INTERIM and it's impact

On May 1 2019, Milk Crate Theatre presented a work-in-progress showing of Interim – a new work creatively led by Georgina Wood and Pauline Trenerry, devised and performed by residents of the Waterloo Housing Estate.

This development was made possible by 107, who asked us to partner with them to produce their writing residency program - The New Plot.

We were really excited to offer this opportunity to two of our Developing Artists, given they had just finished 6-month long mentorships with practising professional artists in our 2018 Pathways program. It was also wonderful to reconnect with our friends at Counterpoint Community Services, who spoke to residents about this project and encouraged them to take part.

Under the mentorship of theatre director James Dalton, Georgina and Pauline planned and implemented a 3-month creative program about the upcoming redevelopment of the Waterloo Housing Estate, where residents could express their feelings and share their experiences.

Georgina and Pauline took their facilitation and devising skills to a whole new level, as they implemented explorations in theatre exercises, mapping, object play, and improvisation. The resulting work-in-progress showing was a warm and intimate event, comprising a discussion with the audience about the project, and the presentation of some core scenes about life in the estate and personal connections to the area of Waterloo.

Thank you to everyone who attended - we received an overwhelmingly positive response to this project, including the below comments from audience members:

"it was very moving. It was also very funny in parts which was so impressive as it takes some keen skill to get the timing on humour. The group nailed it with some very sharp writing"

"I really enjoyed the workshop, and look forward to seeing future versions. Good on you!"

"The community theatre, politics, plus devising was just sensational. It is incredibly sad what is happening and I would love to see this as a play!"

"your work is awesome and really important"

This was a new and incredibly exciting partnership between 107, Milk Crate Theatre, Counterpoint Community Services and residents of the Estate.

We are all very keen to continue this project well into the future and are already dreaming of next steps. So, stay tuned! Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you are interested in getting involved or have any information you would like to contribute.