Arts Council funding, local councils and the good will of the people of Hackney has not been enough so far to save the legendary Hackney Empire from imminent closure in January.
However, things could be about to change as the entire cast of 30 performers from Zambezi Express performed a traditional African song and dance today outside the Hackney Empire to summon prosperity and good fortune to the ailing venue.
The Hackney Empire was built as a musical hall in 1901 so how fitting that song and dance may be the one thing to save East London's biggest theatre. It’s set to go dark in January for at least nine months, and will maintain only a slimline youth and participatory workshop programme.
Zambezi Express is appearing at the Hackney Empire from Tuesday 20th to Wednesday 28th October.
Here's hoping the magic of Zambezi Express will help this truly beautiful theatre!
After Zambezi Express has departed Bristol for Londons Hackney Empire you MUST check out the awesome Afrika Eye Film Festival...
The Festival that brings you the best of Africa opens with the Scorsese backed TOUKI BOUKI, the surreal and luminous story of two young lovers trying to escape Senegal for Paris. The closing film HAVE YOU HEARD FROM JOHANNESBURG? by veteran Connie Field celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of the anti-apartheid movement and in between, films from the DRC and Algeria explore our main theme – power: who holds it and how - with the jewel like Mauritanian AWAITING FOR MEN offering a particular perspective on the power of women within Muslim cultures.
Fri 30 Oct – Sun 1 Nov Watershed. www.afrikaeye.org.uk
Describe your role with Zambezi Express?
My official title is Company Manager, although I’m not always with the show. It takes a great deal of organizing before the show even gets on the stage, so my work has been ongoing for the 12 months prior to the first rehearsal date. There is a great deal of red tape and hundreds of calls and emails to get work permits and visas organized for the group to come to the UK. Then there are costumes, accommodation and all the extras that go with organizing 30 people to live and eat and be comfortable in their surroundings.
How long have you known the cast of Zambezi Express?
I’ve known Saimon Phiri and the main part of the cast for about 10 years. The cast are all members of Siyaya, a theatre performing arts company based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Before I worked at Wookey Hole for Gerry Cottle, I was a free lance music promoter booking tours and venues for international artists. I did quite a bit of work with the group over the years. The new members of the cast I haven’t met until they arrived for the Zambezi Express. They are all such a great bunch of people.
What’s the most difficult part of your job?
I think the most difficult part of the job, although there aren’t many difficult bits, is when something goes wrong. Usually a technical issue, and usually just before the doors open to the audience. It’s only happened once, and it was a mad panic which meant an extra night stay over. It was all resolve4d really quickly but I was left having to find myself a hotel room in peak season in Bournemouth at 11.30pm. But I managed it. I do love a challenge after all.
What’s the most fulfilling aspect?
It’s all fulfilling. I just love being around the cast and the theatre, and I never tire of seeing the show. For me it is seeing the audience come out at the end of the show, always smiling, and always saying what a brilliant show it is. People genuinely love the performance.
It’s also been great reading all the positive reviews in national press.
What’s your favorite act in the show?
I have several favourite ‘bits’. but its mean to ask me to pick out one favourite act. I love Ishmael playing Zilli’s father when he reads the newspaper and calls for his son. I also like the suitcase routine, it is so funny, although I do feel for Anton getting cases thrown on his head every day. I think my real favourite bit is the skipping finale when Brighton comes on and does his comedy skipping, then leads the dance that follows. There is so much power and energy in the whole show, I found myself crying when I first saw it on the stage in Bournemouth. It really is very emotional.
