Back in 10 on the High Street
The independent cafe, fashion and grocery store, hairdresser and beauty salon, tailor, market stall, and takeaway are regular sights in Black Country towns and this September they are being celebrated and used as inspiration for a new set of performances.
Hot on the heels of Black Country Touring’s performances of ‘Back In 10’ at the Black Country Living Museum, a team of theatre makers, musicians and spoken-word artists have been busy creating contemporary performances in cafes, hairdressers and other local shops in West Bromwich and Wolverhampton that are inspired by the staff and their local customers.
How our High Streets are changing has hit the headlines over recent years. While some stores have been forced to shut up shop, for the diverse independent stores, it’s a base of loyal customers who frequent their local business for friendly, personalised services, that makes sure town centre’s are a hive of activity - and the perfect place to pick up a unique story or tale.
Cherry Shine, Wolverhampton BID Director said: “Black Country Touring are bringing intrigue and delight in the form of art and performances to our city centre’s independent businesses. Schemes like this support our shops and premises by shining a light and showcasing them, attracting footfall and interest and reaching new audiences and customers. The performances are inspired by independent retailers stories and our city’s rich culture, they add another layer to our city’s offer and provide further opportunity to positively promote our city centre.”
Lisa Hill, Operations Manager of West Bromwich Business Improvement District said: “West Bromwich Town BID are proud to be working in partnership with Black Country Touring on this fantastic event involving independent retailers. We hope everyone enjoys this event spread over the two weeks in West Bromwich Town Centre.”
Everybody has stories to tell and Back in 10 on the High Street brings together theatre-makers Amahra Spence, Jake Oldershaw, Vimal Korpal; bilingual Polish poet Bohdan Piasecki; multi- instrumentalist Ricardo Santos Rocha; and award-winning rapper and musician Lady Sanity and sets them loose on a local town centre to listen and create a series of short performances.
Shoppers are invited to walk the high-streets and enjoy a mini-festival of shows in 7 different locations in West Bromwich and 4 in Wolverhampton. Collect a map and rediscover your local high-street.
Venues, performer, dates and times:
West Brom: 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st September
Meeting Point: Kafe B70 - Come and get a map!
Tropycal Spice, 5a Carts Green
13 & 14 September - 11.15am, 2pm, 2.30pm, 4pm, 4.30pm
Amahra Spence has produced a piece of theatre inspired by the warmth and resilience behind the takeaway.
Bal’s Hair & Beauty, 287 High Street - 13, 14, 20, 21 September - 11.45, 12.45, 13.45, 14.45, 15.45
Lady Sanity & Ricardo Santos Rocha
Stories taken from hair and beauty salons in West Bromwich and skilfully shaped into poetic rap.
Kafe B70, 66 High Street - 13, 14, 20, 21 September - Drop in 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm
Jake Oldershaw
Tea or coffee? A simple choice. A 50/50 decision. How hard can it be? Dig a little deeper and you may find more than you imagined.
Bohdan’s Stall, Indoor Market, Kings Square - 13, 14, 20, 21 September, Drop in 11.15am-5pm, Gameshow 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 3.30pm
Bohdan Piasecki
Come and play. Bohdan has devised a new game where stories are played instead of cards. Drop in or catch the gameshow at specific times.
Tailor’s Alterations, Indoor Market, Kings Square - 14, 21 September - 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm, 2.15pm, 4pm
Vimal Korpal & Ricardo Santos Rocha
Come and meet the magnificent Maharajah of saris and suits. Listen as he unfolds tales inspired by the people he has met. Fridays only.
Kavitra’s, 113 High Street - 13, 20 September - 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm, 2.15pm, 4pm
Vimal Korpal & Ricardo Santos Rocha
Come and meet the magnificent Maharajah of saris and suits. Listen as he unfolds tales inspired by the people he has met. Saturdays only.
Wolverhampton: 27th, 28th September Meeting Point: Zuri Coffee for Map collection TIMES TBC
Zuri Coffee, 37 Lichfield Street
Jake Aldershaw
Arza, 76 Worcester Street
Vimal Korpal
Home from Home, 6 Worcester Street
Amarha Spence
Zaks Hairdressing, 1 School Street
Lady Sanity