Against the backdrop of cuts, closures and the cost-of-living crisis in their local community, Moston, award-winning theatre company Malandra Jacks are calling into question what it means to be working class today.
Census is a communally generated history of a working-class area in constant transition. Using their rich history steeped in Mancunian charisma and wit, Chloe Barlow and Josh Wilkinson celebrate their North Manchester community in a brand new show running at Contact this September.
Malandra Jacks said:
“We’re proud to be a working-class creative company embedded and regarded in our local North Manchester community. As creatives, we have worked extensively in the North Manchester area, as community practitioners, in an authentic and considered way. With the cost-of-living crisis ever looming and local services shrinking, 2023 is a crucial period to deliver Census. The project will present a powerful mix of our own autobiographical material; alongside the rich lived experience of community members, to ignite urgent conversations.”
Lacing personal stories with spellbinding projection mapping, Census unpicks the complexity of present-day working-class identity. The show will present a powerful mix of autobiographical material alongside the abundant lived experience of community members, to ignite local pride, and much-needed conversations.
Contact are joined by hÅb as commissioners of the work, and the project is supported by Neighbourhood Investment Funding through Manchester City Council and public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Supporting the company is extra special to Contact, as Chloe and Josh have a history of developing at the organisation, starting their journey as participants in projects such as CYC (Contact Young Company), The Agency and Sharing The Stage.
Keisha Thompson, Artistic Director and CEO of Contact, said:
“I am thrilled that Contact has commissioned Census. Through the talented Malandra Jacks, remarkable projection mapping and thought-provoking personal stories, the work fosters a sense of unity within our communities. Working with Malandra Jacks is especially meaningful for Contact, having followed Josh and Chloe’s journey from participants in our projects to forming their award-winning theatre company. Above all, Census is a call to action; an opportunity for change, and an invitation to be a part of something extraordinary. We can’t wait for the Malandra Jacks magic to shine at Contact.”
Tamsin Drury, Director of hÅb, said:
“In the current political climate, Census is ever more relevant – a snapshot of a working-class community in transition and a representation of all the underprivileged communities out there – as such Census will serve both as a document to the local history but also as a call to arms for other such communities to celebrate their heritage.”
Following the premiere of Census at Simpson Memorial Hall, Moston, Malandra Jacks are bringing the show to Contact audiences from 13 – 16 September 2023. Tickets are on sale now: www.contactmcr.com/
LISTINGS
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Weds 13 September 2023, 7.30PM | £10 – £15
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Thurs 14 September 2023, 7.30PM | £10 – £15
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Friday 15 Septemer 2023, 7.30PM | £10 – £15
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Saturday 16 September 2023, 7.30PM | £10 – £15
