A specially-written ‘Living History’ performance, No Power on Earth, will accompany the Working Class Movement Library exhibition To End All Wars thanks to £9,800 of Heritage Lottery Fund money which was awarded to fund the project through the HLF First World War: then and now programme.
Based on the true story of Salford man, James Hudson, this monologue tells the story of an ordinary school teacher at the start of the First World War who finds himself at odds with the popular mood.
The story, written by Sue Reddish, celebrates his courage to stay true to his beliefs despite considerable pressure, and asks the audience to consider what they would do in such a circumstance.
Sue said: ‘What a privilege it is to work with this amazing institution, and to help uncover and share some of the less well-known stories of people in World War One. I’m also delighted to be taking professional performance into schools so that students can meet this remarkable Salford teacher “up close and personal” ‘.
We are delighted to announce that Joel Parry will play James Hudson. Joel’s previous stage credits include ‘War Stories’ in Manchester’s 24:7 Theatre Festival.
The 30-minute free performance can be seen at Salford Museum and Art Gallery on Sunday 21 February at 2pm, and then at the Working Class Movement Library on Wednesday 2 March at 1pm and Saturday 5 March at 12.30pm, and. It will also be put on in Salford schools during February.
The exhibition To End All Wars will run at the Library until Easter 2016 – it is open to drop-in visitors Wednesday to Friday afternoons and the first Saturday of the month. It marks the centenary of the introduction of conscription in early 1916.
The Library project also involves the development of learning resources for Salford schools. The Library is extremely grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
