Back In 10 at the Black Country Living Museum (2018-19)
Presented by Black Country Touring, Creative Black Country and the Black Country Living Museum.
Back In 10 at the Black Country Living Museum brought history to life through original productions of theatre, music and dance, each inspired by a decade in history from the 1920s to the 1960s. Artists set up residency at the museum to uncover compelling stories from the museum’s collection of historical shops, and crafted new performances inspired by the real lives of the shop owners and their most interesting customers. The project began in 2018 and finished in 2019.
1920s – The Real Wiltshire Trap
The roaring 20s are in full swing – but times are tough and it’s time to visit the pawn shop. “Imagine giving up what you love just to survive. This way please, ladies and gentlemen.”
1920s – The Steel Vermin Waltz
The Trap Works is a place of long hours, routine and hard work. “Got a Brass Monkey Infestation? Sidebotham’s have got the traps. Come on inside…”.
1930s – Black Country Calling
Radio is opening up the Black Country to the world. “Never before have words been sent from the Black Country, to… out there. Until now. Well, things are changing.”
1940s – The Pageant
The war is over and the men have returned, uprooting the lives of women who have worked through the war. A pageant is being held, but where are all the women?
1950s – Shake Rattle & Roll
The Cinema Manager announces the screening of “Rock Around the Clock” is cancelled because of the riots it has provoked. It’s 1956 and the Youth Rebellion is about to begin…
1960s – A Home Birth
Dudley, 1962. Tensions flare and race riots break out. An ambulance carrying a pregnant woman is held up. The communities must work together to help her in her hour of need.
Back in 10 is a partnership project between Black Country Touring and Black Country Living Museum, and the second activity of a four-year partnership.
This pilot activity will inform a larger-scale project in 2019, working in shops across Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Black Country Living Museum. This activity is all about creating inspiring moments in shops, bringing shop-owners and communities closer together through the wonder of performance.