Thrilling interactive game-theatre show inspired by the legacy of the 1884 Berlin Conference
BAFTA-winning game-makers Coney announce brand new co-creation with theatre-maker Rhianna Ilube, 1884: an immersive anti-colonial playable theatre show inspired by the legacy of the 1884 Berlin Conference, which is coming to Shoreditch Town Hall from Wednesday 17 - Saturday 27 April.
Co-created by artists, historians and activists, 1884 is a groundbreaking game-theatre show inspired by this often-overlooked turning point in history for the African continent and the world. The experience explores the ways in which anti-colonial resistance movements have been excluded from our public history and collective historical narrative, and how this omission highlights a glaring oversight in how we memorialise the impacts of colonialism.
Welcome to Wilhelm Street. Make yourself at home!
Taking place in a modern fictionalised setting named Wilhelm Street, over the course of two and a half hours, 1884 immerses audiences in a world that echoes the dynamics of the conference. Played around tables in Shoreditch Town Hall’s iconic Council Chamber, participants form small family groups, collaborate on playful activities, and make choices about how to build their community and make their house a home. However, as rules are gradually imposed on the groups and it becomes increasingly clear that not everything is within their control, they must decide how to respond. 1884 asks: how is history recorded, and who is left outside of the room where history is written?
Somewhere nearby, there’s a meeting going on. A very important meeting. Run by very important people. Making very important decisions about your lives. But you and your family are not allowed inside… it’s nothing you need to worry about.
Cast: To be confirmed in March
Creative Team: Writer and project director: Rhianna Ilube, Performance director: Tatenda Shamiso
Makers, writers and game designers: Tsitsi Mareika Chirikure, Chloe Mashiter, malakaï sargeant
Sound designer: Mwen, Set designer: Jacob Wu, Lighting designer: Cheng Keng,Producer: Marie Klimis
Listings:
1884: Wednesday 17 - Saturday 27 April
Venue: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, London EC1V 9LT
Access: All performances are presented in a relaxed setting. Captioned Performance: Friday 26 April
Further Information: 1884 – Shoreditch Town Hall