Birkbeck Connects: The myths and realities of life in east London
The perceptions and truths associated with east London were explored at a lively public debate
Leading figures from the arts and media explored the perceptions, truths, history and prospects associated with east London at a lively public debate.
Panellists spoke about constant demographic change in the area, the opportunities and challenges created by regeneration, and damaging stereotypical images of poverty-stricken communities.
The event also featured a breathtaking display on the trapeze by talented local dancer Laura-Anne Smith (pictured, right).
The discussion at Stratford Circus in Stratford’s Cultural Quarter on 18 September was the second of three free events called Birkbeck Connects. The series is being staged to celebrate the opening this autumn of University Square Stratford, a new state-of-the-art £33 million university campus shared by Birkbeck and the University of East London.
Tricia King, Pro-Vice-Master for Student Experience at Birkbeck, began the evening by explaining why Birkbeck decided to bring its unique model of evening education to Stratford because of the area’s low participation rates in higher education and its strengths as a transport hub.
The history of east London
Henry Bonsu, the event’s moderator and Colourful Radio presenter, asked each of the panellists about the real and imagined aspects of life in east London. Professor Jerry White, of Birkbeck’s Department of History, Classics and Archaeology, responded with a historical assessment, saying that four strands of the area’s past - “crime and terror”, “poverty and misery”, “courage and resilience”, and the “beginning of multicultural Britain” – still resonate today, and are both “real” and “imagined.”
He explained how the ruling class decided to station troops in Stratford as they distrusted the local people and anticipated trouble when conscription was introduced in 1916. In reality, there were no problems and the working classes in the area were as loyal as any other part of the country. Professor White added: “I don’t know of anywhere where the past weighs more heavily than in east London, and the way it is still imagined.”
Theatre director and writer Stella Duffy challenged the myth of the “cheeky and chirpy Cockney” and undermined this positive image by referring to instances of looting during the Blitz. She said pinpointing the “real” east London is much harder than dismissing the stereotypes, although she did highlight the genuine nature of theatre productions in the area.
Dynamic east London
The comedian Andi Osho spoke about growing up in multicultural east London and patterns of immigration, most recently from Eastern Europe and before that from West Africa. She said: “Unlike other parts of London, the East End is constantly changing.” Osho also highlighted how the media do “lag behind” in their portrayal of east London.
The journalist Hugh Muir, of The Guardian, also highlighted the changing nature of the area by emphasising the impact of investment and economic activity. He said: “Economics will be at the heart of this. The perception of east London will change.”
Muir explained how the people creating perceptions about east London will “follow the money.” He also urged the encouragement of the arts as artists change perceptions and are a “well-known engine of regeneration.”
Opportunities in east London
There was much discussion, including contributions from the audience, about the legacy of the Olympics and regeneration in the area, including jobs created by the Westfield shopping centre. Opportunities and strengths were highlighted, but challenges were also identified.
Choreographer and performer Freddie Opoku-Addaie, spoke about “implicit codes” demonstrated by employers and funding organisations that can limit opportunities for east Londoners. Osho continued by urging east Londoners to be “resourceful.” She said: “You are as empowered as you want to be.”
Final Birkbeck Connects event
East London artists, writers, academics and creative entrepreneurs will continue to explore the impact of rapid change on their world in the final event in the Birkbeck Connects series on Monday 23 September. Quiz the panellists by submitting your questions in advance to info@newmedianetworks.org .
Creative east London - Who’s it for? Who cares?
What are audiences enjoying and experiencing within the creative economy of east London? Who are they? Is it an environment that is good to live, work and/or play in?
Panellists:
Sarah Weir, Chief Executive of The Legacy List
Ruth Mackenzie, Former director of the Cultural Olympiad and curator of the London 2012 Festival
Emma Underhill, Director and curator, UP Projects
Kerry Michael, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Theatre Royal Stratford East
Jay Miller, Artistic Director, The Yard Theatre, Hackney Wick
Rob Swain, Professor of Theatre Practice, Birkbeck
Dr Ben Cranfield, Lecturer in Arts Policy and Management
Moderator:
Henry Bonsu, Director, presenter and writer
When: Monday 23 September, 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Where: Theatre Royal Stratford East, Theatre Square E15 1BN
Booking: Free of charge; book online or book a place direct with the Theatre Royal: Box Office 020 8534 0310
Click here for biographies of the panellists
Birkbeck Connects will be filmed by the events’ producers, New Media Networks.