Half-Moon Theatre: 1st Tape
1/2 inch open-reel videotape Black & White Sound 1973 30:30
Summary: Black and White footage of Whitechapel’s Half Moon Theatre 1973 production of "Fall in and Follow Me." The politically charged stage production follows a group of striking white working class children, inspired by the East London Workers Strike of 1911.There is particular focus on the oppressive schooling system that attempts to indoctrinate children into the nationalistic values of the empire, as well as the personal economic struggles of working-class families. Written by Bethnal Green local Billy Colvill and docker, Dave Marson, the play was performed by Bethnal Green school children and adult actors from Half Moon Theatre.
Please note, this video portrays outdated racist and colonialist attitudes of empire and imperialism. There are also scenes of domestic violence. If you are affected by this and want to learn more about LSA’s Cultural Sensitivity Policy, click here.
Title number: 21165
LSA ID: LSA/27861
Description: The image is occasionally disrupted with distortion and static whilst the audio is mostly inaudible. A wide shot captures the whole stage and set, occasionally zooming in and out to capture the action and actors' facial expressions. This is framed with the shadows of the audience, with occasional laughter and clapping. The video begins with a chalkboard that introduces the title of the play, the credits and a brief summary of the plot. Each scene is preceded with a narrator announcing the number of the scene and the setting. The set features a symbolic L-shaped brick wall that remains throughout the scenes with changes in furniture and props. Scene One is set in Johnson road School, Stepney, the scene sees the children face corporal punishment for their perceived uncleanliness, with the School Mistress chiding “Wash behind your ears, if you want to defend the empire!” One racially charged moment sees a white child impersonating a monkey as the white teacher says that he needs to be “civilised.” In the second scene, set in the Boys Camp, we see them play mock soldiers and discuss a children's strike in Liverpool, contemplating whether they should also take action. This scene features three adult actors, they portray a soldier, a bookies runner and a policeman.
The third and last scene of the video is set in Ben Wilson's Home, a table and chair is added to the centre of the set. We are introduced to one of the children, Mother and Sister, the Mother chastises the idea of marriage to a man. Family tensions rise as the Father, a former docker, argues with his sons, now soldiers, over their abandonment of the strike, leading to violence and emotional confrontations. There is an attempt to physically assault his wife and sons. The scene ends with Ben vowing to be a docker and look after his Mother. The footage then ends with a flurry of static. Through these moments, "Fall in and Follow Me" uncovers the complex intersection of personal, familial, and political struggles. Despite efforts by the Half Moon School board to shut down the play due to its left-wing message, the production stands as a bold exploration of white working class resistance and the fight for justice in the early 20th century.
Cast: Ben's Mother - Yvonne Gilan
Nitty Nora, Anna, Mrs Safairo - Ruth Seglow
Ben's Brother, Journalist, Shopkeeper - Raymond Campbell
Policeman, Ben's Father, Shop Manager - Peter Porteous
Teacher, Bookies Runner, Docker - Terry Meyer
Locations: Whitechapel
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