In the early 1930s, Ewan MacColl and other young unemployed workers in Salford formed Red Megaphones, a revolutionary theatre troupe aimed at reflecting and changing the world around them, from local factory conditions to anti-colonial revolts. In Manchester’s public libraries they educated themselves in the most advanced theatre techniques of the day; learned German, Russian and French to translate radical plays or “make up the rest”; and corresponded with other anti-fascists, revolutionaries and artists across the world. Their performances circumvented censorship and police repression to play a direct role in the political and cultural battles of their day.
Join artist and writer Joey Simons for a translation workshop as part of his new Workers Theatre exhibition for Market Gallery. Collectively we will work to translate and discuss revolutionary theatre texts and prepare playscripts for future performances, drawing connections between radical traditions across time and place.
No particular language skills are necessary. Participants are also invited to contribute texts in different languages to work on.
Market Gallery is a wheelchair accessible space with an accessible toilet, if you have specific access requirements you would like to make us aware of please get in touch.
Access bursaries to cover travel, childcare and other support are available upon request.
