Over the past
year members of our drama groups have been researching the history of
the Blitz, consulting the electoral roll and interviewing residents who
grew up nearby.
BLACKBIRDS is the drama that has emerged from this process.
Using personal testimony, physical theatre and the combined skills
of a cast of contemporary Londoners, ranging in age from 7 to
78, the project aims to share some of the experiences and events
that made our city into the place we know today. Suitable for use
in schools, colleges, youth theatres and community groups.
Contents
Foreword
6
Blackbirds playscript
14
Blackbirds in the classroom
52
1. Note to teachers
52
2. The script in your classroom
53
3. Session plans
54
i) On evacuation
56
ii) On bombing
58
iii) On sheltering
62
4. Appendix
64
Track List for CD
64
Transcription of recorded extracts
65
Bomb Damage Maps of Bermondsey,
Rotherhithe and Deptford
68
Links to additional resources
71
