Paradise Street
In the hidden Crypt under St John's Church, Paradise Street unfolds. Used as an air raid shelter and then place of worship when the Church was bombed during World War II, the undeveloped and atmospheric Crypt now becomes the performance space for Paradise Street, a new play written by Futures' Artistic Director, Caroline Bryant.
Another night of bombing brings the local community together. As new friends are made amidst the shared laughter, struggles and pain we follow the stories of June and Nell. These young, spirited women set out on their own journeys of self-discovery, planned and measured futures are momentarily forgotten in the turmoil of sexual liberation and destruction. Circumstances are forever changed in this story of happiness and betrayal.
Women who lived in Waterloo during the War have shared their stories of how they managed the fallout of the Blitz. These stories are the foundation of Paradise Street and following the performance can be discovered in our installation housed within the hidden vaults beyond the performance space.
Paradise Street St John's Crypt |73 Waterloo Road, | London | SE1 8UD
Paradise Street will run as a 3 week performance in July 2012. As a part of the Waterloo Festival at St John's Church. Paradise Street is an extended performance of last years pilot 'Waterloo Women's War' it will be performed in the hidden disused area of St John's Crypt; once used as an air raid shelter during World War 2.
In summer 2011 Futures collected oral histories from women who lived in the Waterloo area during the Blitz and it is their inspiring stories that have formed the basis of this new play. This Spring Caroline Bryant Artistic Director of Futures and Writer of 'Paradise Street' interviewed more women who lived and still live in Waterloo now for their oral histories of their experiences from the war.
"Rooting this short play firmly in the foundations of people and place I have interwoven stories and characters with other research to create an insight into a past world while reflecting how their stories might resonate with many today. Following such very positive feedback received following our festival performance we are now developing this performance now called Paradise Street " Caroline Bryant, Writer and Director of 'Paradise Street'
"Really thought provoking. It made me think about the sudden changes that the war brought to women's lives and to hear that these scenes were put together from real experiences added to the enjoyment of the evening."
"The space was very atmospheric and added to the authenticity of the play."
"The dancing was a joy to watch and the talent was second to none, I didn't want it to end."
