Save Stratford Circus!
Newham council wants to cut access to arts and culture. During the lockdown the mayor of Newham closed the nationally recognised Stratford Circus Arts Centre which was home to our Blue Sky Actors. Newham council made this decision to turn the arts centre into a youth zone. Whilst we support the notion of more youth services in Newham, Stratford Circus already ran youth drama clubs in collaboration with us at Face Front. We believe we have a right to fight for our home at Stratford Circus Arts Centre and to be able to co-exist within the plans of a youth zone.
Here is what Faisal one of our Blue Sky Actors has to say on the subject of the repurposing of Stratford Circus: “Disabled people need a place to go and be creative. Do not abandon the current generation for the next generation both can coexist”.
Local resident and Lead Artist, Ellen says: “Blue sky actors makes me feel less nervous and more confident”.
Blue Sky Actor Jess said: “Blue Sky has helped my confidence and this has helped me to grow as a person. I’m now trying to do different stuff – like I did a song in the panto, which I would never have done before. I also got my first professional acting job through Blue Sky Actors.”
This Saturday the 28th August 2021, the Blue Sky Actors will be gathering outside Stratford Circus protesting for their right to stay in the building. There will be speeches delivered by Blue Sky Actor Lauren as well as Blue Sky artistic enabler LP.
What can I do to help?
- Join the protest on 28 August!
Come to Theatre Square, Stratford E15 1BN, at 1pm on Saturday 28 August 2021. Tell your friends and anyone who might be interested!
- Sign and share this petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-stratford-circus
- Send messages of protest.
Email Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz on mayor@newham.gov.uk, and ‘Brighter Futures’ lead Carleene Lee-Phakoe on carleene.lee-phakoe@newham.gov.uk